Descendant — Astrology glossary

The Descendant is the point directly opposite the Ascendant, sitting on the western horizon at birth and marking the cusp of the seventh house. Where the Ascendant describes how a person presents themselves, the Descendant describes what they look for in others, especially in close partnerships. Astrologers often read it as the qualities a person does not claim in themselves but is drawn to, or provoked by, in partners and significant one-to-one relationships. It matters because it adds a relational dimension to the chart that the Ascendant alone misses. For example, someone with Aries rising will have Libra on the Descendant, and may be attracted to diplomatic, partnership-minded people who balance their own more direct, self-starting approach.