Jewish and Arabian lore often say there exists 7 heavens, 7 divisions and levels of heaven,
heaviliy guarded by angels of different ranks, with the lowest layer being the farthest away
from God, and the highest layer, the closest to God.
From the lowest to the highest, they are as follows, Shamayim, Raqia, Shehaqim, Machonon,
Mathey, Zebul, and Araboth.
The Book Enoch however, says there are 10 heavens, with the last 3 being Muzaloth, Kukhavim
and Aravoth.
The 1st of the heavens is called Shamayim, and it is the abode of the stars.
The chief ruler of Shamayim is Gabriel, and the angels of light who reside here include
Sabrael, Sidriel, and Asrulyu.
The first heaven is not only a place for the angels of light, it is also the abode of many
fallen angels, who, although rejected, still dwell among the stars.
The 2 heaven is called Raqia, and is said to be composed of water.
This is where moses encountered the angel Nuriel, and where Muhammed of Islam encountered
the angel Habib.
The Muslims say this is where the garden of Eden is located, the first home of Adam and
Eve.
But the book of enoch disagrees, saying the Tree of life and the garden of Eden are located
in the 3rd heaven.
The 2nd heaven is governed by the angels, Raphael, Zachariel, and Nuriel.
The 3rd heaven is called Shehaqim, and It was in the 3rd Heaven that Moses encountered
an angel "so tall, it would take a human 500 years to climb to his height.
An angel who had 70,000 heads, each head with as many mouths, and each mouth with as many
tongues.
Likewise, Mohammed of Islam was said to have seen such an angel.
The 3rd heaven is where the tree of life and garden of Eden are found, according to the
Book of Enoch.
And the chief governor of this heaven is Anahel; alongside his subordinate princes: Jabniel,
Rabacyel, and Dalquiel.
The 4th Heaven is called Machonon, and is said to contain the heavenly Jerusalem, the
temple, and the altar.
It was in the 4th Heaven that Mohammed of Islam encountered Enoch of the Hebrews.
This heaven is governed by Michael, and the angels who dwell here include, Shamshiel,
and Sapiel.
Here also, dwells Sandalphon, angel of tears.
The 5th heaven is called Mathey, and it was in the 5th Heaven the prophet Zephaniah beheld
"angels that are called lords.
Each of the angels had a crown upon his head as well as a throne shining 7 times brighter
than the light of the sun.
The governor of this heaven is the dark lord Sammael, some say Shatqiel, and a few say
Sandalphon.
In Islamic lore, the 5th Heaven is the seat of Aaron the Avenging Angel.
The 6th heaven is called Zebul, and here dwells the guardian angel of heaven and earth, who
is half snow and half fire, according to the Muslims.
The 6th heaven is governed by Zachiel, assisted by subordinate princes: Zebul (during the
day), and Sabath (during the night).
The 7th heaven is called Araboth, and the book of Enoch says this is where the major
experiences of Enoch occurred.
The 7th heaven is the abode of human souls waiting to be born.
It is also the seat of the most high God; and the abode of Zagzagel, prince of the Torah;
as well as the dwelling place of the seraphim, the Ofanim, and the angels of love, fear,
grace, and dread.
It is in the 7th Heaven, that Isaiah had a glimpse of God and his son Jesus Christ, and
hears the Most High dictating the program of his earthly manifestation and return of
Jesus Christ.
This heaven is governed by the angel Cassiel.
According to the book of Enoch which mentions 10 heavens, the 8th heaven is called Muzaloth
and is the same and part of the 7th heaven Araboth, the 9th heaven is called Kukvahim,
and is the home of the 12 signs of the Zodiac.
While the 10th heaven is called Aravoth, and is where Enoch saw the "vision of the face
of the Lord''.