Going down into the underworld, the quest for mystic wisdom, rebirth and immortality are all shown in dreams by descent. It is a symbol for exploring the unconscious. Descent often signifies applying practical solutions to problems. We may fear a loss of status, and yet be aware of the positive aspects of such loss which include not having to have such high expectations of ourselves and others. When we dream of a descent, such as coming down a mountain or steps, we are often searching for an answer to a particular problem. We need to be conscious of past trauma or something we have left behind and decide what we can learn from the experience. You may also wish to consult the entries for Deep and Fall/Falling