It's a common motif in spiritual systems. Compare with archangel Gabriel ('the intellect') accompanying Muhammad on his mystical ascension (Miraj) stopping at t

It's a common motif in spiritual systems. Compare with archangel Gabriel ('the intellect') accompanying Muhammad on his mystical ascension (Miraj) stopping at the boundary of the 'central tree' and claiming he could go no further as it would burn its wings. (In a continuing series of cosmic winks please note that this ascension is called 'The Ladder' in Arabic and we also have a tree ...) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidrat_al-Muntaha https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidrat_al-Muntaha