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Heaven as a whole
has 196 provinces. There are seven Heavens, or seven Levels or Altitudes
of Heaven. 64 angelic wardens have charge of the Heavenly Halls.
The
First Level is closest to the Earth. It contains the
storehouses of clouds, snow, ice and dew. Here dwell the guardian
angels and the 200 angels of the stars. Gabriel is the ruling prince
of this level.
The
Second Level is sometimes thought to house sinners awaiting
judgement. The ruling princes are Zachariel and Raphael.
The
Third Level produces manna, which is the food of angels.
It is the seat of the Upper Paradise, a Heavenly version of the
Garden of Eden. Its northern regions may also contain the Hell or
Gehenna where fallen angels live in torment. The ruling prince of
this level is Anahel.
The
Fourth Level contains the Great Winds. The Heavenly Jerusalem
is often located here, a city in the shape of a perfect cube, with
twelve gates of pearl. Michael is the ruling prince.
The
Fifth Level has either Sandalphon or Samael as its ruling
prince.
The
Sixth Level
is the domain of the Angels of Time, and the Angels of Seas, Rivers
and Crops. Zachiel is the ruling prince.
The
Seventh Level is closest to God and the home of ineffable
light. Here dwell the Angels of the Presence, also known as the
Angels of the Face. Cassiel is the ruling prince.
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