6378. It is wonderful how physical elements constantly reach outwards or downwards, while spiritual ones are lifted upwards. Then the physical elements are separated from the spiritual, which reach out towards heavenly ones and are lifted up, while the latter or the bodily elements become dull, as if they were nothing. However, when a physical element is active and when it reaches out, as said, outwards or downwards, then what is spiritual ceases its activity. This I can confirm by much experience in regard to these matters in myself. For example, when I spoke with heavenly beings, the loftier the subjects were, and the more spiritual, so to speak, the more the keenness of my outer senses, especially of my sight, was dulled, and passed away - even though I did not notice this except upon reflection. Also the reverse was true. But this experience will, if God the Messiah deems it fitting, be brought forward elsewhere.* From this the conclusion follows that the physical elements [in a person] must necessarily die, so that the spiritual elements may be lifted up, away from earthly ones, to heavenly ones - and that this must take place both in every particular in regard to bodily loves, and also as a whole. For without death, no one can ascend into heaven. [Outer; Inward] [See also WE 6379, concluding the explanation of Lev. 6:28.]

[See WE 6405-08, explaining Lev. 11 in general.] 6409. But in these details, secrets lie hidden regarding spiritual and heavenly matters, which would be too much to explain at this point. There are animals and birds of light, and there are * In the original this portion is emphasized by the word "Obs." written twice in the margin.