North-west facing properties hold a unique position within the ancient architectural science of Vastu Shastra. Governed by the element of air and the celestial influence of the Moon, this direction represents movement, change, and social connections. While often viewed as a direction requiring careful balancing, a north-west facing house or plot can offer significant benefits regarding career growth, financial inflows, and adventurous opportunities when aligned with traditional guidelines. The following comprehensive guide explores the specific attributes, benefits, challenges, and remedial measures associated with north-west facing properties, drawing upon established Vastu principles to foster harmony and prosperity.
Understanding the North-West Direction
In Vastu Shastra, the north-west direction, also known as the Vayavya zone, is governed by Vayu, the God of Wind. This elemental association signifies dynamism, speed, and the circulation of energy. Unlike the stable earth element of the south-west or the divine cosmic energy of the north-east, the north-west is characterized by flux and movement. Consequently, properties facing this direction often influence the inhabitants' lives by introducing frequent changes, travel, and social interactions.
The Moon serves as the ruling planet for this direction, impacting the emotional and mental states of the residents. A well-balanced north-west zone promotes healthy relationships and mental peace, while an imbalance can lead to restlessness or instability. Understanding these fundamental attributes is essential for anyone considering a north-west facing home or commercial space. The direction is neither entirely auspicious nor entirely inauspicious; rather, its influence depends heavily on the placement of the main entrance, the internal layout of rooms, and the external environment surrounding the property.
Benefits of a North-West Facing Property
When constructed in accordance with Vastu Shastra, a north-west facing house can unbundle a bunch of good fortune, happiness, and overall prosperity. The specific benefits associated with this direction are closely tied to its elemental nature and planetary ruler.
- Career Growth and Financial Inflows: The dynamic energy of the north-west supports professional advancement and the timely arrival of financial resources. Residents often experience positive career growth and consistent cash flow.
- Social Connections and Relationships: As the direction of the wind god, it facilitates the spreading of joy and the formation of good relationships with people. It is particularly beneficial for those who value social interactions and wish to maintain strong bonds with friends and relatives.
- Adventure and Change: The influence of the moving air brings movement and change in life. For individuals seeking an adventurous life or frequent travel, a north-west facing property is considered a favorable choice.
- Business Ideas and Entrepreneurship: The energy of this direction is conducive to new beginnings and innovation. It is often recommended for individuals who wish to start something of their own or pursue independent business ventures.
Challenges and Vastu Doshas
Despite the potential benefits, north-west facing properties are prone to specific Vastu doshas (defects) if not designed correctly. The inherent instability of the air element can manifest negatively in the lives of residents if the property violates Vastu norms.
- Instability and Legal Issues: If the house is not vastu compliant, it may lead to friction in personal life and serious legal issues. The fluctuating energy can cause unexpected obstacles.
- Health and Financial Drain: Non-compliance often results in health problems and a draining of finances. The lack of stability can make it difficult to retain wealth.
- Restlessness and Lack of Focus: A north-west facing study is not considered auspicious as it ruins focus and makes students restless. The constant movement of energy makes it difficult to concentrate on static tasks.
- Relationship Strains: The ruling direction (Moon) can prompt strains and disharmony in the house if the layout is improper. Extended or cut properties in this direction are considered bearers of enmity among relatives and friends.
Vastu Guidelines for Plots and Exteriors
The foundation of a Vastu-compliant property begins with the plot selection and external boundary. For north-west facing plots, specific guidelines must be followed to mitigate inherent weaknesses and enhance positive energy.
Plot Selection: When purchasing a north-west facing plot, careful attention must be paid to the surrounding roads and junctions. It is crucial to observe the direction in which the road runs and ends. A road running towards the west and ending in the west direction is highly recommended as it indicates financial well-being and stability.
Conversely, specific road endings must be avoided. One should avoid a plot with a road ending in the east of the south-east direction, south of the south-west direction, north of the north-west direction, and west of the south-west direction. Furthermore, plots with a junction on any of their sides, particularly T-junctions in the north-west direction, are considered highly unlucky and require strong Vastu remedies to neutralize negative impacts.
Boundary Levels: The height of the compound wall or boundary plays a significant role in balancing the plot's energy. To lure positivity and cosmic rays from the Ishanya corner (north-east), the boundary at the north-east part of the plot should be kept at a lower level. Conversely, to provide stability to the north-west facing property, the south-west boundary should be kept a little higher. This adjustment helps ground the excessive movement of the air element.
Internal Layout and Room Placement
The internal arrangement of rooms dictates the flow of energy within the home. For north-west facing houses, the placement of the main door, master bedroom, and other essential rooms requires precision.
Main Entrance: The placement of the main door is critical. An entrance located in the north-west direction is not considered highly auspicious and might not fetch many positive opportunities, though it may not have considerable adverse effects. If the entrance is in the north-west, it is advisable to ensure that the door opens in a clockwise direction and is kept clean and well-lit.
Bedroom Placement: While the north-west direction is ideal for certain activities, it is generally not recommended for the master bedroom. The best Vastu zone for a bedroom is the south-west. Having a bedroom in the north-west may lead to feelings of loneliness, disgust, and a lack of restful sleep. However, the north-west zone is considered suitable for a guest bedroom or a room meant for unmarried individuals, as it supports movement and social interaction.
Other Rooms: * Puja Room: The north-east corner is the ideal location for a puja room or prayer area, regardless of the house facing. * Bathroom: The west side of the house is a suitable location for bathrooms and toilets. * Kitchen: The south-east corner (fire element) is the ideal placement for the kitchen. * Study Room: As noted, a study room in the north-west should be avoided to maintain focus.
Remedial Measures and Corrections
For properties that cannot be altered structurally, Vastu offers a range of remedial measures to balance energies and rectify doshas. These remedies utilize natural elements and symbolic objects to neutralize negative vibrations and amplify positive ones.
Vastu Remedies: * Wind Chimes: Since the north-west is governed by the air element, hanging wind chimes, particularly with metal rods, helps regulate the flow of energy and reduces stagnation. * Aromatic Plants: The use of aromatic plants can purify the air and introduce soothing vibrations, countering the restlessness associated with this direction. * Vastu Brass Helix: A brass helix or spiral is a powerful tool used to correct the energy flow in the north-west zone. * Crystals: Placing clear quartz crystals in the north-west zone can help stabilize energy and promote mental clarity. * Lighting: Keeping the north-west zone well-lit with bright lights helps activate positive energy and reduces the scope for negative influences to settle.
Structural Corrections: If the property has an extension or a cut in the north-west direction, it requires specific corrections. * Extensions: An extended north-west is considered bad for business relationships and career. If an extension exists, it can be neutralized by placing a heavy object or a thick carpet in the extended area to weigh it down. * Cuts: A cut in the north-west direction affects the financial inflow. To correct this, one can place a heavy almirah or furniture in the south-west corner to balance the weight distribution.
Color Therapy: Colors have a profound impact on the vibrational quality of a space. For the north-west zone, using specific hues can strengthen the uplifting energy connected to this direction. It is recommended to use shades of white, light blue, and grey. These colors resonate with the air element and the Moon, promoting peace and clarity. One should steer clear of heavy, dark colors in this zone.
Holistic Energy Harmonization
Beyond the structural aspects, holistic energy harmonization involves aligning the living space with the spiritual and psychological well-being of the inhabitants. The north-west direction's connection to the Moon makes it sensitive to emotional fluctuations. Therefore, maintaining a clutter-free environment is essential, as clutter represents stagnant energy that can exacerbate the instability of this direction.
Regular cleansing of the space using sage or incense can help reset the energy field. Additionally, since this direction supports social connections, hosting gatherings in the living areas located in the north-west can activate positive social karma. For those seeking to enhance their career or business, placing a small water feature or a bowl of water in the north-west zone (but not in the bedroom) can symbolize the flow of opportunities.
Specific Considerations for Commercial Spaces
While the primary focus here is on residential properties, the principles for north-west facing commercial spaces follow similar logic. The entrance should be inviting and free from obstructions. The owner's cabin or the main administrative office should ideally be located in the south-west zone of the building to ensure stability in decision-making. The north-west zone of the office can be utilized for marketing, sales, or networking teams, as the energy here supports communication and movement.
Conclusion
The north-west facing property, governed by the wind god Vayu and the Moon, offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. It is a direction that favors movement, social growth, and financial inflows but demands careful architectural planning to prevent instability and discord. By adhering to Vastu guidelines—such as placing the master bedroom in the south-west, keeping the north-east boundary low, and utilizing remedies like wind chimes and aromatic plants—one can harness the positive potential of this direction. Ultimately, the goal of Vastu Shastra is to create a harmonious living environment that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its residents. A north-west facing house, when treated with respect for these ancient principles, can indeed become a source of happiness, dignity, and prosperity.