Notes from the Arcanum: Shehaqim (aka Sagun)

Though it is true that the souls of the dead do not proceed to Heaven, there are exceptions to every rule. Particularly noteworthy souls are chosen and brought to Shehaqim, the 3rd Heaven. Shehaqim is ruled by Anahel, but it also the domain of Azrael, the chief-most elohim of Death, the ruler of the Reapers.

Call them Bhodisattvas, Saints, or, for the wicked ones, banes, but certain souls are kept in this Heaven, to pause as it were, on their way to whatever fate awaits them. Those judged good, or more likely, loyal by the Book of Judgement, dwell in the Garden of Eden, which is resplendent and luxurious. Unlike other dead souls, these are given a semblance of their mortal shells, and are able to eat, drink, touch, and live afterlives of splendor and ease. These souls are expected to help the elohim understand and anticipate the needs of Mankind, as well as intercede and help guide their living human brethren onto a righteous path that will foster worship for the divine. They hold out a promise of similar rewards for those who excel in goodness yes, but faith foremost.

Eden is an incomprehensible realm of infinite beauty, often permeable to the wills and dreams of the souls that live there. It is many things to many people. A soul that spent its life in the harsh desert might see it as a luxurious oasis, with a palace for home; another might see it as a splendid garden, full of virginal maidens to do one's bidding; another as a vast library filled with endless knowledge, the answers to all secrets come at last. Elohim are constant visitors, either on their way about errands, and preferring to travel through Eden rather than Tarturus, or come to converse with the souls of Man, either to ask advice or perhaps to answer as summons to grant a boon on behalf of the human soul. Divine giant bees produce manna honey, whose sweet fragrance and taste is like an opiate to the soul. This honey is added to the bread, produced by huge grindstones that make the manna. Here also is the Tree of Life, as well as countless trees, all bearing fruit, always full, and always ripe to perfection. Two rivers, originating from the 4th Heaven, Zebhul, flow through Eden. One river is of milk and honey, the other of wine and oil, but delicious to drink and sustaining all who drink of them, be they a soul, a plant, or a bird.

Those noteworthy infamous souls that escaped being cast into the Pit to become larvae food for demons are allowed the alternative "mercy" of living in the realm called Tarturus. There they dwell in an agony only slightly less than that for the Fallen. These souls visit the dreams of their living brethren to show them the error of their ways and give Man a reminder of what awaits those who transgress, paying with their escape from oblivion by their pain. These terrible souls hope to be released to travel beyond Heaven when their time is due. Tarturus is a terrible place of shaking earth that spews forth rivers of lava from cracks and erupting volcanoes that also throw noxious sulphurous fumes into the air. The fiery rivers burn their way through ice wastelands, the resulting water which then evaporates and fall as gentle rain upon the slopes of the forested mountains of Eden.

Elohim who come this way are usually on their way between the second and fourth heavens. However, many come to consult with these allied souls of Man, usually preferring those in Eden. There, elohim and saints converse, to ask advice, a favor, or just come to understand the perplexity that is called Man.