Everything You Need to Know About the 6th House in Astrology

All about the 6th House/Sixth House in astrology, including the meaning and themes of this part of your birth chart.

What’s cooking, good looking? What’s a house without a kitchen, bathroom, and a home gym? Sorry, New Yorkers, I get it. Sometimes, making space and spreading out can be challenging when faced with rent prices. But we all use our space to the best of our abilities—which aligns very well with the practical nature of the 6th House in your birth chart.

In astrology, the 6th House represents work, wellness, and lifestyle. In contrast to the way the 1sts House represents how people perceive you, the 6th House represents how you feel about navigating your daily life. With its ruler Mars representing drive and motivation, your 6th House can also provide insights into navigating your schedule. For example, you might prefer a more consistent and predictable routine if you have your 6th House in a fixed sign (Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, or Taurus). On the other hand, people with their 6th House in a cardinal sign (Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn) may be natural leaders who attract new projects and opportunities regularly. And believe it or not, the 6th House can be a reference point for the best exercise for you—fellow gym bunnies rejoice! The stars can be used as a guide on how to thrive.

Catch up on the Houses:

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How do you find your 6th House?

The simplest way of calculating which zodiac sign your 6th House is in is by first determining which sign your 1st House is in (hint: It'll be the same as your Rising sign). Did you get it? Awesome! Now, which zodiac sign is opposite your 1st House? That's likely where your 7th House falls. Finally, go back from your 7th House by one sign, and you've found your 6th House. If you’re not interested in mental math, use the calculator below.

This birth chart calculator was created by www.astro-seek.com in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website www.naramon.com.

What are the themes of the 6th House?

The 6th House is one of the most mundane of all the houses. And by "mundane" I don't mean "boring"—I mean "dealing with day-to-day life." Since the 6th House is below the horizon and at the bottom of your birth chart, it is much more personal than external. With it coming before before the 7th House of close partnerships and relationships, I interpret the 6th House as the domain we exist in when preparing to open ourselves up to the world. For example, before we allow ourselves to commit to a relationship, network, hang out with friends, and do all other social matters, we should ensure our work is in order and our health is intact. Naturally, the 6th House rules over all those ordinary and necessary matters.

The 6th House is associated with issues relating to our sexual, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. When difficult placements fall within the 6th House, the individuals with those placements must carefully see how they treat themselves. Our ability to tend to matters related to our 6th House can help fuel our self-esteem and ensure that we are in alignment with public health policies as opposed to being menaces to society!

Which sign and planets are associated with the 6th House?

The zodiac sign associated with the 6th house is Virgo, the mutable earth sign. Virgo’s association with the 6th House is how Virgo got their reputation for keeping lists and ensuring life is in order. Now, if you’ve ever met a Virgo, you know that they are a bit like frantic stoics who’ve learned how to weather earthquakes. Their ability to accept that life will always bring unpredictable ebbs and flows is how they’ve learned to manage the more tedious aspects of day-to-day life. So, if you want to take a page from a high-performing Virgo's book, seek the answers to develop your ideal routine by studying your 6th House.

The planet associated with the 6th House is Mercury. Mercury’s association with the 6th House leads to the 6th House being a crucial point of intimacy. We’re much more likely to approach subjects related to the 6th House with a sense of introversion. 6th House energy is a bit more controlled and closed off.

What does it mean if you have planets in your 6th House in your birth chart?

The 6th House on your birth chart is a cadent house, which precedes an angular house. Angular houses (the 1st House, 4th House, 7th House, and 10th House) are much more significant and represent important aspects of your character. On the other hand, the cadent houses add to your personality. In fact, cadent houses are considered much less important than other houses in your birth chart. When a planet falls within the 6th House, it has a less critical role in your character, personality, and image than it would if it fell in your 1st or 4th House.

To be born with a planet or luminary (that's the Sun and Moon) within your 6th House is similar to having appliances within your gym, kitchen, or bathroom. For example, the planet Mercury may serve as a poster that reminds you how to keep your food prep schedule in order. The planet Venus may serve as a vanity mirror in your private gym, allowing you to appreciate your gains and losses. Whichever planet falls within your 6th House brings added themes, blessings, and challenges to your health and work. For example, Saturn in the 6th House could mark a chronic ailment or someone who has to be responsible for the wellbeing of others.

What does it mean when planets transit your 6th House in your horoscope?

When planets transit through your 6th House of health and work, you can take the theme of each planet as a hint as to how you can best serve your lifestyle. Some planetary transits are are exactly what you need to get your life together. For example, when the Sun enters your 6th House, you may feel a stronger sense of self and well-being. Even on a micro-level, you may notice you are gaining positive results from your health decisions and you feel empowered over balancing your work and personal life.

Planets moving through your 6th House can serve as great teachers and guides, illuminating prompts and considerations for how you wish to live your life and ultimately helping you recognize the sustainability of your choices. When planets transit through your 6th House, you may experience changes relate to your work, life, and health. Perhaps you get a minor promotion or decide that you want to undergo a medical procedure, like getting a birth control implant. Of course, an astrologer who focuses on health- and work-related issues can help you make the most of transits within your 6th House.