1040. Having seven heads. That this signifies, and profaned, is evident from the signification of the head, as denoting intelligence and wisdom; and in the opposite sense, insanity and stupidity, and also cunning (concerning which see n. 553, 715). And because the heads were those of the scarlet beast, by which is signified the Word as to its holy things (concerning which see above, n. 1038), and seven of them were seen: therefore by the seven heads are signified the holy things of the Word profaned. For the number seven signifies what is holy, and in the opposite sense what is profane. By the head of this beast, in the proximate sense, is signified the Word as to the understanding thereof, and thence as to the intelligence and wisdom in it and from it. But when the truths and goods thereof, from which are intelligence and wisdom, are falsified and adulterated, then by its heads, when seven were seen, are signified the holy things of the Word profaned. That this is signified by the seven heads, is evident also from the ninth and tenth verses of this chapter, where it is said: "The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth; and these are seven kings; "by which is signified the profanation of the good of love and of the truth of faith.