Dusthana (difficult houses)
The dusthanas are the 6th, 8th and 12th houses, traditionally called the difficult houses. They govern obstacles, sudden change and loss, and also healing, research and spiritual release.
Also known as: dusthana houses, dusthan, trik bhava, trik houses
Together they are called the trik bhavas. The 6th deals with disputes, debts and illness; the 8th with crises, longevity and what is hidden; the 12th with expenses, isolation and endings. Planets placed in them, or ruling them, can bring effort and upheaval into the areas they touch.
Their other face matters as much. The 6th is the house of overcoming, the 8th of transformation and research, the 12th of charity, retreat and moksha. Malefics often do well in the 6th, and when lords of dusthanas sit in other dusthanas they can form Vipareeta Raj yoga, success that rises out of difficulty.
Having planets in these houses is entirely normal; almost every chart does. Astrologers judge the strength of the planets and lords involved before drawing conclusions, and the most useful reading is about where you grow through challenge.