The ancient science of Vastu Shastra emphasizes that the energy flow within a built environment profoundly impacts the emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being of its inhabitants. A positive flow of energy promotes mental clarity and emotional stability, while disruptions in this flow can lead to stress, confusion, and health issues. To harness this energy effectively, it is essential to accurately map the 16 Vastu zones within a home or office. This process allows for the identification of specific areas and the implementation of measures to make them vastu-friendly, thereby creating a balanced and prosperous environment.
The foundation of Vastu lies in understanding the cardinal, inter-cardinal, and secondary inter-cardinal directions. These directions are not merely geographical markers but are imbued with specific attributes that influence various aspects of life. By dividing a space into 16 distinct zones, each spanning 22.5 degrees, Vastu practitioners can offer precise guidance on placement and remedial measures. This systematic approach transforms a structure into a supportive ecosystem that aligns with the aspirations of its occupants.
Understanding the 16 Directions and Their Degrees
Before marking the zones on a map, a clear understanding of the basic directions and their corresponding degree readings is necessary. The 16 Vastu zones are derived from four cardinal directions, four inter-cardinal directions, and eight secondary inter-cardinal directions. Each zone is precisely aligned with specific degree points on a compass.
Cardinal Directions
The four cardinal directions form the foundational pillars of Vastu mapping, separated by 90 degrees each: - North (0°/360°): Represents wealth and opportunities. It is suitable for bedrooms but should be kept free of toilets and kitchens. - East (90°): Governs social connections, relationships, and health. Like the North, it should not contain toilets. - South (180°): Associated with intensity and stability. - West (270°): Influences progress and gains.
Inter-Cardinal Directions
Positioned at 45-degree angles between cardinal points, these directions hold significant power: - North-East (45°): Known as the Ishaan Kon, this is the energy center of the house. It governs wisdom, clarity, and receptivity. It is the ideal location for a pooja room (prayer room). Placing a toilet or kitchen here is strictly avoided as it disrupts the flow of earth’s electromagnetic energies. - South-East (135°): The Agneya Kon is the fire corner, governing energy and transformation. - South-West (225°): The Nairutya Kon represents stability and relationships. - North-West (315°): The Vayu Kon governs movement, resources, and helpful people. It is suitable for storing documents.
Secondary Inter-Cardinal Directions
These eight micro-zones provide fine-tuned precision for Vastu assessments, placed at 22.5-degree intervals: - North-North-East (22.5°): Governs health. Ideal for storing medicines or a puja room. - East-North-East (67.5°): Represents expansion and refreshment. Suitable for a shower area; avoid storage. - East-South-East (112.5°) - South-South-East (157.5°) - South-South-West (202.5°) - West-South-West (247.5°) - West-North-West (292.5°) - North-North-West (337.5°): Governs emotional processing and healing. Ideal for a bedroom; avoid septic tanks or kitchens to maintain harmony.
The Process of Marking 16 Vastu Zones on a Map
Accurately dividing a house into 16 zones of 22.5 degrees each requires a methodical approach. This process transforms a standard floor plan into a detailed Vastu map, enabling the precise placement of rooms and elements.
Step 1: Establish the North Line Begin by drawing a straight line from the center of the house map to the North point. This line serves as the primary reference for all subsequent divisions.
Step 2: Mark the NNE Zone From the established North line, draw another line at a 22.5-degree clockwise rotation. This identifies the North-North-East (NNE) zone.
Step 3: Continue Clockwise Continue drawing lines at 22.5-degree intervals clockwise around the center point. This sequence will identify the remaining zones: - East-North-East (ENE) - East - East-South-East (ESE) - South-South-East (SSE) - South - South-South-West (SSW) - West-South-West (WSW) - West - West-North-West (WNW) - North-North-West (NNW) - North - North-North-East (NNE) (closing the loop)
Step 4: Labeling After all 16 zones are marked, it is crucial to label each zone clearly on the map. This visual representation acts as a guide for the next phase of Vastu implementation.
Integrating Architectural Elements with Vastu Zones
Once the 16 zones are marked, the next step is to align the functional elements of the house with these zones. Vastu principles suggest that specific architectural features and rooms resonate best with specific directional energies.
Placement of Rooms and Facilities
- Pooja Room: The North-East (45°) and North-North-East (22.5°) are highly auspicious for spiritual practices due to their association with wisdom and health.
- Bedrooms: The North (0°) and North-North-West (337.5°) are favorable for bedrooms. The North promotes opportunities, while the NNW aids in emotional healing and rest.
- Kitchen: The South-East (135°) is the ideal zone for a kitchen, as it represents the fire element.
- Storage and Documents: The North-West (315°) is suitable for storing documents and resources, governing the movement of tasks.
- Water Elements: Underground tanks and water bodies are best placed in the North-East.
Avoiding Negative Disruptions
Certain placements can disrupt the positive energy flow and must be avoided: - Toilets: Should never be located in the North-East (45°), East (90°), or North (0°) zones, as these are areas of high positive energy. They are best placed in the South-West or West. - Kitchens: Avoid placing kitchens in the North-North-West (337.5°) to maintain harmony in relationships. - Septic Tanks: These should be kept away from the North-North-West zone to prevent emotional disturbances.
Overhead and Underground Tanks
- Overhead Tanks: Ideally placed in the South-West to provide weight and stability to the structure.
- Underground Tanks: Best suited for the North-East to enhance the flow of positive energy.
Holistic Energy Balancing and Remedial Measures
Vastu is not just about structural alignment but also about maintaining the vibrational quality of the space. Modern Vastu consultants, such as those at Vasterior, emphasize a non-destructive approach to remedies. Instead of demolition, they suggest subtle changes in design, color, and element balancing.
Zone-Specific Remedies
Based on the attributes of the 16 zones, specific adjustments can be made to enhance energy flow:
- North-East (Ishaan Kon): Keep this area clutter-free and clean. Placing a symbolic photo or idol of a deity here facilitates a connection with the higher self. The presence of light, such as flowy curtains, allows positive energy to enter.
- North-North-East (NNE): Since this zone governs health, storing medicines here is beneficial. Keeping the area well-ventilated supports physical well-being.
- East: This direction supports social connections. Keeping windows open to welcome morning sunlight can enhance relationships and health.
- North-North-West (NNW): As the zone of emotional processing, this area benefits from soft neutrals and balanced airflow. It is an ideal location for a bedroom to support emotional release and relationship balancing.
- North-West (NW): To support networking and movement, this zone can be enhanced with flowy curtains and light grey or white accents. It is suitable for completing pending goals.
- North: To attract wealth and opportunities, this zone should be kept active and well-lit. A bedroom in this zone is favorable.
The Role of Elements
Each zone is governed by one of the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space). Aligning the interior design with these elements creates a harmonious environment: - Air and Water elements dominate the North and East zones, requiring lightness and openness. - Fire dominates the South-East, requiring functionality. - Earth dominates the South-West, requiring weight and stability.
The Vasterior Approach: Merging Vastu with Modern Design
Vasterior practices Vastu through the lens of MahaVastu's 16-Zone System, which is described as a clear, logic-driven, experiential framework. This approach maps how every directional zone influences emotions, decisions, behavior, productivity, opportunities, and interpersonal relationships. When these zones are aligned, a home or office naturally supports the aspirations of its occupants.
Core Offerings
Vasterior integrates Vastu with luxury interior design, spatial flow planning, and Astro-Vastu. Their services ensure that spaces are not only aesthetically beautiful but also energetically alive.
- Vastu Yogdaan: A community initiative offering free Wednesday consultations for those seeking guidance on space-related questions.
- Drafting, Gridding & Survey: Detailed mapping of the structure to identify zone strengths, leakages, and misalignments with architectural accuracy.
- Paid Vastu Consulting: A transformative process addressing specific concerns—whether emotional, financial, relational, or professional—and helping manifest goals through Vastu-based alignments.
This modern interpretation respects ancient wisdom while applying it to contemporary living. It moves away from fear-based rules and focuses on creating spaces that feel grounded and supportive.
Comprehensive Overview of the 16 Zones
To provide a quick reference, here is a summary of the attributes and recommendations for the 16 Vastu zones based on the provided data:
| Direction | Degree Range | Attributes and Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| NNE | 22.5° | Governs health; ideal for medicines or a puja room. Avoid toilets. |
| NE | 45° | Energy center, wisdom; ideal for pooja room. Avoid toilet or kitchen. |
| ENE | 67.5° | Expansion, refreshment; suitable for a shower area. Avoid store placement. |
| East | 90° | Auspicious for social connects, relationships, and health. Avoid toilet placement. |
| ESE | 112.5° | (Attribute not detailed in source; part of the mapping structure) |
| SSE | 157.5° | (Attribute not detailed in source; part of the mapping structure) |
| SE | 135° | Fire corner; governs energy and transformation. |
| SSW | 202.5° | (Attribute not detailed in source; part of the mapping structure) |
| SW | 225° | Stability and relationships; represents the Earth element. |
| WSW | 247.5° | (Attribute not detailed in source; part of the mapping structure) |
| West | 270° | Influences progress and gains. |
| WNW | 292.5° | (Attribute not detailed in source; part of the mapping structure) |
| NW | 315° | Supports resources, movement, and networking. Suitable for storing documents. Avoid toilets. |
| NNW | 337.5° | Direction of attraction, emotional processing, and healing. Ideal for a bedroom. Avoid septic tank or kitchen. |
| North | 0°/360° | Zone of wealth and opportunities. Suitable for a bedroom. Avoid toilet or kitchen. |
| South | 180° | Associated with stability and intensity. |
Conclusion
Accurately marking the 16 Vastu zones on a home map is the foundational step toward creating a harmonious and supportive living environment. By understanding the specific degree readings of cardinal, inter-cardinal, and secondary inter-cardinal directions, individuals can identify the precise location of key areas such as the pooja room, kitchen, bedrooms, and storage spaces. The process involves a systematic division of the space starting from the North line and proceeding clockwise at 22.5-degree intervals.
The integration of these zones with architectural elements ensures that the flow of energy remains positive, promoting health, wealth, and emotional stability. Modern approaches, such as those offered by Vasterior, enhance this ancient science by combining the 16-Zone System with contemporary design principles and non-destructive remedies. This holistic method allows homeowners and business owners to optimize their spaces without undergoing major structural changes, simply by aligning their environment with the natural laws of Vastu Shastra.