Descendant

Abbrevation: Desc

The point on the zodiac setting on the Western horizon at any given time. The term originates from the Latin 'descendere'. The common abbreviation is Desc, in Europe also DC. The Descendant is opposite the Ascendant.

Interpretation

The Descendant marks the beginning of the seventh house – the house of contact with others. It indicates our perception of others, in particular – although by no means exclusively - in our intimate relationships. It is actually relevant for all kinds of relationships, although intimate ones are usually central in our lives. The Descendant also shows how others approach us. The sign on the Descendant, together with any planets in conjunction with it or in the seventh house, indicate how a particular individual will experience this area of life.

Just as the Descendant necessarily complements the Ascendant, so the 'You' complements the 'I' to create a whole. However, the result is not a symbolic fusion but experiences that are only possible with the involvement of others.

It is nevertheless symbolically remarkable that relationships and love are to be found at that point where the Sun descends (or falls) in opposition to the Ascendant. The German astrologer Ernst Ott writes on this point: "Some of us find it difficult to let our egos take a back seat. In our relationships we try to dominate, assert ourselves or even view love itself as a kind of competitive game. On the other hand, there are those who use their partners to bolster their lack of self confidence... But without a healthy ego (Ascendant) there can't be true equality within a relationship (Descendant). Both the inflated ego and conforming to the wishes of others due to lack of self-confidence meet their fall. The night of love can begin after this fall when two equal partners come together."

The Descendant can also serve as an individual's window of projection. In that case the Descendant stands for inherent traits which the person does not actively live and therefore seeks in others; this may be because they remain unaware or because they are rejected because of moral ideals (Projection, Shadow).

The Descendant marks the beginning of the seventh house, the house of relationships which correlates with the sign of Libra.