The Seven Heavens and Their Angels

Christians, Jews and Muslims all believe in heaven. Apocalyptic accounts of heaven range from one heaven to ten, but most agree on seven, probably because of the seven visible planets. The tradition of seven heavens probably originated in Mesopotamia 7,000 years ago.

FIRST HEAVEN: The first heaven contains the physical world. It is ruled by Gabriel, and is home to all the angels connected with the natural phenomena of the universe

SECOND HEAVEN: The second heaven is ruled by Raphael. It is the home of sinners who are waiting for Judgment Day. Some of the fallen angels are held here.

THIRD HEAVEN: Baradiel is in charge of the third heaven. The southern half of this heaven contains the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. 300 angels of light protect them. The northern half of the third heaven could not be more different, as it contains Hell. Not surprisingly, some of the fallen angels are held here.

FOURTH HEAVEN: The fourth heaven is ruled by Michael. It contains the Holy Temple and the Altar of God.

FIFTH HEAVEN: Most sources say that Zadkiel rules the fifth heaven. (Some accounts give this task to Sandalphon.) Some of the fallen angels are held here (as well as in the second and third heavens).

SIXTH HEAVEN: Zebul rules the sixth heaven at night and Sabath rules during the daytime hours. All the celestial records are kept here, and choirs of angels endlessly study them.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: Archangel Cassiel rules the seventh heaven. God, the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones live here.

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