A Descent of the Sun is a term used by the Solar Temple to refer to the visitations of the supreme deity to the mortal world.
In Solar Templar theology, the Sun is a physical manifestation of the supreme, ineffable God, literally and figuratively sustaining the world and everything on it. However, most denominations also believe that God chooses to sometimes intervene more directly in human affairs, appearing in apparently-human form. This is termed a Descent of the Sun.
The number of such visitations is the key point of religious division between the denominations of the Old Temple, the Imperial Temple, the Presently Guided Temple, and the Unsullied Temple:
Denomination Group |
Number of Descents |
Unsullied Temple |
0 |
Old Temple |
1 |
Imperial Temple |
2 |
Presently Guided Temple |
4 |