Understanding the Vastu wheel with degrees is a crucial aspect of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and energy balance. Proper alignment of a property with the cardinal and intercardinal directions is essential to harness the positive energies of nature and maintain harmony in living and working spaces. The use of a compass and the division of the compass into precise degrees are vital to determine the exact orientation of a house or building. This article explores the process of determining directions using a compass, the division of the compass into 16 Vastu zones, and the importance of accurate directional alignment for optimal living and spiritual well-being.
The Importance of Accurate Directional Alignment in Vastu Shastra
In Vastu Shastra, the orientation of a building is a fundamental factor that influences the flow of energy within the space. The cardinal directions—North, East, South, and West—and the intercardinal directions—Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northwest (NW)—are considered energy centers. Each direction is associated with specific elements and deities, and their influence on different areas of life, such as health, wealth, and relationships, is well-documented in Vastu texts.
Accurate directional alignment ensures that each part of the house is in harmony with the natural forces and cosmic energies. For instance, the Northeast direction is associated with the water element and is considered the most auspicious for spiritual growth and knowledge. The Southeast direction is linked to the fire element and is ideal for kitchens and areas related to energy and activity. The Southwest direction is connected to the earth element and is suitable for bedrooms and storage areas. The Northwest direction is associated with the air element and is appropriate for areas related to movement and communication.
The importance of accurate directional alignment is further emphasized by the division of the compass into 16 Vastu zones. Each of these zones is defined by 22.5-degree increments, ensuring that the entire 360-degree compass is divided into precise segments. This division allows for a more detailed analysis of the energy flow in different parts of the house, enabling homeowners and consultants to make informed decisions about the placement of rooms, furniture, and other elements.
How to Use a Compass for Vastu Directional Alignment
Using a compass to determine the exact orientation of a house is a critical step in the Vastu consultation process. The process involves several steps to ensure that the readings are accurate and free from interference from magnetic or electromagnetic objects.
Positioning the Compass: To begin, the person should stand in the center of the house or plot while holding the compass. The compass should be held horizontally at chest level, with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. This position helps to minimize any movement or shaking of the compass, ensuring that the readings are stable.
Aligning the Compass Needle: The next step is to align the compass needle with the North direction. The needle, which is typically marked with a red or green tip, should be aligned with the orienting arrow on the compass housing. Once the needle is aligned, the person should look directly in front of them to determine the exact direction they are facing. This direction will be recorded as the facing of the house.
Taking Multiple Readings: To ensure the accuracy of the readings, it is advisable to take multiple readings from different parts of the house or property. The readings should be taken in a steady and controlled manner, and the results should be averaged to determine the most accurate facing of the house. If the readings differ by more than 3-4 degrees, it is recommended to take additional readings until a consistent result is obtained.
Determining the Cardinal Directions: Once the facing of the house is determined, the next step is to identify the cardinal directions—North, East, South, and West. This can be done by drawing a line from the center of the house to the North point and then drawing additional lines at 90-degree intervals to identify the other cardinal directions.
Marking the Intercardinal Directions: After identifying the cardinal directions, the intercardinal directions—Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northwest (NW)—can be marked. These directions are located at 45-degree intervals between the cardinal directions and are essential for further dividing the compass into 16 Vastu zones.
Marking the 16 Vastu Zones on the House Map
The division of the compass into 16 Vastu zones is a crucial step in the Vastu consultation process. Each of these zones is defined by 22.5-degree increments, ensuring that the entire 360-degree compass is divided into precise segments. This division allows for a more detailed analysis of the energy flow in different parts of the house, enabling homeowners and consultants to make informed decisions about the placement of rooms, furniture, and other elements.
Drawing the Compass Lines: The first step in marking the 16 Vastu zones is to draw a line from the center of the house to the North point. This line serves as the reference point for the other compass lines. The next step is to draw additional lines at 22.5-degree intervals in a clockwise direction. These lines will mark the boundaries of each Vastu zone.
Labeling the Vastu Zones: Once the lines are drawn, the Vastu zones can be labeled. The first zone, which is aligned with the North direction, is labeled as N. The next zone, which is located at a 22.5-degree angle from the North, is labeled as NNE (North-North-East). The remaining zones are labeled in a clockwise direction, following the same pattern of 22.5-degree increments. The labels for the Vastu zones include NNE, ENE, East, ESE, and SSE, among others.
Mapping the Rooms and Features: After the Vastu zones are labeled, the next step is to map the rooms and features of the house onto the Vastu zones. This involves identifying the locations of rooms, stairs, kitchens, underground water tanks, and overhead water tanks on the house map. By mapping these elements onto the Vastu zones, homeowners and consultants can determine whether the placement of these elements is in harmony with the energy flow of the house.
Analyzing the Energy Flow: The final step in marking the 16 Vastu zones is to analyze the energy flow in each zone. This involves assessing whether the placement of rooms and features is in harmony with the energy flow of the house. For example, the Northeast zone is considered the most auspicious for spiritual growth and knowledge, making it an ideal location for a prayer room or library. The Southeast zone is associated with the fire element and is suitable for a kitchen or area related to energy and activity. The Southwest zone is connected to the earth element and is appropriate for a bedroom or storage area. The Northwest zone is associated with the air element and is suitable for an area related to movement and communication.
The Vastu Shakti Chakra and Digital Tools for Vastu Alignment
The Vastu Shakti Chakra is a digital tool that provides a visual representation of the Vastu wheel with degrees. This tool is designed to help homeowners and consultants accurately align their properties with the Vastu principles. The Vastu Shakti Chakra is available in various formats, including PDF, DWG (AutoCAD), PNG, and JPG files. These files can be used to create a professional floor plan of a house or office that is in harmony with the Vastu principles.
Using the Vastu Shakti Chakra: To use the Vastu Shakti Chakra, the first step is to download the file onto a computer or phone. The file can then be printed on a transparency film or tracing paper using a deskjet or laserjet printer. Once printed, the Vastu Shakti Chakra can be placed over the house floor plan to determine the exact placement of the Vastu zones. The transparency of the Vastu Shakti Chakra allows for easy alignment of the compass directions with the directions of the house floor plan.
Aligning the Vastu Shakti Chakra: To align the Vastu Shakti Chakra with the house floor plan, the compass directions recorded earlier should be matched with the directions on the Vastu Shakti Chakra. This involves rotating the Vastu Shakti Chakra until the compass directions on the chakra align with the directions of the house floor plan. Once aligned, the Vastu zones can be identified, and the placement of rooms and features can be analyzed for harmony with the Vastu principles.
Creating a Professional Floor Plan: The Vastu Shakti Chakra can be used in conjunction with AutoCAD software to create a professional floor plan of a house or office. This involves merging the Vastu Shakti Chakra with the house floor plan using any photo editing software. The resulting floor plan will provide a clear and accurate representation of the Vastu zones and their alignment with the house.
Using the Vastu Bar Chart Calculator: The Vastu Bar Chart Calculator is another digital tool that can be used to determine the problematic Vastu zones in a house. This tool provides a quick reference to the areas that are causing issues in the house. By calculating the Vastu Bar Chart area, homeowners and consultants can precisely identify the problematic Vastu zones and take corrective measures to harmonize the energy flow in the house.
Conclusion
The Vastu wheel with degrees is a crucial tool for determining the exact orientation of a house and ensuring that the energy flow within the house is in harmony with the natural forces. The use of a compass and the division of the compass into 16 Vastu zones are essential steps in the Vastu consultation process. By accurately aligning the house with the cardinal and intercardinal directions, homeowners and consultants can create a living environment that is in harmony with the cosmic energies and promotes well-being, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The use of digital tools such as the Vastu Shakti Chakra and the Vastu Bar Chart Calculator can further enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the Vastu consultation process. These tools provide a visual representation of the Vastu wheel with degrees and enable homeowners and consultants to create professional floor plans that are in harmony with the Vastu principles. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, homeowners and consultants can ensure that their properties are aligned with the Vastu principles and are free from negative influences.