A Descent of the Sun (also, Solar Descent or Illumination) 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, called Illuminated Ones or Illuminati. 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 |
Illuminati |
Unsullied Temple |
0 |
No literal descents. Prophet Ardamar divinely inspired, but not divine. |
Old Temple |
1 |
One descent, the Prophet Ardamar only. |
Imperial Temple |
2 |
The Prophet Ardamar and the Emperor Atsef the Radiant. |
Presently Guided Temple |
4 |
The Prophet Ardamar had no unquestioned biological children (though some claim descent regardless), but the Emperor Atsef had many; most of the nobility of the former Empire now claim descent. The incumbent Matriarch of the Presently Guided Temple, Matelie, is the child of the previous Patriarch, Desite, and grandchild of Vesten, establishing an essentially dynastic conception of Solar Descent in the Aelian States.
Descent onto Ardamar
Descent onto Astef
Descent onto Vesten
Descent onto Desite