In depth Guide to 6th House

Author: Shivani Sahay

Reviewed by: Nidhi RaichandNidhi Raichand

Last Published: Jul 11, 2025

It’s Monday morning. Your alarm didn’t go off. There’s a mountain of laundry, your boss is waiting for a report, and that nagging lower back pain is back. Yet, somehow, you pull through.

Ever wonder where that grit comes from?

In Vedic astrology, it’s the Sixth House, also known as Shatru Bhava or Ripu Bhava, that governs your daily battles, discipline, enemies (both inner and outer), health, and ability to serve.

Let’s break it down.

What Does the Sixth House Represent? #

The Sixth House is where real life begins. Your daily chores, responsibilities, and challenges. But it's not just the house of struggle. It shows how you face adversity, where you need routine, and how you heal.

Key Themes of the 6th House #

  • Health & Illness

    It shows your immunity, chronic ailments, and tendency toward stress-related conditions. A strong Sixth House indicates the ability to recover fast and fight off disease.

  • Enemies, Conflicts & Debts

    This house reveals the nature of your rivals, competitors, and even karmic enemies. It also shows how you deal with criticism, litigation, and debt.

  • Service, Work & Routine

    The Sixth House governs your daily grind, job pressure, and service mindset. It shows how you handle discipline, responsibilities, job satisfaction, and even office politics.

How the Sixth House Plays Out in Real Life #

  • You’re the one who never takes a sick day? That’s a strong 6th house.

  • You constantly find yourself getting blamed at work or stuck in legal trouble? That’s a troubled 6th house.

  • You love to plan, schedule, and tick off to-do lists? Sixth house again.

What Body Parts Does the Sixth House Rule? #

The Sixth House governs:

  • Stomach and intestines

  • Digestive system

  • Abdomen and lower back

  • Immune system

Common issues like gut health, acidity, or autoimmune disorders often have Sixth House links.

What Each Zodiac Sign Means in the Sixth House? #

Sign NumberZodiac SignGeneral Traits When in the Sixth House
1AriesBold problem-solver, tackles enemies head-on
2TaurusSteady in stress, slow but dependable healer
3GeminiOverthinks health, great at managing routines
4CancerEmotionally drained by conflict, loyal worker
5LeoProud in service, strong will to overcome illness
6 VirgoMaster of routine, health-conscious, critic at times
7LibraDiplomatic in conflict, avoids open hostility
8ScorpioSilent fighter, immune strength, emotional detox
9SagittariusSees problems philosophically, restless at work
10CapricornDisciplined, slow recovery but long endurance
11AquariusDetached from conflict, works for collective causes
12PiscesProne to fatigue, needs emotional-spiritual healing

What Do Planets in the Sixth House Mean? #

PlanetWhat it means
SunFocused on leadership in service, possible ego clashes at work
MoonEmotionally affected by conflict, may struggle with digestion
MarsCompetitive, bold, fights enemies aggressively
MercuryStrategist in legal/office matters, mind may overwork
JupiterServes with wisdom, may avoid confrontation
VenusKind-hearted in service, but may suffer relationship imbalance due to work stress
SaturnHardworking, endures long hours, takes time to recover from stress or illness.
RahuHighly focused on work or competition, may use untraditional methods to get ahead
KetuDetached from work, serves silently, prone to hidden ailments

What Does the Placement of the Sixth House Lord Tell You? #

PlacementEffect
1st HouseConstant challenges, may struggle with health early in life
2nd HouseDebt may affect family or finances
3rd HouseStrong competition with siblings or co-workers
4th HouseDomestic stress, health issues tied to emotional triggers
5th HouseStress linked to children or creativity
6th HouseHighly self-reliant, good at managing stress and work
7th HouseMarital or business partnerships may bring conflict
8th HouseProne to hidden illnesses, financial instability
9th HouseConflict with authority or beliefs
10th HouseOffice politics, but good at solving work crises
11th HouseGains through effort, success after overcoming hurdles
12th HouseExpenses due to illness or legal trouble; prone to burnout

Important Yogas Linked to the Sixth House #

  • Vipreet Raj Yoga

    When the lord of the 6th, 8th, or 12th house sits in one of these houses, it creates a turnaround. The native rises through adversity.

  • Ruchaka Yoga

    Mars in its own sign or exalted in the 6th gives immense courage to overcome enemies and health issues.

  • Shatru Hanta Yoga

    When a benefic planet aspects the Sixth House while the malefics are placed in the 3rd, 6th, or 11th, it helps in conquering rivals.

Common Professions Linked to the Sixth House #

  • Healthcare (Doctors, Nurses)

  • Legal fields (Lawyers, Paralegals)

  • Army, Police, or Security Forces

  • NGO or Welfare Work

  • Animal Care

  • Daily wage, service-oriented jobs

  • Civil services and clerical jobs

Curious to know yours? #

Talk to a Vaya astrologer and get a clear, personalized reading to understand how your Sixth House shows up in real life, and what you can do about it.

Check your chart now on Vaya’s Free Tools

Frequently Asked Questions About Sixth House in Vedic Astrology

Is the Sixth House always considered negative?

Not necessarily. Though associated with challenges like enemies, illness, and debts, the Sixth House can also be a source of great strength. It shows one’s ability to handle adversity, serve others, and rise through discipline and routine. A strong Sixth House or its lord often indicates a healer, fighter, or someone who grows through struggle. When well-placed, it empowers the native to overcome obstacles and transform hardships into achievements.

What planets are considered strong in the Sixth House?

Malefics like Mars, Saturn, and Rahu often do well in the Sixth House, as their aggressive or intense nature is suited to confrontation and endurance. These placements can indicate a fighter, strategist, or someone who thrives under pressure. Mercury and the Moon can also bring success in service, communication, or healing professions if well-placed. However, benefics may feel challenged here unless supported by strength and favourable aspects.

How does the Sixth House affect relationships and marriage?

The Sixth House is a dushtana and represents conflict, legal issues, and separations. If the Sixth House is connected to the 7th (marriage) or Venus, it can indicate disputes or challenges in relationships. Such a chart may point to argumentative tendencies or external interference in marital life. If well-placed, the Sixth House can also show the ability to handle challenges constructively within a relationship. However, an astrologer takes the overall strength of the chart for such interpretations.

What does the Sixth House reveal about enemies and rivalry?

This house directly governs open enemies, competitors, and rivals. Its strength determines how well a person can handle opposition. A powerful Sixth House (especially with Mars or Rahu) may show someone who is fearless in conflict and can overcome adversaries. On the flip side, a weak Sixth House might suggest vulnerability to manipulation, betrayal, or workplace politics.