In the ancient science of Vastu Shastra, the orientation of a home is a foundational element that influences the flow of energy and, consequently, the lives of its inhabitants. A north west facing house, governed by the elements of Vayu (air) and the Moon, presents a unique energetic landscape that can significantly impact relationships, career, and overall well-being. Understanding the specific principles, benefits, and potential challenges associated with this direction allows for the creation of a balanced and harmonious living environment. This article explores the Vastu guidelines for north west facing properties, offering insights into spatial design, remedial measures, and the holistic integration of spiritual practices for optimal living.
The north west direction, positioned between the north and west, is a zone of movement and change. According to Vastu Shastra, it is associated with the wind god Vayu, symbolizing constant motion, adventure, and social connectivity. This direction is also ruled by the Moon, which governs the mind, emotions, and creativity. A house oriented towards the north west can therefore bring dynamic energy, fostering an active social life and opening doors to new opportunities. However, because this energy is inherently unstable—much like the wind and the phases of the Moon—it requires careful architectural planning and deliberate spatial management to prevent disharmony or a lack of stability. When constructed and maintained according to Vastu guidelines, a north west facing house can be a source of good fortune, health, dignity, and financial inflows.
The Energetic Ruler of the North West: Vayu and the Moon
The fundamental nature of the north west direction is defined by its ruling deities and elements. Vayu, the god of air, represents movement, speed, and the circulation of life force. In a home, this translates to the flow of people, ideas, and opportunities. An open and well-maintained north west zone encourages positive social interactions and can facilitate travel and business ventures. Conversely, a blocked or cluttered north west can lead to stagnation or erratic energy.
The Moon's influence adds a layer of emotional and mental sensitivity to this direction. The Moon’s energy is receptive and creative, but it is also changeable. This dual nature means that the north west can either support abundance and creative expression or, if imbalanced, contribute to tension and mental unrest. Therefore, the placement of rooms and the use of materials in this zone must be approached with an understanding of these dual forces. The goal is to harness the positive, dynamic qualities of Vayu while grounding the fluctuating energy of the Moon to create a stable and nurturing home environment.
Designing the Layout for a North West Facing House
Proper spatial arrangement is critical for balancing the energies of a north west facing house. Vastu principles provide clear directives for the placement of key areas such as the main entrance, bedrooms, and utility spaces to maximize benefits and mitigate challenges.
Main Entrance and Boundary Walls
The main door is the gateway for energy entering the home. For a north west facing house, the entrance should ideally be located in the north or west wall, facing these directions. This allows the positive energies of Vayu to enter freely. It is beneficial to place auspicious symbols like Om, Swastik, or a Trishul at the entrance to invite prosperity and offer protection from negative forces.
The boundary walls and the overall layout of the plot also play a significant role. It is recommended to leave extra space on the north and east sides of the house. This open area promotes the flow of positive energy and allows the beneficial morning sun and northern energies to permeate the home. The boundary wall on the northeast side should be kept lower than the rest to attract wealth and positivity. In contrast, the southwest corner, known as the "devil's corner," should be kept heavy and elevated to provide stability and grounding to the property.
Bedroom Placement
The placement of the bedroom is a crucial aspect of Vastu design. According to Vastu experts, the north west direction is one of the most ideal locations for a master bedroom. A bedroom in this zone can promote sound sleep, mental peace, and harmonious relationships among family members. For children, a room in the north west is also considered beneficial, as it can instill discipline, focus, and success in their careers, along with good health and positive thinking.
Kitchen and Pooja Room
While the kitchen is traditionally placed in the southeast (Agni zone), its placement in a north west facing house requires careful consideration. The north west is a zone of air, and fire (cooking) needs to be managed properly to avoid conflict. The pooja room, or prayer area, is best placed in the north, east, or northeast corners of the house. These zones are considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices. If space is a constraint, the west direction can be used for the pooja room, but the south zone should be strictly avoided for this purpose.
Bathrooms and Utilities
The north west zone is naturally supportive of the elimination of waste. Therefore, it is a suitable location for bathrooms, toilets, and septic tanks. This alignment with the zone's inherent properties helps in maintaining the energetic hygiene of the home. When constructing bathrooms in this area, it is advisable to use wooden doors instead of metal doors, as metal is believed to negatively affect the health of the family.
Vastu Remedies for North West Facing Houses
Even with the best intentions, architectural constraints can sometimes lead to Vastu dosh (imperfections). Fortunately, Vastu Shastra offers practical remedies to correct these imbalances and restore positive energy flow.
- Remedying a Bare Wall at the Entrance: If there is a naked wall directly opposite the main entrance, it can create a sense of loneliness or obstruction. To counteract this, an idol or a photograph of Lord Ganesha can be placed on this wall. Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and brings auspicious beginnings, thereby neutralizing the negative impact of the bare wall.
- Managing Open Spaces: As mentioned earlier, ensuring that the north and east sides of the plot have more open space than the south and west is a powerful corrective measure. This simple architectural principle can significantly enhance the flow of positive energy.
- Grounding the Southwest: The southwest corner of the plot must be kept heavy and elevated. If this corner is low or hollow, it can lead to instability and losses. Placing heavy furniture, a underground water tank, or thick walls in this area can provide the necessary grounding energy.
- Directional Alignment of Fixtures: Simple adjustments, such as ensuring that any swings in the garden or patio face the east or north, can align the home's energy with favorable directions.
Integrating Holistic Practices for Complete Harmony
While Vastu optimizes the physical space, holistic well-being involves balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Integrating other spiritual sciences like Tarot and Numerology can provide deeper personal insights and guidance that complement the Vastu framework.
Tarot Guidance for Navigating Change
Given the dynamic and changeable energy of the north west, individuals living in such a home may experience frequent shifts in life circumstances. Tarot reading can serve as a valuable tool for navigating these changes. A Tarot consultation can offer clarity on career paths, relationship dynamics, and personal growth opportunities that arise from the Vayu-influenced environment. It can help inhabitants understand the underlying energies at play and make conscious choices that align with their highest good.
Numerology for Personalized Energy
Numerology offers another layer of insight by analyzing the vibrational significance of numbers associated with an individual and their home. The vibrations of the north west direction (ruled by the Moon) can be cross-referenced with one's personal numerological chart to identify periods of growth or caution. For instance, understanding one's Personal Year Number can help in timing important decisions, such as starting a new business or embarking on a journey, to coincide with the supportive energies of the north west.
Energy Harmonization
Holistic energy balancing involves practices that cleanse and uplift the subtle energy fields of both the home and its residents. This can include meditation, sound healing, or the use of specific crystals that resonate with the Moon and air elements. Regular energy cleansing rituals can ensure that the movement inherent in the north west direction remains positive and does not lead to chaos or restlessness.
Conclusion
A north west facing house, when designed and maintained according to the principles of Vastu Shastra, can be a powerful catalyst for a life filled with movement, adventure, and harmonious relationships. The key lies in respecting the inherent qualities of the Vayu and Moon energies—harnessing their positive potential for social connection and creativity while providing a stable and grounded foundation through thoughtful architectural choices. By implementing the design guidelines and remedies outlined in this article, homeowners can create a sanctuary that supports their personal and professional aspirations.
Furthermore, the journey toward holistic well-being is enriched by integrating complementary spiritual practices. Tarot and Numerology provide personalized insights that help individuals navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by their living space. Ultimately, the goal is to create a symbiotic relationship between the inhabitants and their environment, fostering a life of balance, prosperity, and spiritual growth. For those seeking to delve deeper, a personalized consultation can offer tailored guidance to unlock the full potential of their home and life.