Descendant in Astrology: Meaning, Signs, and More

The descendant in a birth chart can be found on the opposite side of the zodiac wheel from your ascendant—at the top of the seventh house. 

Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about your descendant sign—including how it relates to finding the best love match for you. In order to get the facts straight, we asked astrologer Lauren Ash to give us her thoughts on the ascendant/descendant axis. 

Ascendant vs. Descendant

First and foremost, the ascendant—or “rising sign”—is the exact opposite of your descendant in location and symbolic meaning. The rising sign is on the left-hand side of your birth chart, while the descendant is on the right-hand side.

Unlike your sun sign or Venus sign, the descendant is a chart point rather than an actual planet or celestial body, Ash points out. It represents one of the four angles found in birth charts: ascendant, descendant, midheaven, and imum coeli.

The difference between ascendant and descendant is all in the presentation. “While your ascendent represents your personal energy, sense of self, and self-image, the descendent sign in astrology is all about what you seek in relationships with others,” she says. “It embodies the exact opposite qualities to those that you actively project into the world.”

Meaning

While the rising sign is attributed to you and your integration with the world, the descendant is much more concerned with others on the outside from you. It indicates what you most wish you were like or the “person” you’d like to see yourself become. 

“It represents the qualities that you admire in others and can show the areas of life you yearn to grow,” says Ash. Additionally, it’s best used to indicate what kind of partner you need in your life in order for you to feel excited and pushed for growth.  

In the Zodiac Signs

Now, what does all this mean when you add zodiac signs to the mixs? Each descendant represents something a little different—and indicates what we like in others who are different than us.

Ash gives us a few keywords to guide us.

Aries Descendant

You seek someone who isn’t afraid to take time for themself and value who you they are, as this sign is accompanied by a Libra rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Sociable
• Charming
• Compassionate 
• Ambitious

Taurus Descendant

You value someone who has true authenticity, as this sign is accompanied by a Scorpio rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Bold in their actions and words
• Direct
• Determined 
• A person who values focus

Gemini Descendant

You want someone who can keep up with conversation and who loves to learn, as this sign is accompanied by active Sagittarius rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Witty
• Intellectual
• Hilarious 
• Curious

Cancer Descendant

You want someone who will be vulnerable with you, as this sign is accompanied by tough Capricorn rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Encouraging
• Successful
• Idealistic 
• Charismatic

Leo Descendant

You seek someone who is unabashedly proud of their talents and accomplishments, as this sign is accompanied by the aloof Aquarius rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Confident
• Creative
• Cheerful 
• Friendly

Virgo Descendant

You seek someone who can keep a plan together, as this sign is accompanied by free-flowing Pisces rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Practical
• Elegant
• Faithful 
• Inquisitive

Libra Descendant

You seek someone who isn’t afraid to love others more than themselves, as this sign is accompanied by an Aries rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Brave
• Passionate
• Courageous 
• Vulnerable

Scorpio Descendant

You need someone who has mystery and sensuality, as this sign is accompanied by practical Taurus rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Calm
• Mysterious
• Sensual 
• Loyal

Sagittarius Descendant

You’d blend well with someone who enjoys chatting as much as they enjoy learning, as this sign is accompanied by inquisitive Gemini rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Outrageous
• Talented
• Upbeat 
• Adventurous

Capricorn Descendant

You would do well with structure and sincerity, as this sign is accompanied by Cancer rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Mature
• Clever
• Powerful 
• Confident

Aquarius Descendant

You seek someone who can bring dreams to reality, as this sign is accompanied by crafty Leo rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Rebellious
• Unique
• Sincere 
• Spiritual

Pisces Descendant

You need someone who can loosen you up, as this sign is accompanied by uptight Virgo rising. You seek a partner who is …

• Sweet
• Tender-hearted
• Intuitive 
• Thoughtful

How to Find My Descendant Sign

“To find your descendant sign, grab a copy of your birth chart and look to the cusp of the seventh house and locate which zodiac sign it starts in,” says Ash. “That is the sign of your descendant.” 

FAQs

Are rising and ascendant signs the same?

Yes, it is! Rising sign and ascendant sign both mean the same thing. Ascendant is the more technical term, while rising sign is more colloquial in the astrology world.

How is a rising sign determined?

The rising sign depends on the time you were born. It changes every two hours and is arguably one of the most important signs in your birth chart because it sets up your House system.

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