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6th House · Ari / Shatru Bhava

The 6th House

The house of health, enemies, debts and daily work — the challenges you overcome.

Also known asHouse of Health, Enemies & Service
Natural karakaMars & Saturn
House typeDusthana + Upachaya
Body partLower abdomen, intestines, kidneys

What the 6th house means

The 6th house governs health and disease, enemies and conflict, debts, obstacles, litigation and daily work and service. It is a Dusthana (difficult house), but also an Upachaya (growing house), so it rewards effort — the very struggles it brings can be turned into strength, discipline and victory over rivals.

A well-handled 6th house gives the ability to defeat enemies, overcome debt and disease, and excel in competitive, service-oriented work. Afflictions can bring chronic illness, litigation or persistent obstacles. Notably, malefics like Mars and Saturn do well here, giving the fighting power to win.

What the 6th house governs

  • Health, illness and healing
  • Enemies, rivals and conflict
  • Debts and litigation
  • Daily work and service
  • Obstacles and competition
  • The intestines and digestion

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Planets in the 6th house

What each of the nine planets tends to give when placed in the 6th house:

SunPower to defeat enemies and rise in service or government; strong vitality to overcome illness, though ego can create rivals.
MoonEmotional sensitivity to conflict and health; caregiving or service work, with digestion affected by stress.
MarsExcellent here (its own domain): the strength to crush enemies and debts, courage in competition and success in disciplined service.
MercurySkill in service, healthcare, law or accounts; a clever handler of debts and disputes, and success over rivals through wit.
JupiterA benefic in a Dusthana is somewhat wasted, but gives ethical service, healing ability and protection from enemies.
VenusComfort disturbed by the 6th; possible relationship or reproductive health issues, but skill in service and mediation.
SaturnVery strong here: relentless discipline that defeats enemies and debts over time; a hard worker and formidable competitor.
RahuExcellent for defeating enemies and winning litigation; ambition in service, but unusual or hard-to-diagnose ailments.
KetuMysterious health issues and hidden enemies; but also intuitive healing ability and detachment from conflict.

These are general tendencies — the actual result depends on the planet’s sign, dignity, aspects and the houses it rules in your chart.

Remedies & strengthening

Strengthen Mars/Saturn through discipline; serve the needy; guard health with routine; face enemies with patience, not aggression.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 6th house represent?

The 6th house (Ari or Shatru Bhava) represents health and disease, enemies, debts, obstacles, litigation and daily work or service. It is a Dusthana (difficult house) but also an Upachaya, so it rewards sustained effort.

Are malefics good in the 6th house?

Yes — malefics like Mars, Saturn, the Sun and Rahu actually perform well in the 6th house, giving the strength to defeat enemies, overcome debts and illness, and win in competition. Benefics here are somewhat wasted.

Does the 6th house show disease?

Yes — the 6th house is the primary house for health, illness and healing, alongside the 1st and 8th. A strong 6th house gives resilience and recovery, while afflictions can indicate chronic or recurring ailments.

Related

5th HouseHouse of Children & Intellect7th HouseHouse of Marriage & PartnershipsAll 12 housesBhava hubFree KundliSee your houses

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