Astrology glossary
Descendant
The DSC — opposite the Ascendant on the western horizon — governs partnerships, open enemies, and qualities we project onto others.
Meaning
The Descendant (DSC or DC) is the zodiac degree setting on the western horizon at the moment and location of birth — the point directly opposite the Ascendant. Vettius Valens (Anthology, Book II, Ch. 3, c. 175 CE) described the seventh place (which the Descendant anchors) as governing partnerships and significant one-on-one encounters. Ptolemy and Lilly both associated the seventh house with marriage, committed relationships, business partnerships, and open enemies — all persons whom we face directly in relationship. William Lilly (Christian Astrology, 1647) stated that the seventh house gives judgement of marriage and describes the person inquired after in questions about significant others. The Descendant represents the qualities we seek in a partner, project onto others, or meet as our "opposite." Liz Greene (Relating, 1977) developed the psychological reading of the Descendant extensively: what we place in the seventh house we tend to find in partners — the Descendant operates as a screen for projection of the qualities we have not yet integrated in ourselves. The sign on the Descendant is always the sign opposite the Ascendant; if one rises in Aries, the Descendant is Libra. Planets conjunct the Descendant are encountered primarily through others, and their integration into one's own personality is a central developmental task.
Why it matters
Your Descendant reveals the qualities you seek in others and project outward — learning to own these traits within yourself transforms your most important relationships.
Sources
- Valens, Vettius, Anthology (175), Book II, Ch. 3
- Lilly, William, Christian Astrology (1647)
- Greene, Liz, Relating (1977)