The Sixth House reveals the native’s illnesses—their nature, cause, and whether they are curable or not. It also signifies aunts and uncles, servants and employees, and all animals of lesser size or use, such as sheep, pigs, dogs, and hares. It governs the gain or loss one experiences through these, and it speaks to one’s relationship with laborers and those in service.
The Greeks called it Katadysis, meaning decline or misfortune, due to the sufferings brought on by illness and servitude. It is considered an unfortunate part of the chart because it has no natural connection to the Ascendant—it does not aspect it—and so is called a dark or obscure house.
Planets in the Sixth House
Saturn
When Saturn is in the Sixth House, it brings chronic and stubborn illnesses and bodily pain. The native may be plagued with troublesome or rebellious servants and face frequent misfortunes related to them. There may also be imprisonment or grief, and bodily suffering that seems inseparable from life itself.
Jupiter
When Jupiter is in the Sixth, the native is generally healthy and free of serious disease. He finds success in dealings with small animals and benefits from loyal, trustworthy servants. Jupiter also shows respect from the native’s household and advantages through his father’s relatives.
Mars
Mars in this house causes hot and dry diseases. If afflicted, he can deform the body or cause lameness. Servants may bring trouble, and dealings with small animals may end in loss. However, if Mars is well placed and supported—especially with Venus or in aspect to Mercury—the native may become a skilled physician.
The Sun
The Sun in the Sixth brings losses related to small animals and frequent difficulties with servants. While some may be helpful, others will cause disorder. This placement also shows long-term or mental illness. If Mars is in the Ascendant along with the Sun in the Sixth, the father of the native may have a short life.
Venus
Venus in the Sixth indicates trouble from female servants. Illnesses are few, but those that occur often stem from sexual excess. The native may be overly lustful yet struggle with potency. If married, his wife may lack virtue or modesty. If Venus is afflicted by Mars—especially by square or opposition—his wife may be promiscuous. But if Venus is in good aspect to Jupiter, she will have excellent character. This placement also brings gain through servants and animals, and honor from one’s family.
Mercury
Mercury in the Sixth shows the native is prone to sensual living and often deceived by women. If afflicted by Saturn or Mars, Mercury indicates dangerous illnesses, sometimes ending in a violent death. The native may also suffer loss or imprisonment due to servants. However, if well dignified, Mercury gives skill in arithmetic, healing, and detailed arts.
Moon
The Moon in the Sixth causes illnesses affecting the brain and mind. There may be disputes with women and quarrels with relatives. Yet, if the Moon is well placed, she brings bodily health, loyal servants, and support from kin. The native may also gain through small animals.
North Node
The North Node in the Sixth gives honest and faithful servants. The native enjoys good health and rarely suffers serious illness. He will be fortunate through his father’s relatives and successful in matters involving small animals.
South Node
The South Node in the Sixth brings severe and troublesome diseases, and continual problems with dishonest or harmful servants. The native may experience repeated betrayal and loss by those in his service. One such native was robbed of 170 pounds by a servant after only a year and a half; another lost 60 pounds’ worth of goods to a servant who gambled it away. He himself admitted he had never hired a servant who hadn’t wronged him in some way—an outcome clearly shown by the South Node in his Sixth House. This placement also threatens loss through dealings in small animals.
Part of Fortune
The Part of Fortune in the Sixth, when well placed, brings profit through servants and animals of the smaller kind. It also signifies that the native’s aunts and uncles will enjoy happiness and prosperity.
Ruler of Other Houses in the sixth house
Ruler of the First House in the Sixth House
When the ruler of the Ascendant is in the Sixth House, the native is often troubled by illness, especially in the body parts governed by the sign where the ruler is placed. He tends toward laziness, avoids hard work, and dislikes physical labor.
Ruler of the Second House in the Sixth House
This placement indicates losses or financial harm caused by servants, small animals, or recurring illness. There is often a drain on resources from these areas.
Ruler of the Third House in the Sixth House
When the ruler of the third is placed here, there may be frequent quarrels and disagreements among the native’s siblings and relatives. The native himself may also experience tension with them.
Ruler of the Fourth House in the Sixth House
This suggests the native’s parents are low in status, possibly poor or living in degraded conditions. However, the native may profit through the care of small animals or through practicing medicine or healing. Still, this person may have a tendency toward lying and deceit.
Ruler of the Fifth House in the Sixth House
Children may suffer mild or manageable illnesses. The native can benefit from the labor or service of his children. I have seen charts where this placement corresponded with children becoming servants to their own father—a striking proof of the rule.
Ruler of the Sixth House in the Sixth House
This shows that the native may suffer ailments due to overwork. However, if the ruler of the Sixth makes a favorable aspect to the ruler of the Ascendant, the native will remain healthy despite periods of strain.
Ruler of the Seventh House in the Sixth House
The native may marry someone of low status—perhaps a bondwoman or servant—who may be disgraced or spoken ill of by others. This also suggests the native himself may be dishonest, scheming, or involved in questionable dealings.
Ruler of the Eighth House in the Sixth House
When placed here, the native may suffer losses from servants or from dealings with small animals. If the ruler is poorly dignified, there could even be danger to life from an uncle or another close relation.
Ruler of the Ninth House in the Sixth House
This placement often shows that the native will marry someone in a position of servitude. He will increase his wealth through his servants and through managing small animals.
Ruler of the Tenth House in the Sixth House
This position generally shows a modest or impoverished life. Yet, if the ruler is well placed, the native may still earn respect among family or in his local community, and he could receive gifts or favors despite his limited means.
Ruler of the Eleventh House in the Sixth House
Here, the native may not live a long life. Still, he will overcome hardship, break free from difficult labor or servitude, and find fortune within his family.
Ruler of the Twelfth House in the Sixth House
This placement brings trouble from servants, including betrayal or hidden malice. The native may also face harm from an uncle or aunt. He is likely to be quite unlucky in matters related to small livestock or working with animals.
From the The Doctrine of Nativites and Horary Questions, JOHN GADBURY