The Seven Heavens

The First Heaven:

Name: Shamayim or Wilon

Etymology: From a root word meaning "lofty height" or "sky." Shamayim literally means "The 

Heavens" or "The Skies." Wilon (Vilon) means "curtain" or "veil." It also directly implies cloud 

cover or atmosphere, coming from 'Sham'-'mayim', meaning: "there is water."

Aeon: Gabriel

Ruler: Levannah (Gabriel)

Governors: Sidriel and Hasidel

Function: The lowest Heaven which borders this world. It is the firmament, or atmosphere & 

acts as a veil covering. This is where those angels who work directly with the world (or perhaps, 

physical universe), and its creatures. It is a border which is passed when traveling between the 

higher spheres of Heaven to Earth. It is where the upper waters, clouds and winds are held. 

These are all held, according to Enoch, in a "great sea" which connects to a river in which fire

 flows like water that stretches throughout the upper Heavens, ending at the foot of God's throne

 as the "lake of fire." The land is said to be shimmering, and "seven times brighter than silver." 

Time in the Shamayim is regulated to reflect our reality, and there are hours and days in this

 Heaven that flow naturally, though they can be manipulated by the inhabitants such as the 

Watchers, who can speed or slow moments on Earth for their observation. 

Inhabitants: Primarily those in the choir of Angels and Archangels. All guardian angels and

 lunar angels spend much of their time here under the authority of Gabriel. The astronomy 

angels or "Rah" (guardians / personifications) of the stars dwell within the First Heaven, as do 

the "Rah" of snow, ice and dew. The 200 Watchers which were called "Grigori" who came to

 Earth and corrupted mankind were stationed in the Shamayim as well. It is also the eternal 

home of Adam and Eve. All stars, planets and galaxies are found in this Heaven along with 

their ruling angels. 

The Second Heaven:

Name: Raquia

Etymology: Most accurately translated as "expanse", though the Hebrew word for 

"firmament" 

is similar and often considered a translation.

Aeon: Raphael

Ruler: Labbiel (Raphael)

Governors: Barakiel and Zacharael

Function: Dwelling place of the chariot / palaces of the Sun (where solar angels dwell) and 

also of Christ & John the Baptist. This Sphere of Heaven has an almost direct line to Gehenna, 

the borders of Hell, where those of the fallen who can be saved are kept in darkness awaiting 

judgement (according to Enoch this includes the fallen Grigori, though they are also said to be 

imprisoned in the 6th Heaven). According to Jewish mysticism, this connection between 

Heaven and Hell is used by the order of restoration/healing angels known as the Labbim to 

retrieve the lost who wish to be pure but can not save themselves. As the angel of restoration, 

Raphael (Labbiel) is the governing prince of the Labbim and is primarily stationed here where 

several Labbimic temples throughout the Raqui'a are used by the inhabitants of Heaven to 

keep their purity. The sun rises and sets here as it does on Earth, revealing the night sky stars 

of the First Heaven (Though time is said to be somewhat different, in the Raquia, from our 

reality and the Shamayim). 

Inhabitants: Solar angels and Principalites, who govern regions of the Earth and properties 

of creation. The angels who govern Earthly elements, called the Af. Although some Malachim 

of the choir of angels work here, they inhabit the First Heaven primarily. Dominions, the angels 

who distribute charges to angels of lesser choirs can sometimes be found here. Angels of fury 

and wrath were once kept here, but are now in the 5th Heaven. Nuriel and his host of 50 angels 

"composed of fire and water" once dwelled here, but are usually found in the 6th Heaven.

The Third Heaven:

Name: Sagun or Shehaqim

Etymology: Shehaqim Sagun (Sakun) is a variation of the word "shakhan" which means, "to 

dwell (in)" or "home." In Akkadian, shakan meant "place of peace" or "perfection" and was 

synonymous with paradise.

Shehaqim is derived from the root "shachaq" which means "small dust ground from the skies" 

from the older form of "shakh'ak", meaning: "to grind, beat, or wear down". It has been 

translated as mist, clouds, or ash smoke as it can indicate any extension of the firmament... 

However, it is most likely a term referring to the manna production of this Heaven, where the 

substance is made by refining through attrition by grindstones. The term "shehaqim" is most 

commonly used in Hebrew to refer to "clouds" or "grindstones."

Aeon: Michael

Ruler: Anahel 

Governors: Azrael and Baradiel

Function: This heaven is the spiritual resting place of the garden of Eden, where it borders on 

the 5th Heaven. Shehaqim, like the Raqui'a, also borders on Gehenna just north of Eden. The 

flaming river runs through this sphere and separates Hell from paradise along a desolate 


expanse of cold and ice. Here, according to Enoch, was the original habitations of the angels 

of retribution and wrath, who bound & punished the wicked. In paradise, angels under the 

authority of Michael carry and store manna (brought from the 4th Heaven) as bees store honey 

(these angels are actually often referred to as actual manna producing bees). The manna is 

also refined through a pair of vast millstones and made into a fine powder (hence the name for 

the heaven: "Shehaqim" ). According to St. Paul, the heaven has a gate of golden pillars and is 

the dwelling place of Enoch the scribe. Three hundred angels of light accompany him there and 

guard the orchards of paradise which stretch into the 5th Heaven and include the Tree of Life. 

Time in the Shehaqim somewhat resembles time in the 2nd Heaven, though it is more unstable 

and can be faster or slower (less linear) than time in our reality. 

Inhabitants: The "shining ones" who guard the gates of Eden. Those cherubim who guard the 

Tree of Life. Many Arelim are stationed here as well as Michael's angels of manna. Most 

angels of the choir of Powers make their home in the Shehaqim, where they administer control 

over the borders of Gehenna. Dominions are often working between the 4th and 6th Heavens, 

and so are found here also. By name: Zotiel, Zefon, Johiel, and Azrael dwell here.

The Fourth Heaven:

Name: Machanon (Machen) or Zebhul (Zevul)

Etymology: Machanon comes from the root word "makhon", and means "central site", "base" 

or "foundation." Zebhul means "the innermost part of a house" or roughly "home/temple." 

Because it is a name for Heaven, in Akkadian it was roughly translated to mean "high place" or 

"mansion."

Aeon: Ariel

Ruler: Michael or Phanuel (equated Ariel & Uriel in unison)

Governors: Anael and Zahakiel

Function: The center-most Heaven. Zebhul runs into the Shehaqim (3rd Heaven), so that the 

garden of Eden is at its borders. The Tree of Understanding (knowledge of good and evil) is 

held here in a great orchard, along with, according to Enoch, the Tree of Life. (Most accounts 

place the Tree of Life surrounded by Cherubim within the 3rd Heaven, with the Tree of 

Understanding in Zebhul where it is guarded by Azrael.) Also in Zebhul is the site of the 

Heavenly Jerusalem and the Temple and altar of God, all prepared for the saints and the souls 

of the righteous who are spared after judgement. The city is made of gold, encircled by 12 

gated walls each with its own tower, and surrounded by four rivers of honey, milk, wine and oil 

respectively. The geography of this Heaven is peculiar, as it has no defined borders but 

stretches from the 5th Heaven to the 3rd. Its boundaries are defined by the Tree of Knowledge 

which stands in the orchard of Eden (which is divided between the 3rd Heaven and Zebhul), 

and the outskirts of the New Jerusalem which run into a great ocean that borders the prisons in 

the 5th Heaven. This sea stretches into a river which runs through the 5th Heaven and another 

which runs into the 3rd to cross into Eden (some say it is the river called Pison). The 4th 

Heaven is the domain of duality (sometimes this title is credited to the 6th Heaven) and the 

seat of time (and inevitability). It acts as a clock which keeps time in Heaven (although, in the 

Machanon, time stands still like at the eye of a storm). Time, as we would see it is then 

completely based on will and personal perception of its inhabitants, and events do not occur in 

a definable linear pattern (this is true of the 6th and 7th Heaven as well). The chariots of the sun 

& moon cross the 4th Heaven drawn by winds shaped like a phoenix and a brazen serpent, 

with faces like lions and lower parts like that of Leviathan. When the phoenix chariot crosses 

the sky, Ariel governs this Heaven, and when the serpent is above the Heaven is ruled by Uriel. 

Together they are equated with the angel Phanuel, and they regulate time as it is experienced 

in the Heavens. 

Inhabitants: Azrael and the "shining ones" who guard the gates of Eden. Primarily Arelim, Af 

(elemental property angels) and angels of time. Most of the choir of Dominions make their 

home in the Zebhul. Mohammed, Melchizedek and Enoch are among the earthly prophets who 

live here. Other saints who are charged with preparing the new Jerusalem are said to dwell 

here, though it is also said that no souls of men can cross the borders of the 3rd Heaven.


The Fifth Heaven:

Name: Mathey or Machon or Ma'on

Etymology: Mathey comes from the word Mattithiah, which means "gift of the hand of God." 

Machon comes from the root word "makhon", and means "central site", "base" or "foundation." 

Ma'on is a variant of Mavon/Mahon and means "habitation."

Aeon: Uriel

Ruler: Sandalphon

Governors: Sammael and Arioch/Orion

Function: In the north of this Heaven (and crossing into the next) is where the prisons holding 

the Grigori are stationed. Af, an angel of anger, is chained in black and red fire along with the 

other Avenging angels who are held here to protect the world from their fury. In and around 

these prisons are great mountains of black crystal and living pillars of flame. In the South, 

multitudes of angels gather to sing the Trisagion through the night, which is said to be both the 

source of the vibrations in the universe and also a song of praise to God. At dawn, the 

Trisagion ceases, allowing God to hear the worlds praises and petitions. It is said that the 

Trisagion is also used to soothe those angels bound in their fury within the prisons. Sammael 

was once the ruler of this sphere, although having now fallen from grace, it is ruled by another 

angel of matter and power, Sandalphon. This Heaven is the source of direction in the universe, 

and holds the four winds and the four towers which mark the cardinal points.

Inhabitants: The Powers and the Archangels, who are in charge of guarding the prisons of 

the angels. The Guardians of the Towers of the Four cardinal points. Also, the avenging angels 

and the ministering angels. According to the prophet Zephaniah, an order of Dominions known 

as the Lords are found here. The angel Salamiel and Na'ahayael are guardians of the Grigori 

who are imprisoned in Mathey. (Though there may be some confusion behind this, as Salamiel 

is also known as a Grigori himself).

The Sixth Heaven:

Name: Zebul or Makhon

Etymology: Zebul means "the innermost part of a house" or roughly "home/temple." Because 

it is a name for Heaven, in Akkadian it was roughly translated to mean "high place" or 

"mansion." Makhon means "central site", "base" or "foundation." 

Aeon: Danyael

Ruler: Tzadkiel and Gabriel

Governors: Sabath and Zebul

Function: As with the 4th Heaven, the 6th is also called a domain of duality, where the turning 

of day and night change its properties and rulership. By day, Sabath (who rules under Tzadkiel) 

is the governor, and by night it is Zebul (who rules under Gabriel). By Sabath, the Heaven is 

primarily concerned with justice and order in severity, by Zebul, the Heaven's properties are 

mercy, endurance and understanding. This Heaven houses a great university where scholarly 

angels gather to study God's properties through recording and debting on astronomy, time, 

ecology, change and humankind. It is guarded by seven phoenixes and seven Cherubim who 

sing the Trisagion. It also holds at its central courtyard, a statue made of a substance like snow 

and fire, which is the likeness of the first angel (Beqa/Lucifer), once called the Guardian Angel 

of Heaven and Earth. In addition to this university, the borders of this Heaven hold the prisons 

which extend from the 5th Heaven, and a repository of natural disasters such as hurricanes, 

plagues, earthquakes, and floods are kept, as well as snow, hailstones, dew and rain with 

chambers of storms and caves of fog. Nuriel, a great angel of the order of Powers, and his 

host guard a vast stretch of gates which lead to all points in the universe (or abyss). At the 

borders of this Heaven (or its center), a great rift divides it from the great walls of the 7th 

Heaven. A bridge, called the Daath (or Haalath / Daalath), stretches across the rift (which is 

sometimes described as abysmal and sometimes called a flaming river) to the gated wall.

Inhabitants: The Powers and the Archangels, who are in charge of guarding the prisons of 

the angels. Also, the Dominions and Tafsarim (an order of Virtues), along with other scholarly 

angels. Ischim and guardian angels who learn in the university also dwell there temporarily. The 

Seven Phoenixes and Seraphim, Nuriel and his host. The 10 judges of Heaven, including the 

great twin angels called the Irin & the Quadisin are said to be stationed here also.

The Seventh Heaven:

Name: Araboth

Etymology: Can be translated from the root words for "sweet/pleasant" and "west" (as in a 

specific place), or from the roots OrbTh, meaning "mixed matter." The word is most modernly 

translated as "plains" or "desert", signifying an empty expanse that holds life behind an 

apparent lack of abundance (so appearing both barren & full, holding both many things and 

nothing). "Araboth" is also commonly translated to mean "clouds", indicating the mixture of air 

& water. Again, as in the plains or desert, the clouds 'appear' to be empty, but are actually 

substantial.

Aeon: Nathanael or Beqa (Lucifer)

Ruler: Cassiel

Governor: Metatron

Function: The seat of God and the center of creation. This Heaven is of unique structure. 

Surrounded by a great rift, it appears as a city or tower whose walls are unscalable, but it is 

surrounded by doors (each gated). The Heaven itself is circular, sectioned into 7 Heavenly 

halls all leading to its central throne, resembling an Ophanim (in the shape of a spoked wheel). 

It contains 3 parts (which is where the 10 Heaven system likely comes from), The rooms (or 

river of fire) between hallways where the Shekinah dwells form the outer ring, the Heavenly 

throne room in a central ring, and the Ga'ar, a great curtain behind the Throne which none but 

God can pass through (the innermost ring). All three are said to be immeasurable in 

perception, making them appear as individual worlds or Heavens. God is seated on his throne 

- made of, suspended & surrounded by Cherubim, Seraphim and Ophanim. He is usually 

accompanied by Metatron (or some other herald) and at least 1 of the angels of the Presence 

(Aeons) at all times.

Inhabitants: The majority of Seraphim and Cherubim, as well as many Ophanim in the form of 

wheels. The angels of the Presence (Aeons or Seven Archangels). Metatron and Cassiel, who 

dwells in his home within Araboth's walls. The Hayyoth and the Prophets/Saints. The spirits of 

creatures not yet born are held here within the wellspring of the river of fire (called the "nahar 

shel esh" in Hebrew, and the "nahar di nur" in Aramaic). The angel of divine law (who serves 

under Danyael), named Zagzguel, also dwells here, where he serves as a scholarly angel by 

observing the presence of God.

~Ariel of Megadriel~