Tenth House

Career, Honor, Standing in the World

The Tenth House of the horoscope represents the areas of life associated with Career, Profession, Honor and one’s Status in the World. This is an ‘earth’ house so related activities concern manifesting one’s efforts and learning into tangible form. The sign of Capricorn is the natural ruler and, as such, Saturn is the ruling planet, both suggesting areas of responsibility, obligations and planning, as well as the foundation one works to build as they establish their standing in the world.

The 10th House represents the peak of what you will contribute to society, the things for which you will be respected for or best known, either positive or negative…its about one’s reputation. The cusp of the 10th is known as the “Midheaven” (MC) and is one of the angles of the chart, thus it carries particular significance. In the horoscope the MC represents the highest point the Sun reached on the day of one’s birth, and the ancients believed it to signify the highest point of what one can accomplish in their lifetime…their potential.

At the top of the chart the MC is directly opposite the IC (Imum Coeli) which is the cusp of the 4th House. The IC reflects our roots, our ancestry and our psychological beginnings…this is where we come from, and the MC is the direction in which we are headed. Exactly what one achieves, and the height of their success is dependent upon the path and actions they take. The chart is a map of potentialities, not foregone conclusions, and this house reflects how the rest of the world will view the individual and their accomplishments. It can be thought of it as the house of one’s ‘fame and fortune’.

The idea of ‘career’ or ‘profession’ in the 10th represents the scope of a body of work, a dedication or vocation. It differs from the idea of ‘work’ or one’s ‘job’ as reflected by the 6th house, which is related more to the daily activities associated with one’s life or how they earn their living. The area of career suggests longer term ambition, how high one wants to climb. Visually, think of the mountain goat as represented by Capricorn, and its climb towards the peak. The summit is the goal and on the journey towards that end, employers, bosses, government agencies, aristocracy, Presidents, Kings and other rulers may all have influence and impact. They represent positions of authority and some form of control or imposed structure that can rule or govern one’s life.

On a more personal level, the 10th House has traditionally represented the father figure since this parent is often considered the more authoritarian. However, in modern times, some slight modification is required in how parental relationships are considered, so one would look to the 10th as representative of the parent who is most influential or ‘in charge’. Conversely, the most nurturing parent is found in the opposite house (4th), traditionally thought to represent one’s mother. To illustrate, I will share a brief interpretation of these traditional elements in my own chart. My Dad was always the one strongly encouraging us, his children, to climb to the top of the mountain, whatever that mountain represented to us. He was very much a driving force towards accomplishment, so he shows up in my 10th House with Aquarius on the Cusp (Saturn one of the rulers). Mum was always there to provide support, comfort and nurturing when we may have taken a wrong step or tumbled back down the mountain a little. She was always immensely proud and protective of us, so she is clearly represented in my 4th House with Leo on the Cusp. I’m fortunate my parents made a good team in this regard, and hopefully the example helps to illustrate the 10th/4th house axis.

As we grow into adulthood and step out into the world, we become more concerned with expressing our professional or career image and part of that journey involves us developing and maturing. This is where the planet Saturn comes in…the planet of authority represents not only those whom you regard as having a position of power or influence, it also involves stepping into your own authority in the world, claiming your position and credibility in a certain field, realm or profession.

The sign on the cusp of the 10th House suggests how you are, or will be, recognized by others and the manner in which you work to get there, and how you build your foundation for success. For example, Taurus on the cusp might indicate you like to be in control of your career and will seek a position of status and wealth. Your approach to career will be steady and deliberate and you might do well in areas related to finance or those that involve your senses.  Leo on the 10th suggests someone who is very confident and seeks to shine and be readily recognized by others, enjoying public adulation, such as entertainers and others very comfortable on the stage. Aquarius on the cusp suggests one who approaches career in a different or innovative way, or one who chooses an alternative or non-traditional career. Technology, innovation, and occupations that have a concern for humanity are all possibilities that fit with this sign.

Planets in the 10th House will provide some indication of the type of career one might have or how it might manifest. Mercury, for example, could suggest a career involving communication, such as writing, broadcasting, or journalism. Pluto suggests a great deal of power or transformation in one’s career, either exerting power, working to achieve it, or having it risked or taken away. Politicians and CEO’s are examples of careers and positions that might be represented by Pluto.

The 10th House is very visible and it can be an interesting exercise to see how the sign on the cusp and any planets within it manifest in the life of the individual. I invite you to consider your own 10th House…what does the sign on the cusp suggest about the direction in which you are moving? How does it reflect what you have accomplished in your career or for your public persona thus far, and how have you achieved your current status? Are you on track towards maximizing the potential suggested by your MC? This is your journey, your mountain…so above all, enjoy the climb!

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