Descendant

The Descendant (DSC) is the point on the western horizon at the exact moment of your birth, directly opposite the Ascendant. It marks the cusp of the 7th house and is associated with how you approach one-on-one relationships, including romantic partners, close friends, and business collaborators. While the Ascendant shows the self you present to the world, the Descendant reflects the qualities you seek in others and the dynamics you attract in partnerships.

How it works

In a natal chart, the Descendant is the starting point of the 7th house. Its sign and any planets near it (within a few degrees) color your relational style. For example, a Descendant in Aries might attract assertive partners or project a direct, sometimes competitive energy into relationships. A Descendant in Libra, the natural ruler of the 7th house, often indicates a strong desire for harmony, balance, and partnership. If a planet like Venus or Mars is conjunct the Descendant, that planet's energy becomes a focal point in your close relationships.

In practice

When interpreting the Descendant, notice which sign it falls in and any planets close to it. This point often describes the type of person you are drawn to — or the qualities you need to develop within yourself through relationships. For instance, a Descendant in Capricorn might attract serious, ambitious partners or highlight lessons around responsibility and commitment. The Descendant also works in synastry: if someone's planet aspects your Descendant, they may strongly influence your relational patterns. To see your own Descendant, generate your natal chart and look for the point opposite your Ascendant.