What do we know about the second rank, which includes the dominions, the lordships, and the powers?

First: The Dominions (or Authorities). This name communicates the idea of elevation and freedom from anything that is earthly and from any inner inclination to being servile to others; or perfect freedom over every tyrannical violence, and the absence of any contemptible servility. As true sovereigns, they yearn for success and for God, the source of every sovereignty. They are constantly concerned that those who are below them might become more like God in their sovereignty.

Second: The Lordships (or Virtues). These have powerful capabilities in the likeness of God. They know no weakness or languor in their reception of the divine illumination that is granted to them. They are occasionally referred to as the radiant or the illuminated. This illumination is composed perfectly and wondrously like the virtues. They show no weakness or fragility in receiving the divine illumination granted to them. They ascend with perfect power towards likeness to God, ascending towards the Source of power and virtue. They yearn constantly that their own desire to delight in divine virtue might overflow into others.

Third: The Powers. These are equal to the dominions and lordships, and of the same divine order that allows them to receive the divine in a manner that cannot be opposed. Their divine order exercises exalted power prudently. They are considered to be warrior angels, upholding the world and humanity against the powers of darkness and evil.