In Vedic astrology, the Sixth House (Shatru Bhava) represents service, health, daily routines, debts, enemies, and challenges. Classical texts like Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali, and Phaladeepika regard the Sixth House as a domain of conflict resolution, discipline, and karmic testing, where one must confront adversities and emerge stronger.
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra identifies the Sixth House as the house of diseases, debts, litigation, and subordinates. It reveals how one handles obstacles, competes with others, and manages health. The position and strength of the Sixth Lord and planets placed here determine resistance to disease, ability to face competition, and skill in overcoming difficulties.
Saravali highlights the Sixth House’s connection to service, pets, healing professions, and overcoming enemies. A strong Sixth House bestows resilience, stamina, and a disciplined nature, aiding success in professions related to medicine, law, or public service. When afflicted, it can result in chronic health issues, debt traps, or entanglement in disputes and enmity.
Phaladeepika links the Sixth House with servants, hard work, and one’s capacity to serve society. It also relates to maternal relatives and legal matters. Remedies for an afflicted Sixth House include practicing humility, managing daily habits with discipline, helping the sick or underprivileged, and chanting mantras of benefic planets influencing this house.
Understanding the Sixth House is vital for assessing one’s ability to manage stress, maintain wellness, and grow through service. It reflects one’s endurance, problem-solving ability, and willingness to face life’s hardships with courage and persistence.