#dashamsha

If you have ever wondered what your birth chart says about your career, reputation, and public life, look at the Dashamsha chart, also known as the D10. While your main birth chart (the D1 or Rashi chart) tells the broader story of your life, the D10 zooms in on your professional realm—how you're likely to show up in your career, how you gain recognition, and where your work path might lead.

The Dashamsha is one of the divisional charts in Vedic astrology, and it focuses specifically on karma related to profession. It divides each zodiac sign into 10 equal parts, offering a more detailed view of how planetary energies manifest in career and social status.

Simply put: D1 = who you are D10 = what you do (in the public/professional sphere)

For example, you might have a strong 10th house in your D1 chart but still feel professionally lost. Or, the reverse: a confusing D1 chart but a very clear and powerful D10. This is because the D10 often reveals how your career unfolds in real life.

What the Dashamsha reveals

Your natural career style (structured, flexible, creative, technical, etc.) and your overall attitude to career matters

Whether you thrive in jobs, business, freelancing, or service-oriented work

Suitable areas of work

Periods of major career shifts

Hints about public image, status, fame, or authority

Key things to check in the Dashamsha Chart

1. D10 Lagna (Ascendant): sets the tone for your approach to career:

Example:

Cancer Lagna: emotional connection to work; nurturers

Scorpio Lagna: strategic, intense, transformative career phases

Aries Lagna: action-driven, leadership-oriented, ambitious

2. Lagna Lord (Lagnesh): where the ruler of your D10 Ascendant is placed:

In Kendra (1, 4, 7, 10) or Trikona (1, 5, 9) houses – very auspicious and leads to success and recognition in career and public image.

In Upachaya (3, 6, 11) houses – still good, shows growth and results over time.

In Dusthana (6,8,12) - can have mixed results depending on the strength of Lagna Lord itself and whether it is a benefic or malefic planet.

3. 10th house in D10: classic house of career, authority, and recognition.

Check which planet rules the 10th house and where it’s placed.

If well-placed – expect stability and recognition.

If conjunct benefics (like Jupiter/Venus) – support and blessings in career.

If weak or afflicted – may indicate confusion or unconventional paths.

4. Planets in Kendra houses (1, 4, 7, 10): these houses are strong and visible:

Sun in 10th or 7th – leadership, influence, fame.

Saturn in 10th – slow but steady rise; service-oriented roles.

Mercury in 7th – business skills, commerce, communication, partnerships.

5. Check other houses

6th house – employment, competition, corporate careers.

7th house – own business, entrepreneurship, client-based work.

11th house – income from freelancing, large networks, social impact.

6. Check Nodal (Rahu-Ketu) axis in D10

While Rahu can provide insight into the areas where the soul seeks to gain professional experience (and therefore where a person may be more ambitious), Ketu, on the other hand, indicates areas of detachment or accumulated experience from past lives. This past-life knowledge can support the pursuit of professional goals indicated by Rahu in this lifetime. At the same time, Ketu often brings confusion and uncertainty in career matters, especially in the first part of life (Ketu "matures" by the age of 45-47). For example, having Ketu in the 10th house in the Dashamsha (or the Rasi) chart can indicate frequent changes in profession or difficulty in choosing a clear career path.

Final tips for Dashamsha analysis

Always read D10 along with D1: A strong D10 refines career understanding but doesn't override a deeply conflicted D1.

Check your current Mahadasha: Analyse the D10 position of the ruling planet—it often explains what's happening in your career now.

Look for patterns, not isolated placements: The most accurate insights come from consistent themes across both charts.

Pro-tip

To gain deeper insights, used by astrologers:

Analyse the nakshatras of your Ascendant, Sun, and Moon in both the D1 and D10 charts. It’s also important to check the nakshatra(s) of any planets placed in the 10th house of both charts. Each nakshatra carries distinct psychological traits, career themes, and karmic inclinations. When you observe repeating patterns across the nakshatras of your Ascendant, Sun, and Moon in both D1 and D10 - particularly when they point to similar career paths - it often reflects a strong karmic alignment with that line of work.

Additionally, evaluate Amatyakaraka (Amk) in both charts - the Amk planet will give an additional hint regarding the professional direction