The Tenth House, also called the Midheaven, is the most elevated and powerful point in the chart. Known as the “Heart of the Sky,” it governs the native’s career, public reputation, honors, and profession. It also signifies the mother’s condition and quality. In the body, it corresponds to the knees.
Planets in the Tenth House
Saturn
When Saturn is poorly placed here, it brings loss and hardship through powerful people. The native may suffer imprisonment, fall from favor, and ruin in career. It may also signify a short life for the mother. In Leo, and with the Sun or Moon, it indicates legal trouble and harsh judgment. With Jupiter, there is danger despite innocence. With Mars, it may indicate capital punishment. If Venus rules the Tenth and Saturn is there, false accusations may cause suffering. If Mercury rules, the native may face torment and death. However, when Saturn is dignified, he grants wealth through buildings, agriculture, or government service—especially after age 30, as Saturn rewards maturity.
Jupiter
Jupiter brings riches, honors, and promotions—especially through public roles, church affairs, legal matters, or dealings with inheritances. Success comes easily and with good reputation.
Mars
If afflicted, Mars causes conflicts with authorities and family, shortens the parents’ lives, and stirs legal troubles. But when dignified, he brings success in professions involving military, tools, or forceful action.
Sun
The Sun promises authority, honor, and success beyond one’s birth. The native gains favor from rulers and earns advancement through brilliance and invention. Recognition comes from someone powerful.
Venus
Venus brings honors through women and favor from royalty. The native benefits from the mother’s wealth and is more fortunate later in life than in youth.
Mercury
Mercury here suggests talent in mathematics and science, with public praise for invention and intellect. The native may serve as advisor to a ruler. If afflicted by Mars, it brings loss and exile; if afflicted by Saturn, imprisonment and persecution follow.
Moon
The Moon indicates elevation through rulers and the people. Honors are won, but early life is changeable. Stability comes with age.
North Node
The Dragon’s Head here ensures honor and prosperity regardless of birth. The native will rise in life and be recognized for good character.
South Node
The Dragon’s Tail brings disgrace, loss of honor, and possibly imprisonment or exile. The native may fall from high status, and the mother may live a short or unhappy life.
Part of Fortune
This placement promises wealth and recognition through one’s profession or dealings with powerful figures—especially when supported by Jupiter or Venus. The native is lucky in his career and gains greatly from his chosen path.
Ruler of Other Houses in the Tenth House
Ruler of the First House in the Tenth
If the ruler of the Ascendant is placed in the Tenth House, the native will excel in his profession or public role. He will gain the support of powerful and respected individuals, and be honored by them.
Ruler of the Second House in the Tenth
When the ruler of the Second House is in the Tenth, the native will profit through his career, office, or status. He may receive financial gain or advancement through the favor of influential people.
Ruler of the Third House in the Tenth
If the ruler of the Third is found in the Tenth House, the native will travel in search of honor and recognition. However, this placement also warns of the death of siblings, as the Tenth is the Eighth (house of death) from the Third. Even while siblings live, there may be ongoing strife and conflict between them.
Ruler of the Fourth House in the Tenth
With this placement, the native’s father will be highly esteemed by nobility or people in power. The native himself will benefit greatly through his profession or public endeavors and may receive honors from distinguished individuals.
Ruler of the Fifth House in the Tenth
The ruler of the Fifth in the Tenth indicates that the native’s children may suffer from illness, though they could also be respected or honored by prominent figures. Because of his children’s position, the native may also gain favor or recognition.
Ruler of the Sixth House in the Tenth
This suggests that the native will face troubles from powerful people—possibly being slandered or oppressed by them. His reputation or status may suffer a downfall, bringing with it mental distress or illness.
Ruler of the Seventh House in the Tenth
When the ruler of the Seventh is in the Tenth, the native’s spouse is likely to be noble and come from a respected family. Through the spouse, the native may gain favor with those in power. If the placement is afflicted, however, it may lead to disputes over status or bring challenges in the native’s career or profession.
Ruler of the Eighth House in the Tenth
This placement may indicate that the native could die by law or royal decree—perhaps through punishment for a crime. However, if the ruler is well dignified, the native may instead rise to great honor, and die at the height of his glory.
Ruler of the Ninth House in the Tenth
With this configuration, the native may travel frequently and prosper in the company of nobles, kings, or learned individuals. These travels may be for cultural exposure or to learn a skill that requires travel. It may also indicate that the native’s brothers will marry into noble families.
Ruler of the Tenth House in the Tenth
This powerful placement brings high honors, leadership roles, and professional success. Even if born of humble background, the native may rise to great prominence through the support of rulers or influential people.
Ruler of the Eleventh House in the Tenth
When the ruler of the Eleventh is in the Tenth House, the native will gain powerful and noble friends. He will receive honors, achieve his hopes and ambitions—sometimes even beyond his expectations—especially if the planet is well dignified.
Ruler of the Twelfth House in the Tenth
This placement warns of harm to the native’s reputation through enemies. He may be slandered or face betrayal and false accusations. It can also signify imprisonment, exile, or other public misfortunes, particularly due to secret foes.
From the The Doctrine of Nativites and Horary Questions, JOHN GADBURY