Book 7

Descend from Heaven, Urania, if that’s your name, seriously. If you’re really called that, whose voice is like, totally divine. Following you, I soar above the Olympian hill, way beyond any Pegasus’s wings! It’s not the name I’ve come for, it’s the meaning.

You’re not one of the nine Muses, and you don’t live on Mount Olympus. You’re heavenly-born, you existed before hills or rivers even started flowing. You chatted and played with eternal Wisdom, your sister, right in the presence of the Almighty Father, vibing with your celestial song.

You led me up into Heaven - the Heaven of Heavens - an earthling, breathing that pure, empyreal air, your guidance. Keep me safe enough to return to my own world.

Because, like, if I fall off this wild steed (like Bellerophon did, though his fall was from a lower place), I'll wander lost and alone on the Aleian field.

Half the story’s left untold, but I’ll stick to what’s visible and everyday. Standing on Earth, not lost in the stars, I’ll sing with my mortal voice, unchanged, even if times get rough and people talk trash. I'm surrounded by darkness, danger, and solitude, but I’m not alone.

You visit my dreams every night, and when the east turns purple with dawn, you still guide my song, Urania. Find me an audience, even if it's a small one.

But push away the chaotic noise of Bacchus and his partygoers. Remember the wild gang that tore apart the Thracian bard in Rhodope? The woods and rocks had ears for their revelry, but the savage clamor drowned out the harp and voice. The Muse couldn’t protect her son.

So don’t fail me, Urania, I'm begging you. You're heavenly, she's just a dream.

Tell me, Goddess, what happened after Raphael - the chill Arch-Angel - warned Adam, with a scary example, to watch out for falling away from God? He told of what happened in Heaven to those who rebelled, so it wouldn't happen to Adam or his family in Paradise.

They weren’t supposed to touch the forbidden tree, but if they disobeyed that single command, they’d face consequences. It was so easy to obey, with all the other tastes and pleasures available.

Adam and Eve listened, captivated by the story. They were amazed and deep in thought, hearing about things so high and strange. They couldn't imagine hate in Heaven, or war so close to God's peace, such a mess.

But the evil quickly bounced back to those who created it, impossible to mix with blessedness.

That’s when Adam realized his doubts vanished. He was now driven forward, still innocent, eager to know what else concerned him - how this world of Heaven and Earth began. When was it created? Why? What happened in Eden, or outside of it, before he could remember?

It was like someone whose thirst isn't fully quenched still stares at the flowing stream, and the sound of the water just makes them thirstier. He proceeded to ask his heavenly guest.

You’ve revealed incredible things, full of wonder, far different from this world. You were sent down from the heavens, a favor, to warn us in time of what could have been our loss - something human knowledge could never reach.

For this, we owe the infinitely Good immortal thanks, and we’ve received his warning with solemn purpose to observe his sovereign will, the end of what we are.

But you’re being so generous, really, giving us this lesson, sharing things beyond anything we can even imagine. Things we need to know, like the ultimate wisdom. Please, tell us more.

What started it all? This amazing Heaven we see so far away, shining with countless lights? And this air around us, all around this beautiful Earth? What made the Creator, in his perfect peace through all time, decide to build anything in Chaos? And once he started, how quickly was it done?

Can you tell us - we’re not trying to pry into his secrets, just to understand his creations better, and feel even happier knowing them. That’s all we want.

The sun hasn’t even finished its day yet, but he’s waiting on your voice, a powerful voice, to hear the story of how Nature rose from the unseen Deep. Or if the evening star and the moon are rushing to listen, Night will bring them, and Sleep will watch, listening to you.

Or we can just tell the sun to hold on until you’re done, and let you go before the morning light.

That’s what Adam asked his incredible guest. And the Godlike Angel replied, gently:

"That’s exactly what I’m here for. But seriously, how can any words, or even the voices of angels, or the minds of humans, fully describe almighty works? Still, I’ll share what you can understand, what will best help you glorify the Maker and make you even happier."

I’m here on that mission, to answer your desire for knowledge within limits. Don't ask for more than that. Don't let your own imagination dream up things the invisible King, only He knows, has kept hidden in the night - things no one in Heaven or Earth can know.

There’s plenty left to discover, though.

But knowledge is like food - you need to know how much to eat. Too much, and it turns wisdom into foolishness, just like too much food turns into just wind. So, listen.

After Lucifer - we're calling him that now, because he used to be the brightest of all the angels, even brighter than the star among the stars - fell from Heaven, along with his fiery legions, into the deep, and the great Son returned victorious with his Saints, the Omnipotent Eternal Father looked down from his throne and said:

‘At least our envious foe failed. He thought everyone would rebel, and that with his help, he could seize this high, inaccessible place - the seat of God - and dispossess us. He tricked many, and they’re gone now. But I see that most have stayed true.

Heaven is still full, with enough to rule her realms, even though they’re vast, and to fill this high temple with proper ceremonies.

But I don’t want him to feel like he’s won, just because he’s emptied out a part of Heaven. I’m not really losing anything by losing myself.

And in a moment, I’m going to create another world, from one man, a race of countless people, to live there - not here - until they’re raised by their merit, and have proven themselves through long obedience.

"Then Earth will become Heaven, and Heaven will become Earth, one kingdom of joy and unity, forever.’"

Meanwhile, chill out, you Powers of Heaven! And you, my Word, my begotten Son - you do this with me. Speak, and let it be! My Spirit and power, I send with you. Ride forth and tell the Deep to stay within its limits - Earth and Heaven’s bounds.

The Deep is endless because I am endless, and there’s no empty space. Even though I, who knows no limits, step back, my goodness, which is totally free, won’t be messed with by fate or chance. What I want is fate.

So spoke the Almighty, and his Word, his Son, made it happen. God’s actions are instant, faster than time itself. But humans can’t even comprehend them without words, which are limited by our understanding.

There was a massive celebration in Heaven when the Almighty’s will was declared! They sang praises to the Most High, good vibes for future humans, and peace in their homes. Glory to Him whose righteous anger banished the ungodly from His sight and the just from their dwellings.

Glory and praise to the wisdom that creates good from evil, bringing a better race into the space left by evil spirits. From there, He’s going to spread His goodness to infinite worlds and ages.

So sang the angelic armies. Meanwhile, the Son appeared on his epic journey, radiating power and crowned with divine majesty. Infinite wisdom and love shone through him, reflecting his Father.

Countless angels - cherubs, seraphs, potentates, and thrones - along with winged spirits and chariots from God’s armory, surrounded him. Millions stood between two bronze mountains, ready for the big day, a celestial force.

And now they moved spontaneously, because Spirit lived within them, attendants to their Lord. Heaven opened its gates - a harmonious sound on golden hinges - to let forth the King of Glory, in his powerful Word and Spirit, to create new worlds.

On heavenly ground, they stood and gazed at the vast, immeasurable abyss - a dark, chaotic ocean, churning with furious winds and waves, like mountains attacking the heavens.

"Silence, troubled waves! Deep, be still! "the Omnific Word declared.

Then, carried on the wings of cherubs, he rode far into Chaos, the world unborn, bathed in paternal glory. Chaos heard his voice, and his entire company followed, to witness Creation and his awesome power.

"The fervent wheels stopped, and in his hand, he took the golden compasses, prepared in God’s eternal store, to circumscribe this universe and all created things. He centered one foot and turned the other through the vast, dark expanse, and said, "Thus far extend, thus far be your bounds!

"This is your just circumference, O World!"

Thus, God created Heaven and Earth - matter unformed and void. Darkness covered the abyss, but on the watery calm, the Spirit of God outspread its wings, infusing vital virtue and warmth throughout the fluid mass. Downward, it purged the black, infernal cold, hostile to life.

Then, things like things came together, and the rest were divided, with air spun between them. Earth self-balanced on its center.

"Let there be light," God said.

Immediately, pure, radiant light burst forth - the very first thing, the ultimate essence. It began its journey from the east, piercing the dark void. Encased in a glowing cloud, it shone, because the sun hadn’t arrived yet. It lingered in this cloudy haven. God saw the light and knew it was good.

He separated light from darkness, dividing the sky - light became day, and darkness became night. That was the first day. It wasn’t just a moment; it was a celebration. Celestial choirs erupted in song, witnessing the birth of heaven and earth.

They filled the vast universe with joyful shouts, striking their golden harps and praising God and his creation. They sang of the Creator, both when evening first descended and when morning dawned anew.

Then, God said, "Let there be a firmament - a dome - amid the waters, to separate the water from the water. And so, God made the firmament - a clear, transparent expanse of air, stretched out in a perfect circle. It divided the waters below from those above.

Just as earth was formed, so too was the world built upon calm, crystalline waters, far from the chaos of the deep. He made sure extremes wouldnn't clash and disrupt the whole thing. God called this firmament Heaven. Another chorus rose, marking the second day.

The Earth existed, but it was still in a sort of embryonic state, submerged in water. The entire surface was covered in a vast ocean, not idle but teeming with life. It softened and warmed the globe, preparing the great mother to conceive.

When God said, "Let the waters gather together in one place, and let dry land appear," something incredible happened.

Mountains suddenly emerged, their massive, bare backs pushing up into the clouds. Their peaks soared toward the sky, while deep valleys carved a broad, hollow bed for the water. The waters rushed to fill it, like raindrops collecting on dust - a swift, urgent flow.

Some rose into crystal walls or ridges, hurried along by God’s command. The floodwaters surged forward, wave after wave, finding their way wherever they could. If the path was steep, they plunged down in a torrent of excitement; if it was a plain, they gently ebbed. No rock or hill could stop them.

They twisted and turned, wandering like serpents, until they found their way, carving deep channels into the earth, even before God commanded the ground to be dry.

Everything except within those banks, where rivers now flow, and perpetually draw their humid trains. God called the dry land Earth, and the vast gathering of waters, Seas. He looked at it and knew it was good.

Then, he said, "Let the Earth bring forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees yielding fruit after their kind, with their seed in themselves upon the Earth."

Barely had he spoken when the desolate, bare, unsightly Earth burst into life. Tender grass spread across its surface, cloaking it in vibrant green. Then, herbs of every leaf sprouted, suddenly flowering, displaying a riot of colors, perfuming the air with sweetness.

These barely bloomed when the clustering vine flourished, the swelling gourd appeared, the corny reed stood tall, and the humble shrub and bush grew, their leaves like tangled hair. Last, the stately trees danced into being, spreading their branches, laden with fruit or gemmed with blossoms.

Hills were crowned with high woods, and valleys were dotted with tufts of greenery. Every fountain overflowed.

With borders long the rivers: Earth now looked like Heaven, a place where Gods might chill, wander with joy, and love to hang out in her sacred spaces. But God hadn’t rained on Earth yet, and no one was around to farm it. Instead, a misty dew rose up, watering every plant.

God made everything before it even sprouted - every herb, every plant. God checked it out and said, "This is good." So, the third day was done.

Again, the Almighty spoke: "Let there be lights up in the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark seasons, days, and years. Let them be lights to rule the firmament, to give light to the Earth." And it was so.

God made two big lights. The bigger one ruled the day; the smaller one, the night, alternating. He also made the stars and set them in the sky to light up the Earth and control the day and night, dividing light from darkness.

God surveyed his creation and said, "This is good."

First, he crafted the sun, a massive sphere that was dark at first, though made of heavenly material. Then, he formed the moon, round and full, along with all the stars. He scattered stars across the sky, like seeds in a field.

He took most of the light from her cloudy shrine and placed it in the sun’s orb, making it porous enough to absorb and hold the liquid light. Now, a grand palace of light.

Other stars journey to the sun, drawing light into their golden containers. And that’s how the morning planet glitters, by reflection. They boost their own small glow, even though they're so far away, appearing smaller to human eyes.

First, the glorious sun appeared in the east, ruling the day and bathing the horizon in bright rays, ready to race across the sky. Dawn and the Pleiades danced before him, spreading a sweet influence.

The moon was less bright, but positioned opposite in the west, like his mirror, borrowing her light. She needed no other light in that position, and keeps that distance until night, when she shines in the east.

Revolving on Heaven’s great axis, her reign holds a thousand lesser lights, and a thousand thousand stars, all appearing at once, spangling the sky. Then, for the first time, the sky was adorned with setting and rising stars. Happy evening and happy morning crowned the fourth day.

And God said, "Let the waters teem with creatures, and let birds fly above the Earth, displaying their wings in the open firmament of Heaven."

God created the great whales and every living creature that moved and swarmed in the waters, each according to its kind. He created every bird of wing, according to its kind, and he saw that it was good. He blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the seas, lakes, and streams."

Immediately, sounds and seas, every creek and bay, swarmed with countless young fish, their fins and scales shimmering as they glided under the green wave, like little boats across the mid-sea.

Some grazed on seaweed, others wandered through coral gardens, and some, with quick glances, showed off their shimmering coats to the sun.

Okay, so like, they were just chilling in their shells, soaking up the good stuff, or chilling under rocks, guarding their meals. Seals were vibing on the smooth surface, dolphins were doing their thing. Massive creatures, huge, seriously shook the ocean.

There, Leviathan, the biggest living thing ever, stretched out like a peninsula, basically sleeping or swimming. It looked like a moving island. And when it breathed, it just spouted a whole sea.

Meanwhile, warm caves, swamps, and beaches were popping out a whole crew of babies. Eggs bursting open, releasing their tiny, featherless chicks. Soon they were fully feathered and taking to the sky. They totally dissed the ground, flying high under a cloud.

Eagles and storks were building nests on cliffs and cedar trees. Some were just cruising around, others were forming strategic formations, like a super-organized flock. They were smart about the seasons, leading their aerial caravan across the seas and over the lands, helping each other fly.

The crane, a total pro, steered its annual journey with the wind. The air shimmered as they passed, a flurry of feathers.

Smaller birds were spreading joy in the woods, singing and showing off their bright colors until nightfall. Even then, the nightingale didnn't stop singing, filling the night with its soft melodies. Others were chilling on lakes and rivers, fluffing their feathers.

The swan, with its graceful neck, proudly glided along, using its feet like oars. But sometimes they’d ditch the water and soar into the sky.

Others were just walking around on the ground. The rooster, with its loud calls, marked the quiet hours. And the other, decked out in a colorful display of rainbows and sparkling eyes.

The waters were overflowing with fish, and the air with birds. The fifth day ended with a beautiful sunset and a peaceful night.

The sixth day arrived, bringing evening and morning. God said, "Let the Earth bring forth all kinds of living creatures - animals, reptiles, and beasts of the Earth, each according to its own kind."

And the Earth obeyed. It opened up and teemed with life. Countless creatures rose from the ground, perfect and fully grown. Wild beasts emerged from their lairs, walking among the trees in pairs. Cattle grazed in the green fields and meadows.

Some were rare and solitary, others formed massive flocks and herds.

The ground cracked open, releasing the tawny lion, pawing to break free. Then, it exploded out, shaking its patterned mane. The ounce, the libbard, and the tiger - like the mole, they tossed the crumbled earth above them. The swift stag lifted its branching head from the ground.

Even Behemoth, the biggest creature ever born on Earth, struggled to rise, its vastness shaking the ground. Fleeces of sheep and bleating lambs appeared, like plants springing from the soil. The river-horse and the scaly crocodile - ambiguous between sea and land - also emerged.

All kinds of creatures that crawl on the ground appeared at once - insects and worms. They waved their delicate fans as wings, their smallest features perfectly formed.

Everywhere you looked, summer was serving looks - gold, purple, blue, green - a whole vibe. They stretched across the ground, long and winding, like a filter on a selfie. Not just tiny bugs; some were seriously huge snakes, all coiled up and even rocking wings.

First came the ants, obsessed with planning ahead. Tiny bodies, massive hearts - basically, equality goals. They joined their crew, swarming the scene. Then, the bees showed up, feeding their drone husbands and building honeycomb cells dripping with honey. The rest?

You already know - tons of creatures, all with names you’d recognize. And the serpent? The ultimate sneak, sometimes massive, with eyes like metal and a terrifying mane. But chill, he was totally down to do whatever you said.

Suddenly, the sky exploded with light, like a divine concert. Heaven was moving, like the first, biggest artist setting the whole thing in motion. Earth was serving looks, a total masterpiece. Birds flew, fish swam, animals walked - the sixth day was almost done.

But there was still something missing, the main event. A creature who wasn’t just crawling around, but blessed with reason, who could stand tall and confidently rule over everything else.

Someone who knew who they were, and could connect with Heaven, while also appreciating where their blessings came from.

And then it happened. The all-powerful, eternal Father (because He’s everywhere, duh) spoke to his Son: "Let’s create humans in our image, with our likeness. Let them rule over the fish, the birds, the animals, and everything that crawls on the ground."

And just like that, He made you, Adam. He made you, O Man, from dust, and breathed life into you. He created you in His image, a living soul. He made you male, but also made you a partner, a female, so you could multiply and fill the Earth.

He told you to take charge, to rule over everything - the oceans, the sky, the land.

Wherever you were created, there wasn’t even a name for the place yet. But then, He brought you to this gorgeous garden, planted with the trees of God. Everything was beautiful, everything was delicious, and you were free to eat from every tree. Except one. The tree of knowledge of good and evil.

If you ate from that, you were toast. Straight up death. So, watch your appetite, fam. Don't let sin and death surprise you.

And then, He was done. He looked over everything He’d made, and it was all good. The sixth day was complete.

But then, the Creator stepped back from His masterpiece, even though He wasn’t tired at all. He ascended to Heaven, His high throne. From there, He looked down at this new world, this addition to His empire. He saw how good it looked, how fair it was, a perfect reflection of His vision.

Up he rode. A roar of approval followed him, and the sound - like ten thousand harps playing together - was angelic. The earth, the air, everything resonated. (You remember, you heard it! The heavens and all the stars chimed in. Even the planets stopped, listening.

The bright procession ascended, overflowing with joy.

"Open, you everlasting gates!" they sang.

"Open, you heavens! Your living doors! Let in the great Creator from his work - a magnificent world! Open, and open often! For God will visit the homes of just people, delighted. He’s sending his winged messengers to them, bringing blessings beyond imagination."

That’s what the glorious company sang as they ascended. He led the way through Heaven, where the blazing portals opened wide, directly to God’s eternal house.

It was a broad, sweeping road, its dust pure gold and its pavement studded with stars - like the stars you see in the Milky Way, a shimmering circle dusted with light.

And now, on Earth, the seventh evening arrived in Eden. The sun had set, and twilight was creeping in from the east, a preview of the night.

At the holy mount, the highest point of Heaven, where God’s imperial throne stood firm and eternal, the Filial Power arrived and sat down with his great Father. He, too, had vanished, yet remained - a power only Omnipresence can possess.

He rested from the work he’s ordained, the Author and End of all things. And, now resting, he blessed and hallowed the seventh day. It wasn't silent, though. The harp played on; the pipes and dulcimers never stopped.

All the instruments - strings and golden wires, tuned softly - were mixed with voices, choral and unified. Clouds of incense billowed from golden censers, hiding the mount.

They sang of creation and the six days of work: "Great are your works, Jehovah! Infinite is your power! What can measure you, or describe you? Greater now in his return than when the giant Angels first appeared! The day magnified your thunders, but to create is greater than to destroy.

Who can diminish you, Mighty King, or limit your empire? Easily, you repelled the proud attempt of the rebellious spirits and their empty schemes. They thought they could lessen you and steal away your worshippers. But anyone who seeks to diminish you only reveals your might.

"You use their evil to create even more good."

Look at this new-made world, another Heaven, not far from Heaven’s gate, built in plain sight on the clear, glassy sea. It’s almost impossibly vast, filled with countless stars - each star perhaps a world destined for habitation. But you know their seasons.

Among them is Earth, with its ocean swirling around it - a pleasant dwelling-place for humankind.

Thrice happy, humans and sons of humans, whom God has raised up like this! Created in his image, there to dwell and worship him. And as a reward, to rule over his works - on Earth, in the sea, or in the air - and multiply a race of worshippers, holy and just!

"Thrice happy, if they understand their happiness and remain upright!"

They sang, and the heavens echoed with hallelujahs. That’s how the Sabbath was kept.

Okay, so you want the tea on how everything started, right? Like, seriously, how did this whole world even begin? You want me to spill the deets on what happened before you were even born? So future generations - your kids, grandkids - will know the full story? Got it.

But if you're looking for something else, something not about the big picture... something more... human? Let me know.