Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra are practices as old as time itself, both born from the idea of harmonizing our living spaces with natural forces to promote balance and well-being. While Vastu originates from India and Feng Shui from China, both offer insights that can complement each other in your home, if applied well.
Both Feng Shui and Vastu emphasize the importance of directions, but their approaches are different. According to Vastu, specific directions correlate with different elements and benefits. For example, the northeast is associated with water and prosperity, while the southeast relates to fire and health.
Feng Shui, on the other hand, uses the Bagua map to connect different areas of a home with aspects of life like wealth, health, and relationships. To blend the two, place elements like a water fountain or plant in the northeast, combining Vastu’s directionality with Feng Shui’s focus on prosperity.
Alongside this, both practices use five elements, but even the application of these differ slightly. Vastu includes earth, water, fire, air, and space, while Feng Shui incorporates wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. To merge these elements, think about how to balance both philosophies. For instance, placing plants (wood element in Feng Shui) in the east or north can align with Vastu’s air and water directions, fostering growth and balance. The tenets of both practices and their principles have to blend well for this to work, otherwise the energies may just be hazardous to each other.
Entryways are vital in both Feng Shui and Vastu, as they invite energy into the home. Ensure your entrance is clear and uncluttered to allow good energy to flow freely. A Vastu-friendly Ganesha statue near the door can offer protection, while a Feng Shui crystal or mirror on a side wall near the entrance can help circulate positive energy.
Both Vastu and Feng Shui recommend placing the bed in a way that aligns with calm, restful energy. In Vastu, the head of the bed should ideally face south or east. Feng Shui similarly encourages positioning that allows for clear views of the door, without being directly in line with it. This combination ensures better sleep and a greater sense of security.
It is by aligning both these practices that you can gauge its full potential and help settle your home down into something that will always be naturally relaxing, welcoming and tide you over with goodness the moment you step in!
