Understanding Vastu: Basic Principles

Introduction

Vastu shastra means the science of architecture. Essentially, it tells you how buildings should be or how living spaces must be designed so that it works well with you, the person staying in the place.

You might be wondering "Why discuss architecture (Vastu) in a Jyotisha website?' or your thought probably is: 'I am looking for remedies for my problems based on the nine planets. What has vastu got to do with this?' Well, a lot. Of course, the nine planets and their movements across the sky has got a lot to do with your well-being or otherwise. But a lot of your well-being is also dictated by the structure of the place you live in or work from and that is where Vastu comes in. The place you stay in or work in and how it is designed can affect your progress, happiness and health.

Here is an example of how they work together: Jupiter, in your natal chart may be placed in Capricorn. What this implies is that Jupiter is neecha or debilitated. Vastu states that Jupiter is in charge of the Northern direction. If you are the owner of a house which has a door on the North or South, the likelihood is you will face serious difficulties such as:

• No peace and happiness
• Tension with respect to children
• Studying anything becomes difficult etc.
• Lack of wealth

All of this is simply because Jupiter in your horoscope is not strong enough. This shows the intricate connection between Vastu and Jyotisha. Keeping in mind both, work out whether a particular place or placement (room or furniture placement) is suitable or not.

Vastu Principles

Some of the basic vastu principles with respect to direction are stated here. However, what suits you or your family (each individual member) will depend on the horoscope:

1. East: Do not store anything in this side of the house. You can sit facing east for work, study and while doing prayers. Keep windows on this side completely open, especially during the day.

2. South East: Ideal for kitchen. But remember to keep the gas stove in such a way that the person cooking faces East or North.

3. South: Ideal for storage.

4. South West: Keep this place clean.

5. West: Can be used for storage.

6. Northwest: Use it for temporary items and for guests

7. North: Storage of wealth and place for studying

8. Northeast: Keep it totally clean and empty of any clutter. Can be used for kitchen.

Some do's and don'ts (ideal):

1. Kitchen must be placed in the South East or North East corner of the house. Platform should be placed in those directions. Place the cooktop on the East or North. Cooktop should not be next to the sink

2. Drinking water must be stored on the Western side

3. Beds must be placed in such a way that the head is on the East or South

4. Beds must be placed in the middle of the room, not adjacent to any wall

5. Storage should be on the South or West side of the house

6. Prayers should be done facing East or North

7. Bathrooms to be placed on the South or West.

Remedial measures

You might find that you are not able to redo the living or working spaces as per these principles. What should be done in such a scenario? There are remedies available in Vastu which can be utilised to balance or rectify the issue. However, this should be done in conjunction with the horoscopes of the family members residing in the place (if it is a house) and the horoscope of the person working in the work area.

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