So, when Vedic astrology says the 9th house is a house of religion, can the ancient Vedic meaning of the word "religion" mean what in the west we would call "spirituality"? Can the 9th house mean a higher spiritual philosophy that is not tied to an organised religion?
the correct word is Dharma. Dharma is the correct way for a person to be in accordance with their true nature, and its only those actions that can yield spirituality, which ultimately is the 12th house. Sadly, the 9th is also the parents, and its the cultural influences that surround us growing up. These may or may not support our true nature. Afflictions to the 9th show they did not, and so the person has to struggle to find their true nature as the examples around them did not reflect who they really are.
@ernst Ahh I forgot about the Dharma/Moksha thing. So could you use that with lordships, like if 7th lord is in the 9th, and 7th lord is benefic and not afflicted, then the spouse would have a distinct cultural influence/upbringing that could be supportive towards the natives true nature?