Sixth house (Ari bhava)
The sixth house (Ari bhava) governs obstacles, competition, health routines, debts, disputes and daily service. Though counted among the difficult houses, it is also the house of overcoming.
Also known as: ripu bhava, shatru bhava, roga bhava, 6th house, house of enemies
Ari means enemy. The 6th house describes rivals and competition, illness and recovery, loans and debts, litigation, hard work, employees and service, pets and maternal uncles. It shows the problems life sets you and your capacity to solve them.
The 6th is both a dusthana and an upachaya, so it improves with effort and age. Malefics such as Mars, Saturn and Rahu often thrive here, giving the stamina to beat competition, clear debts and serve well. Mars is its natural significator in Parashara’s list, with Saturn often added, and Virgo is its natural sign.
A strong 6th house suits medicine, law, the services, competitive examinations and any work that solves problems. Health themes shown here are tendencies, not diagnoses: read them as a nudge towards good routines, and take medical questions to a doctor.