Descending dream meaning is explained below using 4 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Martha Clarke

Descending may have a negative interpretation. It can be a symbol of failure, disappointment, or frustration. However, it may also represent that you want to get into an unknown world. In oneiric terms, descending to a basement marks the desire to find hidden aspects of yourself. And get to the bottom of a well also allows you to find a secret truth and be ready to go back to the surface. In general, this decline is usually toward your unconscious, especially when it is into caves, wells, tombs, and cellars.

There are legends claiming that the ancient civilization of Crete built temples in underground caves. There, they performed their dances, ceremonies, and rituals. Since the beginning of time, descending to underground places symbolized the divine and spiritual quest of the human being. 

Source: The Big Dictionary of Dreams • Author: Martha Clarke

Interpretation 2 — Ibn Seerin

(Declivity) Descending a mountain, a hill or an elevation in a dream represents losses, migraine headache, humiliation, passing from a higher to a lower condition, separation between husband and wife, losing one’s job, demotion, degradation, abandoning one’s religion, or it could mean adversities in general. Descending a steep slope in a dream also means safe landing, worldly blessings and nomination for a religious duty. Descending from a mountain in a dream means relief from adversities or change in one’s conditions. Coming down from an old ladder in a dream means investing in a business to earn nothing from one’s efforts.

If the ladder breaks half-way through in the dream, it means losing to one’s adversary.

Source: Islamic Dream Interpretation • Author: Ibn Seerin

Interpretation 3 — Nancy Wagaman

Descending or going downhill could represent: A feeling of losing progress, moving backward or downward in life, or the idea of things getting worse (as in a “downward spiral”).

Things getting easier or making easy progress (as walking downhill is easier than walking uphill).

The idea of something decreasing (such as energy, stress, or money).

Descending into the subconscious level.

Becoming more relaxed.

See Falling, Low, Bottom, Stairs, Floor, Under, Underground, Diving, Decreasing, Sliding

Source: The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary • Author: Nancy Wagaman

Interpretation 4 — Margaret Hamilton

See “falling”
Source: Dream Dictionary Unlimited • Author: Margaret Hamilton