The poem is therefore separated into three volumes. Dante hears the music of the spheres while he ascends with Beatrice toward Paradise. When they reach the first of the heavenly bodies, the sphere of the moon, and are 'taken' into it, Beatrice informs Dante that the markings on the moon that are visible from earth are in reality the faces of those who made vows to God and broke them. At the second sphere, the heaven of Mercury, are souls of the Blest who were too concerned about their own fame and earthly glory, which, as a result, lessened their degree of beatitude. The third sphere is the sphere of Venus, and the Pilgrim knows that he arrived there only because he sees that Beatrice has grown more beautiful.
Joyful lights appear to welcome the traveller.
In the fourth sphere of the sun spirits of such brilliance surrounds them that their lights are distinct from the light of the sun. Dancing and singing in their joy, the spirits from a circle, making Dante and his guide their centre. Because of the red glow of this planet Dante realises that he is on Mars, the fifth sphere. Two enormous bands of light form, upon which for a brief moment flashes the image of Christ, and within the transparent arms of this cross specks of souls, like dust in shafts of light, move in all directions as a hymn is sung in praise of Christ. From the rosy glow of the fifth sphere of Mars the traveller is transported to the silvery sixth sphere of Jupiter.