Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial energy, provides comprehensive guidance for harmonizing living environments. While much attention is given to human occupants, the principles extend to animals and pets, recognizing their role in the household's energetic ecosystem. The integration of animals into the home is not merely a matter of comfort or companionship; according to Vastu, specific animals function as powerful conduits for auspicious energies, capable of influencing family dynamics, stress levels, and overall prosperity. The source material emphasizes that pets are an integral part of the home, and Vastu offers specific tips to ensure their presence contributes positively to the household vibration.
The core philosophy presented is that certain animals are considered "Vastu animals for the home" or "lucky charms." Their presence is believed to bring families closer and ease stress. Even the imagery of these animals holds power; it is noted that keeping a picture of birds at home can yield benefits similar to keeping the real animals. Furthermore, the act of feeding birds is cited as a potential remedy for challenges posed by planetary positions. This holistic approach suggests that the relationship between humans and animals in a domestic space is symbiotic, influencing and being influenced by the flow of cosmic energy.
Auspicious Animals and Their Placement
The selection and placement of animals are critical in Vastu Shastra. Different animals carry distinct vibrational qualities and must be situated in specific zones to maximize their beneficial effects. The source material details several animals and their ideal positioning within the home.
Birds Birds are highly auspicious in Vastu. For those keeping love birds inside the house, the cage must be placed in the North-East direction. This orientation is considered vital for harnessing the positive energy associated with these creatures.
Tortoise The tortoise is one of the most popular pets in Vastu practice. It is regarded as an auspicious animal that represents prosperity and brings good luck, wealth, and success. To maximize these benefits, a turtle tank should be placed on the north side of the home. This specific directional placement aligns the tortoise’s energy with the northern zone, which is associated with opportunities and growth.
Fish Fish share the auspicious qualities of the tortoise, bestowing good luck, prosperity, and health upon the household. To fully realize these benefits, the fish aquarium should be placed in the North-East direction. The source material specifies a particular combination for attracting prosperity: keeping seven goldfish and one black goldfish in the house.
Frogs Although not commonly kept as pets, frogs are highly recommended by Vastu. They are considered extremely lucky and are referred to as lucky charms. Their presence is believed to bring the family closer and help ease stress within the home. Vastu also recommends placing them in a pond outside the home, such as on a balcony or verandah.
Dogs Dogs are identified as the most popular Vastu animal for the home. They symbolize loyalty and protection. As household pets, they are integral to the home's protective energetic barrier.
Rabbits Rabbits are noted for being super adorable and quickly becoming part of the family, especially loved by children. Despite common perceptions, they are considered to bring good luck.
Cats The source material acknowledges that there has been mixed opinion regarding cats as pets. However, it suggests that debunking the myths reveals what Vastu Shastra indicates about cats, implying that they also have a place within the harmonized home, though specific placement details are not provided in the available data.
Managing Energy and Specific Remedies
While many animals bring positive energy, Vastu also warns of potential disruptions if not managed correctly. The source material highlights a specific caution regarding birds: if not cared for properly, there is a possibility of spreading negative energy throughout the whole house. To mitigate this and to enhance positive flow, a specific remedy is provided: always keep birds' water in an earthen pot in the southeast corner of the house.
The placement of water elements for animals is a recurring theme. For the tortoise tank, the north side is emphasized as auspicious. For frogs, placement in a pond-like environment outside the home is suggested. These guidelines underscore the importance of aligning the animal's habitat with the directional energies of the home.
In the context of general animal keeping, the source material mentions a specific regional practice: people in Dubai love to keep eagles as pets, which is noted as unusual in India. While this does not offer a direct Vastu prescription for the average homeowner, it highlights the cultural variations in animal companionship and the need to adapt Vastu principles to local contexts.
Holistic Integration of Animals in Vastu
The integration of animals into the home according to Vastu Shastra is a practice rooted in the belief that nature and domestic life are deeply interconnected. The selection of an animal is not random; it is a choice that can influence the household's prosperity (tortoise, fish, frogs), protection (dogs), and harmony (love birds, rabbits). The placement of these animals and their essential elements—water, food, and housing—is directed by the compass points, primarily favoring the North and North-East zones for growth and auspiciousness, and the South-East for specific remedies like water for birds.
The source material does not provide extensive details on the energetic properties of every animal, nor does it offer a comprehensive guide to correcting Vastu defects using animals. It focuses on the positive attributes of specific animals and their correct placement. For instance, while cats are mentioned, their specific Vastu attributes or placement are not detailed, indicating that the available information is focused on the most universally auspicious creatures. Similarly, eagles are mentioned in a cultural context rather than a specific Vastu prescription for general home application.
The overarching message is that animals are not just occupants but active participants in the home's energy field. By choosing the right animals and placing them according to Vastu principles, homeowners can create a more harmonious, prosperous, and stress-free environment. The emphasis on "lucky charms" suggests that these animals act as talismans, radiating positive vibrations that benefit all human residents.
Conclusion
Vastu Shastra offers a nuanced perspective on keeping animals and pets at home, viewing them as vital contributors to the household's energetic health. The principles outlined in the source material emphasize specific directional placements for different animals to harness their unique qualities. For instance, love birds and fish aquariums are best situated in the North-East direction, while tortoise tanks belong on the north side. Frogs are recommended as lucky charms, ideally placed in outdoor ponds or on balconies, and dogs are celebrated for their protective loyalty.
However, the practice requires diligence; improper care of birds can lead to negative energy, necessitating remedies such as placing their water in an earthen pot in the southeast corner. While some animals like cats have mixed reviews, and eagles are noted as regional preferences, the core Vastu advice focuses on creatures that bring prosperity, health, and family unity. By adhering to these guidelines, homeowners can ensure their pets contribute positively to the harmony and success of their living spaces.