1054. Why some who are not angels are at times permitted to enter into heaven Sometimes, and in fact quite often, evil spirits are permitted to slip cunningly into heaven, that is, into the company of angels-for this is being in heaven, since heaven is not a separate place but rather societies having a heavenly character and heavenly intelligence. Sometimes, and when angels of the inward heaven are in certain states of mind, evil spirits gain admittance by imitating goodness, and so putting on the appearance of being angels; for angels gladly let them in. But when they are discovered, which happens because of their disharmony, then they are cast out of heaven. The reason for this is that also the angels are thereby tempted and tested as to whether they are as heavenly beings ought to be; for their dregs are ever clinging to them, and must in the course of time be put aside. So the angels are led astray, and their blemishes exposed. Evil spirits are like a ferment that stirs up evil. If the angels then let themselves be misled, then they too are banished from heaven for a time, and undergo the appropriate kinds of chastening, after which they are again let in. So I have heard several times. 1748, 27 February.