Sixth House (Shatru Bhava) in Vedic Astrology

1. General Significance of the Sixth House (Shatru Bhava)

The Sixth House, also known as Shatru Bhava, represents diseases, enemies, obstacles, debts, daily work, service, competition, and litigation. It governs hardships, struggles, discipline, and one’s ability to overcome difficulties.

Core Attributes of the Sixth House:

• Enemies, Competitors, and Rivalries
• Diseases, Illnesses, and General Health Issues
• Debt, Loans, and Financial Struggles
• Legal Matters, Lawsuits, and Court Cases
• Service, Jobs, and Daily Work Routine
• Discipline, Hard Work, and Overcoming Obstacles
• Maternal Relatives, Especially Maternal Uncle
• Pets and Small Animals
• Accidents, Injuries, and Medical Treatments
• Diet, Nutrition, and Lifestyle

The Sixth House is an Upachaya (growing) house, meaning struggles and challenges can lead to personal growth and success over time.

Connection of the Sixth House with Other Houses:

• It is the house of struggle and service, while the 12th house represents liberation from struggles.
• It supports the 10th house (career and reputation) by shaping work discipline and competitiveness.
• It is linked to the 8th house (chronic health issues) and the 3rd house (efforts and courage in facing adversity).

2. Description from Core Classical Texts

A. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)

Maharishi Parashara explains that the Sixth House governs obstacles, enemies, health issues, and daily work. Key points include:

1. A strong Sixth House helps in overcoming enemies, excelling in competitions, and achieving financial discipline.
2. An afflicted Sixth House can lead to health problems, debts, and legal troubles.
3. Planets in the Sixth House influence the native’s approach to challenges, work ethic, and resilience.

Parashara also states that Mars is the natural karaka (significator) of the Sixth House, as it represents strength, fights, and discipline.

B. Jataka Parijata

Vaidyanatha Dikshita describes the Sixth House as a measure of one’s ability to handle struggles and adversities. He mentions that:

• A well-placed Sixth Lord grants courage, perseverance, and success in competitive fields.
• Malefic planets here can cause chronic diseases, legal issues, or workplace conflicts.
• Benefics in the Sixth House ensure resilience, financial stability, and good health.

C. Phaladeepika

Mantreswara states that the Sixth House represents challenges and how one deals with them. He explains:

• A strong Sixth House provides victory over enemies and success in legal matters.
• Afflictions can lead to financial difficulties, debts, and long-term illnesses.
• The Sixth House also determines one’s relationship with co-workers and subordinates.

D. Saravali

Kalyan Varma highlights the importance of the Sixth House in determining one’s work ethic and ability to handle stress. He states:

• A strong Sixth House makes a person courageous, disciplined, and hard-working.
• A weak or afflicted Sixth House can indicate laziness, financial instability, or health issues.

E. Brihat Jataka

Varahamihira describes the Sixth House as a key house for success through effort and perseverance. He emphasizes:

• A strong Sixth House makes one fearless and determined.
• Afflictions can cause mental stress, financial burdens, and disputes.

3. Planets in the Sixth House and Their Effects

Each planet in the Sixth House modifies its impact on enemies, health, and work life:

Benefic Planets in the Sixth House

• Jupiter – Success in overcoming challenges, good health, wise in handling disputes.
• Venus – Diplomatic, maintains peace in conflicts, good at service-oriented jobs.
• Mercury – Skilled in negotiation, intelligent in handling debts and enemies.
• Moon – Emotional strength, ability to manage workplace stress effectively.

Malefic Planets in the Sixth House

• Sun – Strong-willed, competitive, may face ego clashes at work.
• Mars – Aggressive, fearless, good for military or law enforcement careers.
• Saturn – Hard-working, disciplined, but may face long-term health issues.
• Rahu – Unpredictable conflicts, sudden legal troubles or secret enemies.
• Ketu – Detached from conflicts, interest in healing and spiritual remedies.

4. Effects of the Sixth House in Different Signs

• Aries – Aggressive, competitive, courageous in overcoming challenges.
• Taurus – Practical, good at managing finances and debts.
• Gemini – Intelligent, strategic, good at workplace communication.
• Cancer – Emotionally resilient, can handle stress effectively.
• Leo – Bold, dominant, strong leadership in conflict situations.
• Virgo – Analytical, disciplined, excellent in health and financial management.
• Libra – Balanced, skilled in negotiations, avoids unnecessary disputes.
• Scorpio – Secretive, intense, strategic in overcoming adversaries.
• Sagittarius – Optimistic, takes challenges as life lessons.
• Capricorn – Hardworking, disciplined, slow but steady progress.
• Aquarius – Innovative, unconventional in handling enemies and debts.
• Pisces – Spiritual, prefers peaceful resolutions, interest in healing professions.

5. Sixth House and Diseases

The Sixth House governs:

• Chronic illnesses, digestive issues, and liver problems.
• Mental stress, anxiety, and nervous disorders.
• Accidents, wounds, and surgical procedures.
• Addictions, unhealthy habits, and dietary issues.

An afflicted Sixth House can indicate persistent health problems, financial difficulties, or workplace struggles.

6. Remedies for a Weak or Afflicted Sixth House

If the Sixth House or its Lord is weak or afflicted, the following remedies can help:

1. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa or Durga Saptashati for protection against enemies and health issues.
2. Wearing a Red Coral (for Mars) or Blue Sapphire (for Saturn), depending on the Sixth Lord.
3. Donating food, clothing, or helping the poor to reduce karmic burdens.
4. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama for overcoming debts and obstacles.
5. Practicing yoga and meditation for mental and physical well-being.
6. Feeding stray dogs or donating black lentils for relief from Saturn-related afflictions.

Conclusion

The Sixth House (Shatru Bhava) is crucial for handling challenges, health, and competition. It represents one’s ability to overcome difficulties, maintain financial discipline, and sustain good health. A strong Sixth House ensures success in competition, resilience against diseases, and victory over enemies, while an afflicted Sixth House can lead to financial burdens, health problems, and workplace conflicts. Proper remedies can strengthen the Sixth House and bring stability.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is intended for reference by knowledge seekers. The author has compiled these details from standard texts and experienced astrologers. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, astrology is a vast and interpretative field.

If you have a different perspective or opinion on any fact mentioned, you are encouraged to use your own wisdom and judgment to follow the data points that align with your experience and belief system. The reader is responsible for their own interpretations and applications of the information provided.

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in