In depth Guide to 6th House
Author: Shivani Sahay
Reviewed by: 
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 Number | Zodiac Sign | General Traits When in the Sixth House |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aries | Bold problem-solver, tackles enemies head-on |
| 2 | Taurus | Steady in stress, slow but dependable healer |
| 3 | Gemini | Overthinks health, great at managing routines |
| 4 | Cancer | Emotionally drained by conflict, loyal worker |
| 5 | Leo | Proud in service, strong will to overcome illness |
| 6 | Virgo | Master of routine, health-conscious, critic at times |
| 7 | Libra | Diplomatic in conflict, avoids open hostility |
| 8 | Scorpio | Silent fighter, immune strength, emotional detox |
| 9 | Sagittarius | Sees problems philosophically, restless at work |
| 10 | Capricorn | Disciplined, slow recovery but long endurance |
| 11 | Aquarius | Detached from conflict, works for collective causes |
| 12 | Pisces | Prone to fatigue, needs emotional-spiritual healing |
What Do Planets in the Sixth House Mean? #
| Planet | What it means |
|---|---|
| Sun | Focused on leadership in service, possible ego clashes at work |
| Moon | Emotionally affected by conflict, may struggle with digestion |
| Mars | Competitive, bold, fights enemies aggressively |
| Mercury | Strategist in legal/office matters, mind may overwork |
| Jupiter | Serves with wisdom, may avoid confrontation |
| Venus | Kind-hearted in service, but may suffer relationship imbalance due to work stress |
| Saturn | Hardworking, endures long hours, takes time to recover from stress or illness. |
| Rahu | Highly focused on work or competition, may use untraditional methods to get ahead |
| Ketu | Detached from work, serves silently, prone to hidden ailments |
What Does the Placement of the Sixth House Lord Tell You? #
| Placement | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1st House | Constant challenges, may struggle with health early in life |
| 2nd House | Debt may affect family or finances |
| 3rd House | Strong competition with siblings or co-workers |
| 4th House | Domestic stress, health issues tied to emotional triggers |
| 5th House | Stress linked to children or creativity |
| 6th House | Highly self-reliant, good at managing stress and work |
| 7th House | Marital or business partnerships may bring conflict |
| 8th House | Prone to hidden illnesses, financial instability |
| 9th House | Conflict with authority or beliefs |
| 10th House | Office politics, but good at solving work crises |
| 11th House | Gains through effort, success after overcoming hurdles |
| 12th House | Expenses 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.