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The local arrangement of the vision is less distinct than that of

the Phaedrus and Phaedo. Astronomy is mingled with symbolism and

mythology; the great sphere of heaven is represented under the

symbol of a cylinder or box, containing the seven orbits of the

planets and the fixed stars; this is suspended from an axis or

spindle which turns on the knees of Necessity; the revolutions of

the seven orbits contained in the cylinder are guided by the

fates, and their harmonious motion produces the music of the

spheres. Through the innermost or eighth of these, which is the

moon, is passed the spindle; but it is doubtful whether this is

the continuation of the column of light, from which the pilgrims

contemplate the heavens; the words of Plato imply that they are

connected, but not the same. The column itself is clearly not of

adamant.