Reflecting on the 10th House: Career, Legacy, and Honour in Everyday Life
What do Napoleon I, Vincent Van Gogh, Albert Einstein, Al Pacino, Donald Trump and Liam Payne all share? A common astrological placement - Sun in the 10th house
As the Sun moves into Scorpio, lighting up my 10th house, I’ve found myself thinking about what this really means. Traditionally, the 10th house in astrology is all about career, social status, and how the world sees us. But my personal experience with it doesn’t quite match up with this idea.
The 10th House: It's Not Just About Career
When I first got into astrology, I found out my natal Sun was in the 10th House, learning that the 10th house was tied to career and public reputation. That always felt a bit off for me. I became a mum when I was 20, and raising my three kids has been my main focus ever since. In fact, I’ve spent more time as a mother than I have not being one.
The 10th house is said to show our potential and achievements in life. Many Astrologers will say that having the Sun in the 10th house means your life will centre around your career or public image. But for me, that’s never been the case. Yes, I’ve run my own business and held some interesting jobs, but none of that has ever been long term, full-time. I’ve always made sure to prioritise time with my children over a career. Some modern Astrologers link the 10th House to Capricorn which could mean my career begin later in life, I'm in my 40s now.
Could the 10th House Be About More Than Work?
In Vedic astrology, the 10th house has another meaning, especially for women. It can represent social status through marriage, not just career. That made me wonder—could my 10th house also reflect my partner’s role in my life? After all, Venus, the planet of relationships, is also in my 10th house, sitting in Sagittarius. Funnily enough, I met my current partner while travelling for work. So, maybe for me, the 10th house ties together my work, love life, and family in ways I hadn’t thought about before.
Legacy and Honour: What Do They Mean in Real Life?
Another key theme of the 10th house is legacy and honour. But what does that actually mean in everyday life?
Across cultures, these ideas of legacy and honour have always been important. In ancient Greece, there was a concept called Arete, which was about living up to your full potential and striving for excellence. This idea is similar to what the 10th house represents in astrology—it’s not just about achieving outward success, but about living a life that has meaning and purpose.
But legacy doesn’t have to be something grand like building an empire or becoming famous. For many of us, it’s about the impact we have on our family and the values we pass down to our children.
Famous People with Sun in the 10th House
Looking at famous people with the Sun in their 10th house gives us some interesting examples. People like Donald Trump, Pablo Escobar, Albert Einstein, Napoleon I, Al Pacino, Vincent Van Gogh and Liam Payne all had their Sun in this house. Some changed the world in positive ways, while others became the centre of controversy and sometimes both!
One thing that seems to follow people with the Sun in the 10th house is that they often attract attention, sometimes negative. I’ve experienced this too. It’s like trouble or drama comes out of nowhere. But what’s important to remember is that mud washes off. People can throw dirt, but it doesn’t stick for long.
Honour Is Everything for 10th House People
For those with the Sun in the 10th house, acting with honour is essential. If they don’t, things can fall apart quickly. Take Napoleon or Pablo Escobar—both had great power, but could it be that a lapse in honour is what eventually led to their well documented downfalls?
However, if people with this placement live with integrity, they are often lifted to new heights. Their legacy can last for generations, and they are remembered not just for what they did, but for the way they lived. In fact, there are often signs of protection around these people, like failed assassinations, lost smear campaigns or other attempts to take them down that just don’t succeed, their name lives on even after their life has ended.
What Legacy Will I Leave?
When I think about my own legacy, it’s clear to me that it’s not about a job or career. It’s about my family. In astrology, the 5th house represents our creativity, which includes our children. For me, my children are my greatest legacy.
I’ve spent years working through old family wounds, trying to heal the pain of the past. I’m not perfect, but I hope that I’ve made enough progress that future generations—my children and their children—will benefit. I believe that with time, the wounds of the past can heal, even if it takes several generations to do so.
Honour in Parenthood
For me, honour means showing up for my family, being there for my children, and living in a way that I can be proud of. It’s not about public recognition or a fancy job title. It’s about the love and care I give to my family every day. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.
As the Sun lights up my 10th house, I’m reminded that legacy and honour aren’t just abstract ideas. They’re the small, everyday choices we make, the relationships we nurture, and the lives we impact. And for me, that’s more than enough.
What About Your 10th House?
To explore your 10th House in astrology, begin by identifying the sign on its cusp (the start of the house). What does this sign reveal about your potential? How does it relate to your past or current career goals and life ambitions? Next, find where the ruler of that sign is located in your birth chart. Which house does it reside in, and how might it support your goals? Also, check if there are any planets in your 10th House—how might their influence shape your future? By reflecting on these elements, you can gain insight into the legacy you wish to leave behind, unlocking the path to your future.
The concepts discussed are part of a widely accepted body of knowledge shared by astrologers across time. Caroline would like to extend her gratitude to the many astrologers who have come before her, whose wisdom and insights have influenced and inspired her own work. Their contributions continue to shape the astrological community and guide the interpretations presented here.
Caroline, an Astrologer and Mentor based in the Scottish Highlands, offers personalised 1:1 sessions exploring birth charts, emotional insights, career guidance and relationships. With her background in education and specialisation in neurodiversity, Caroline tailors each session to the unique needs of her clients, helping them navigate the complexities of their emotional and personal lives. For more information on how to explore your natal chart, visit http://saturnseminary.com
You forgot one. Dr. Martin Luther King. And he’s a Capricorn…heavy heavy haha . My soon and lion is in 10th house. I placed a huge emphasis on career and higher learning more than relationships and children. This was not to my detriment
I always felt the same way. My sun and XMC are in cap (though my sun is technically in cap house XI). Career and position were never at the forefront. It’s been more about family, kids and finding my soulmate, which I always attributed more to my cancer north node. But your article has rung true. Very insightful!