45. This was how people who lived in most ancient times envisaged matters of the understanding and those of the will. Among the Prophets therefore, and consistently throughout the Old Testament Word, like matters are represented by various kinds of living creatures. There are two kinds of beasts - evil ones, because they are harmful, and good ones, because they are gentle. Evil [and harmful] things in man were meant by such beasts as bears, wolves, and dogs, while good and gentle things were meant by beasts such as calves, sheep, and lambs. As the subject here is those persons who are to be regenerated, 'the beasts' are good and gentle ones, which mean affections. Things of a baser nature that derive from the body are called 'wild animals of the earth'. These are desires and pleasures.

1377. The fact that place, change of place, or distance in the world of spirits is an appearance has been made clear from the consideration that all the souls and spirits that there have been since the beginning of creation appear to remain all the time in their own place. Nor does their place alter unless their state does. And as their state alters so are places and distances with them changed. But since everyone has a general governing state, and particular and individual changes of state nevertheless have regard to the general, spirits consequently go back after such changes to their own position.