West facing houses are often a subject of curiosity and concern for homeowners seeking to align their living spaces with Vastu Shastra principles. According to traditional wisdom and modern application, a west facing house is not inherently inauspicious. In fact, when planned correctly, it can bring prosperity, social connections, and career opportunities to its inhabitants. The West direction is governed by the element of Air (Vayu) and is associated with gains, profits, and networking. This article provides a detailed guide on how to optimize a west facing house based on established Vastu principles, ensuring a harmonious and positive environment.
Understanding the Vastu Purusha Mandala for West Facing Houses
The Vastu Purusha Mandala is a foundational concept in Vastu Shastra that maps the cosmic energies onto a physical plot. For west facing houses, the placement of the main entrance is critical. The main door should be positioned in specific padas (sections) of the west wall to harness positive energy. The recommended padas for the main entrance in a west facing house are the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th padas. Specifically, placing the main door in the energy fields of Sugreev (3rd pada) and Pushpdant (4th pada) is highly beneficial. The pada of Varun (5th pada) is also considered auspicious for the main entrance.
It is essential to identify the true geographical directions using a reliable compass before finalizing the location of the main door. Accurate measurements of the plot and the built-up structure are necessary to avoid Vastu doshas. Consulting a Vastu expert to analyze the astrological chart of the owner before designing the Vastu plan is also recommended.
Ideal Placement of Rooms in a West Facing House
Proper room placement is crucial for maintaining harmony, health, and prosperity in a west facing house. The following guidelines should be adhered to:
- Kitchen: The kitchen should be located in the southeast corner of the house. This placement aligns with the fire element and ensures positive energy flow.
- Dining Hall: The dining hall can be positioned in the northeast or west part of the house.
- Master Bedroom: The master bedroom should be in the southwest corner of the house. This provides stability and strength to the head of the household.
- Pooja Room: The pooja room (prayer room) is best placed in the northwest corner. This direction is ideal for spiritual practices and meditation.
- Office/Study Room: The office or study room should be located in the north or west direction to promote focus and success in professional endeavors.
- Toilets: Toilets should be avoided in the northeast and southwest corners. They should ideally be placed in the northwest or southeast corners.
- Septic Tank: The septic tank should be located away from the main structure, preferably in the northwest or southeast, and never in the northeast or southwest.
Staircase Placement for West Facing Houses
For duplex homes or houses with multiple floors, the staircase placement is vital. In a west facing house, the staircase should ideally be in the south-west, south, or west zones. It is important to avoid placing the staircase in the northeast or Brahmasthan (center of the house). The staircase should always be built in a clockwise direction to ensure positive energy flow.
Structural Considerations for West Facing Houses
The structural design of a west facing house plays a significant role in balancing energies. The following points should be considered:
- Walls: The south and west walls should be thicker and higher than the north and east walls. This helps in blocking negative energies and retaining positive ones.
- Windows: More windows should be provided in the north and east directions to allow ample sunlight and positive energy to enter the house. This balances the energy flow and ensures a healthy living environment.
- Slopes: The slope of the plot should be carefully checked. It is recommended to have a slope from south to north or west to east. Avoid slopes from north to south, as they can lead to financial losses and health issues.
- Heavy Elements: The southwest corner should be kept heavy with storage or a bedroom to provide stability. Conversely, the northeast corner should be kept light, open, and clutter-free to attract positive energies.
Vastu Don'ts for West Facing Houses
To avoid Vastu doshas, certain practices should be strictly avoided in a west facing house:
- Do not place the kitchen or toilet in the northeast corner.
- Avoid overhead or underground water tanks in the southwest corner.
- Do not block natural light in the northeast corner.
- Avoid having bedrooms over toilets or kitchens.
- Do not have gardens or open spaces in the southwest corner.
- Avoid placing the main door in the south-west corner of the west wall, as it can lead to financial instability and conflicts.
Benefits of a West Facing House
When planned according to Vastu principles, a west facing house offers several benefits:
- Prosperity and Wealth: West-facing homes are believed to bring prosperity, especially for those in business and entrepreneurship.
- Promotes Wisdom and Gains: The West direction is associated with gains and opportunities, fostering wisdom and professional growth.
- Social Connections: The element of Air (Vayu) governs networking and social interactions, making this direction ideal for those seeking to expand their social circle.
- Evening Sunlight: West facing houses receive sunlight for a longer duration in the evening, which can be beneficial for health and energy levels.
Vastu Remedies for West Facing Houses
If a west facing house has already been constructed with Vastu imbalances, certain remedies can help harmonize the energies:
- Mirrors: Placing mirrors on the north or east walls can help reflect positive energy and balance the space.
- Plants: Indoor plants in the northeast corner can enhance positive vibrations.
- Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in the northeast corner and keep it clutter-free.
- Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to keep the center of the house (Brahmasthan) open and light.
- Colors: Use light colors like white, blue, and green in the north and east walls, and heavier colors like brown and yellow in the south and west walls.
- Sacred Symbols: Placing sacred symbols like Om or Swastika at the main door can ward off negative energies.
Ideal Professions and Zodiac Signs for West Facing Houses
West facing houses are particularly beneficial for certain professions and zodiac signs. According to Vastu Shastra, these houses are ideal for:
- Professions: Lawyers, Chefs, Doctors, Real Estate Brokers, IT Professionals, Media Professionals, Financial Advisors, Politicians, Teachers, Religious Leaders, Business People, Nurses, Detectives, Artists, and Gardeners.
- Zodiac Signs: Individuals with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius signs can benefit significantly from living in a west facing house.
Myths and Facts About West Facing Houses
There are several myths surrounding west facing houses. Here are some common misconceptions and the corresponding facts:
- Myth: West facing homes are unlucky. Fact: Not true. When planned as per Vastu, they can bring wealth, social connections, and career opportunities.
- Myth: Only East and North facing homes are good. Fact: Every direction has its strengths. The West is perfect for entrepreneurs, social influencers, and people aiming for gains.
Vastu for West Facing Houses in the USA
For Indians living in the USA, buying or renting a home that aligns with Vastu principles is possible. A west facing house in the USA can be just as beneficial as any other direction if designed following Vastu guidelines. The key is to focus on proper room positioning, use of Vastu paintings, and minor décor adjustments to transform the space into a harmonious and successful environment.
In an American setting, the main entrance should ideally be placed in the North-West (Vayavya) corner of the West wall. Avoid South-West entrances to prevent financial instability and conflicts. Simple Vastu remedies like proper room positioning, use of Vastu paintings, and minor décor adjustments can harmonize the space.
Holistic Energy Harmonization
Beyond structural corrections, holistic energy harmonization involves balancing the vibrational frequencies of the living space. This can be achieved through:
- Crystals: Placing crystals like clear quartz in the northeast corner to amplify positive energies.
- Aromatherapy: Using essential oils like lavender or sandalwood to cleanse the air and promote relaxation.
- Sound Therapy: Playing soothing music or chanting mantras to purify the environment.
- Lighting: Using full-spectrum lighting to mimic natural sunlight and enhance mood and energy levels.
Tarot Guidance for Home Harmony
Tarot cards can provide insights into the energetic state of a home. A Tarot reading can help identify areas of imbalance and suggest corrective measures. For instance, the Empress card can indicate a need for nurturing energy in the living space, while the Tower card might suggest structural issues that need addressing.
Numerology Insights for Home Selection
Numerology can also guide the selection of a west facing house. The house number, when reduced to a single digit, can reveal the vibrational energy of the home. For example, a house number 3 (creativity) might be ideal for artists, while a house number 8 (power and success) could benefit business owners.
Conclusion
A west facing house, when designed according to Vastu principles, can be a source of prosperity, health, and happiness. By following the guidelines for main entrance placement, room arrangement, structural design, and holistic energy balancing, homeowners can create a harmonious living environment. Whether in India or abroad, these ancient principles can be adapted to modern settings to ensure a balanced and positive space. For personalized advice, consulting a Vastu expert is always recommended.