The Southwest direction holds a significant position in Vastu Shastra as it represents stability, strength, and permanence in a living or working space. When this critical zone experiences an extension, it creates an imbalance that can affect various aspects of life, from health and relationships to financial stability. This article explores the implications of a Southwest extension in Vastu principles, the potential negative effects it may generate, and effective remedies to restore harmony in the space.
The Significance of Southwest Direction in Vastu
The Southwest direction is governed by the earth element, which symbolizes strength, stability, and permanence. In Vastu principles, this zone is associated with numerous vital aspects of life and the household structure. The Southwest corner typically represents:
- The head of the family (usually the father or breadwinner)
- Authority and power within the household
- Stability in financial matters and personal life
- Health and longevity of occupants
Due to these associations, Vastu guidelines recommend placing the master bedroom, heavy furniture, or safes in the Southwest corner of a house. This area should always remain the heaviest and most stable zone of a property, both physically and energetically. When the Southwest is disturbed—particularly through an extension of the plot—it causes an imbalance in the flow of energy, leading to instability and potentially negative outcomes for the occupants.
Understanding Southwest Extension in Vastu
A Southwest extension occurs when a property has additional land projecting out in the Southwest direction, disturbing the natural rectangular or square shape that Vastu considers ideal. This irregularity creates what is known as a Vastu dosha (defect) because it amplifies the earth element excessively in this already earth-dominated zone.
From a Vastu perspective, the house is considered a living entity that vibrates at different energy frequencies. Just as a human body with disproportionate dimensions faces health challenges, a property with irregular extensions or cuts experiences energy imbalances. The Southwest corner must never be extended beyond certain permissible limits, as this disrupts the delicate equilibrium of the space.
According to established Vastu texts, any extension in a Vastu-compliant structure is generally forbidden and considered a Vastu Dosh resulting in harmful consequences for the occupants or homeowners. The Southwest extension, in particular, is regarded as one of the most problematic directional extensions due to the critical nature of this zone.
Negative Effects of Southwest Extension
A Southwest extension creates an overemphasis of the earth element, leading to various challenges and disturbances in the lives of occupants. These effects manifest differently across physical, emotional, and financial aspects of life:
Instability in Life
Since the Southwest represents stability, an extension in this corner creates an overemphasis of the earth element, leading to a lack of balance. People living in such homes may feel stuck, face obstacles in their careers or businesses, and experience uncertainty in various life areas. The excessive earth energy can create rigidity and resistance to positive change.
Relationship Conflicts
An imbalance in this corner often triggers disharmony in relationships. Couples may experience frequent arguments, misunderstandings, or even separation. Family members may find it difficult to maintain peace at home, as the Southwest extension amplifies expectations and creates tension in interpersonal dynamics. The excessive energies of Rahu associated with Southwest extension can lead to unreasonable behavior beyond limits, affecting how family members interact with each other.
Health Issues
The Southwest governs health and longevity, particularly of the head of the family. Residents, especially the primary breadwinner, may suffer from chronic illnesses. The excessive earth element disturbs the fire element, which is associated with digestion, potentially causing weak digestion and related health problems. A Southwest extension almost always causes lethargy and procrastination, which can further impact physical well-being.
Financial Challenges
The Southwest is closely linked to financial stability and authority. An extension in this direction can create blockages in financial progress, leading to unexpected expenditures and wasteful spending. The occupants may experience difficulties in accumulating wealth or maintaining financial stability despite their efforts.
Behavioral Issues
Children in the house with a Southwest extension may become arrogant and very disrespectful. The imbalanced energy can affect their behavioral development and relationship with authority figures.
Comparison with Other Directional Extensions
While Southwest extension is particularly problematic, other directional extensions also create specific Vastu defects:
South Extension
According to Vastu texts, a south extension results in the homeowner being fearful of disease, may suffer from illness that could lead to death, and could face governmental prosecution or court cases. For businesses, the brand value would be adversely impacted if there is an extended South direction.
West Extension
An extension in the West direction causes fear and danger for the occupants. The energies in this zone, when disturbed, can create a sense of vulnerability and insecurity.
North Extension
A North extension can result in addiction tendencies among workers, masons, and homeowners. It creates Vastu Dosh such that it causes difficulties at the workplace, whether in a job or business, and blocks earning opportunities. As a result, growth prospects are compromised.
East Extension
The Vastu where there is an East extension causes governmental issues for the architect and builder of that property. This dosh creates a shrinkage of social circles, and such people are rarely recognized in society.
Remedies for Southwest Extension
Correcting a Southwest extension requires both physical corrections and energetic balancing tools. Below are effective remedies suggested by Vastu experts:
Physical Corrections
Create a Partition: The most effective solution is to cut off the extended portion from the main plot. Building a compound wall to restore the plot into a regular square or rectangular shape directly removes the defect. This physical correction addresses the imbalance at its source.
Install Metal Strips: If construction isn't possible, place Vastu partition strips made of copper, brass, or lead on the floor along the boundary. These strips symbolically cut off the extension and balance the energies in the space.
Place Heavy Objects: Since the Southwest is ruled by the earth element, placing heavy furniture, stones, or storage units in the extended portion helps stabilize the zone. This area can also be used for parking heavy vehicles or planting big trees (though tamarind trees should be avoided in this direction).
Energetic Balancing
Use Earthy Colors: Painting the extended walls in earth tones like yellow, beige, or peach helps balance the excessive earth energy. According to some sources, adding white or grey color specifically in the extended Southwest corner can also be beneficial.
Avoid Water Elements: Water in the Southwest disturbs the earth element and can invite major financial and health problems. Therefore, water features, fountains, or even water storage should be avoided in this zone.
Proper Zone Utilization: The Southwest must not be left open. It should always be heavy and closed, not airy or empty. Additionally, no kitchen (fire element) or bathroom (water element) should be placed in this corner, as these elements disrupt the natural energy flow and worsen the defect.
Advanced Vastu Corrections
For more severe cases, advanced Vastu corrections may be implemented:
- Install Plus Value Brass Pyramid Dividers: These can be used to cut off the excess area, typically in sets of 3, 9, or 27 pieces depending on the severity of the extension.
- Plus Value Brass Helix with Pyramids: Installing these under the flooring or ceiling in the extended area can help balance the energies.
- Specific Gemstones and Crystals: Certain stones like lapis lazuli or aventurine pebbles placed in cane baskets at the extended corner can help harmonize the energy.
- Wind Chimes: Hanging appropriate wind chimes in windows can help balance the energy flow, though the type should be carefully selected based on the specific directional imbalance.
Practical Implementation of Remedies
When implementing remedies for a Southwest extension, it's important to approach the corrections systematically:
Assessment: First, accurately assess the extent of the extension and its impact on the overall energy flow of the property.
Prioritization: Address the most critical issues first. If possible, physical corrections like building a partition should take precedence over energetic remedies.
Color Application: If painting the extended area, select earth tones that complement the existing décor while serving the Vastu purpose of balancing the earth element.
Furniture Placement: Strategically place heavy furniture, safes, or storage units in the Southwest area to ground the energy.
Regular Maintenance: Once remedies are implemented, maintain the balance by regularly checking that the Southwest area remains appropriately heavy and undisturbed.
Conclusion
Southwest extension in Vastu represents a significant energy imbalance that can affect multiple aspects of life, from health and relationships to financial stability. Understanding the importance of this direction and recognizing the signs of extension-related issues is the first step toward creating a harmonious living or working space.
While Southwest extension is considered problematic in Vastu principles, various remedies can help mitigate its negative effects. From physical corrections like building partitions to energetic balancing through colors, objects, and specialized Vastu tools, there are multiple approaches to restore equilibrium in the space.
It's important to remember that Vastu corrections should be implemented thoughtfully and systematically, with proper assessment and prioritization of remedies. When done correctly, these corrections can transform a challenging space into one that supports stability, prosperity, and well-being for all occupants.