Questions
Vastu and Feng Shui, answered.
60 questions on homes, offices and shops: where each room goes, who sits where, and where to keep the tortoise, the bamboo and the clock. Each answer says whether it comes from Vastu or Feng Shui.
Objects, symbols and plants
The things people most often ask about. Each answer says which system it comes from: Vastu and Feng Shui are separate traditions and sometimes differ.
I have a crystal tortoise. Where should I keep it, and which way should it face?Vastu and Feng Shui
The tortoise always faces into the home or room, never out of the door or window: it brings in, it does not lead out.
Feng Shui places a tortoise by its material. A crystal tortoise (Earth) suits the South-West or the North-East; a metal one the North or North-West; a wooden one the East or South-East. Behind your desk chair it stands for support at your back.
Vastu links the tortoise with the Kurma avatar and places it in the North, the zone of wealth, often a metal one in a shallow plate of clean water. Change the water every few days.
Keep one tortoise, clean and unchipped; not in the bedroom or the toilet.
Can I keep a lucky bamboo in the office? Which direction?Feng Shui
Yes. Lucky bamboo is one of the best desk plants in Feng Shui: it grows steadily and needs little light.
Keep it in the East (family, health, the team) or the South-East (wealth) of the room or of your desk. Avoid the South-West.
The number of stalks carries a meaning: 2 for partnership, 3 for happiness, 5 for health, 6 for prosperity, 8 for growth, 9 for good fortune. Avoid 4.
Change the water weekly and remove yellow stalks at once. Vastu also accepts bamboo in the East or North.
Which indoor plants are best for an office?Vastu and Feng Shui
Money plant: in the North (Vastu, cash flow) or the South-East (Feng Shui, wealth), in a pot rather than water if it gets little light.
Lucky bamboo and jade plant: on the desk or in the East or South-East.
Snake plant, ZZ plant, areca palm and peace lily: easy, upright and green, in the North and East; good at the reception.
Avoid cactus and other thorny plants, bonsai, and any dry or dying plant. Vastu also avoids plants with milky sap indoors.
Keep big pots off the North-East: it stays the lightest corner.
Where should I keep a money plant at home?Vastu
Inside the home in the North or the South-East. Let it climb upwards on a support; a vine trailing on the floor is said to drag money down.
Not in the North-East, and not outside the main door.
Where should the Tulsi plant be?Vastu
In the North, North-East or East, on a balcony or by a window with morning sun. It is the most auspicious plant in Vastu; keep it watered and never let it dry.
Which wall is best for a wall clock at home?Vastu
The North or East wall (the West is also accepted). Not on the South wall, not above a door, and not facing the bed. Keep every clock working and on time.
Where should a mirror go? Is a mirror facing the bed bad?Vastu and Feng Shui
Vastu: on the North or East wall. Not on the South or West wall.
Both systems: a mirror should not face the bed or the main door. Cover a dressing-table mirror at night if it does.
Where should an aquarium be?Feng Shui
In the North, East or South-East, in the living room or reception, ideally visible as you come in. Not in a bedroom, the kitchen, the South or the centre.
Nine fish is the traditional number: eight gold or red and one black. Keep the water clean and moving.
Where should the Laughing Buddha be kept?Feng Shui
On a table or shelf about waist-high, facing the main door, diagonally across from it if possible. Not on the floor, not in the bedroom, kitchen or toilet.
Where should a wind chime hang?Vastu and Feng Shui
A metal wind chime in the North-West or West; a wooden one in the East or South-East. Hang it where air moves, not over a seat or bed.
Where should a painting of seven running horses go?Vastu
On the South wall of the living room or office, with the horses running into the room, not towards the door. Choose white horses running together, not a stormy scene.
Does a bowl of salt really help? Where?Vastu
It is a traditional remedy: a glass bowl of sea salt or rock salt absorbs negative energy. Keep it in the toilet, in a corner of a weak zone or a cut corner, and change it every week. Mopping with a pinch of salt in the water once a week is the same idea.
Homes: rooms and directions
Where each room goes in Vastu. These answers come straight from the table vesma scores your plan with.
Which direction is best for the main door?Vastu
By direction, the North-East, North or East are the most favoured. But Vastu reads the door more finely: each side has eight entrance padas, and a door can be excellent or weak on the same side.
A South or West facing flat with its door in a good pada is fine. The 32 Entrance Marking section of Understanding Vastu explains each pada.
How do I find which way my main door faces?vesma
Stand in the doorway with your back to the home, looking out, and read a phone compass. That reading is the door's facing.
If you take it outside looking at the door, add or take away 180°. Stand away from steel railings and cars.
Which direction is best for the living room?Vastu
In Vastu the living room is best in the North, East or North-East. Welcoming, social space where morning light and fresh air enter.
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the kitchen?Vastu
In Vastu the kitchen is best in the South-East or North-West. Fire element in its natural zone — supports health, digestion and prosperity.
Avoid the North, South-West, North-East or the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the master bedroom?Vastu
In Vastu the master bedroom is best in the South-West. Gives stability, rest and authority to the head of the family.
Avoid the South-East, North-East or the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the bedroom?Vastu
In Vastu the bedroom is best in the West, South, South-West or North-West. Supports restful sleep and calm relationships.
Avoid the the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the children's bedroom?Vastu
In Vastu the children's bedroom is best in the West or North-West. Supports children's growth, creativity and studies.
Avoid the the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the guest bedroom?Vastu
In Vastu the guest bedroom is best in the North-West. Guests feel comfortable without overstaying.
Avoid the the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the pooja room?Vastu
In Vastu the pooja room is best in the North-East, East or North. Prayer in the most sacred zone brings peace and positivity.
Avoid the South or South-West.
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the study?Vastu
In Vastu the study is best in the West, East or North. Helps concentration and learning.
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the dining area?Vastu
In Vastu the dining area is best in the West or East. Encourages good appetite and family bonding.
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the toilet?Vastu
In Vastu the toilet is best in the North-West, West or South. Placed in a zone suited to disposal, keeping the sacred zones clean.
Avoid the South-West, North-East or the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the store room?Vastu
In Vastu the store room is best in the South-West, South or West. Heavy storage in this zone adds stability.
Avoid the North-East or the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the utility / washing area?Vastu
In Vastu the utility / washing area is best in the North-West or South-East. Water and washing in a zone suited to movement.
Avoid the North-East or the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the balcony?Vastu
In Vastu the balcony is best in the North, East or North-East. Open space towards the light-giving directions brings fresh energy.
Avoid the the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction is best for the staircase?Vastu
In Vastu the staircase is best in the South-West, South or West. Heavy structure in a zone that tolerates weight.
Avoid the North-East or the centre (Brahmasthan).
Already in another zone? A vesma report gives the remedy for the exact zone your room is in.
Which direction should my head be while sleeping?Vastu
South is best, East is good (especially for students). West is acceptable. Never with the head to the North.
Which way should I face while cooking?Vastu
East. The stove sits in the South-East part of the kitchen, and the sink away from it, towards the North-East.
What is the Brahmasthan and why keep it empty?Vastu
The centre of the home. Vastu keeps it open, light and uncluttered: no toilet, kitchen, staircase, pillar or heavy furniture there.
My flat has a missing (cut) corner. Is that bad?Vastu
It depends on the corner and how much is missing. A cut in the North-East or South-West matters most. vesma measures how much of each corner is present and gives the remedy for that corner (a mirror, weight, a light or a metal strip).
Offices and shops
Who sits where and faces which way, and where each room and object goes. The same guide appears in every shop or office report, pointed at your own plan.
Which direction should the owner face in an office or shop?Vastu
Zone: South-West, South or West. Sit facing North or East.
A solid wall behind the chair, never a window, door or glass. No beam overhead. Keep the North-East part of the cabin light and open; a rectangular table.
Where should the directors' and partners' cabins be, and which way should they face?Vastu
Zone: South or West. Sit facing North or East.
The South-West stays with the owner; directors and partners take the South or West with a wall behind them.
Where should the accounts department be, and which way should the accountant face?Vastu
Zone: North or South-East. Sit facing North or East.
The North is Kuber's zone and keeps cash flowing; the South-East is the second choice. The accountant faces North (or East) — not West or South. Account books and the cash box open towards the North.
Where should the cash counter be, and which way should the cashier face?Vastu
Zone: North or East. Sit facing North or East.
The cash drawer opens towards the North or East; the person billing faces North or East.
Where should the staff sit, and which way should they face?Vastu
Zone: West, North-West, North or East. Sit facing North or East.
Every desk turned so staff face North or East. Nobody sits under a beam or with their back to the entrance.
Where should the sales and marketing team sit?Vastu
Zone: North-West or North. Sit facing North or East.
The North-West is the zone of movement: it keeps goods and deals moving.
Where should the reception be in an office?Vastu
Zone: North-East, East or North. Sit facing North or East.
Close to the entrance, bright and uncluttered; the receptionist faces North or East.
Where should visitors wait?Vastu
Zone: North-West, North or East.
Visitors seated in the North-West stay comfortably and leave on time. Keep the seating light.
Where should the conference room be, and where does the senior person sit?Vastu
Zone: North-West or West. Sit facing North or East.
The senior person sits at the South-West end of the table, facing North or East.
Where should the pantry or tea point be in an office?Vastu
Zone: South-East or North-West. Cook facing East.
The stove or kettle in the South-East corner, so the person making tea faces East. Keep water (sink, filter) away from the stove.
Where should the server, electrical panel and printers go?Vastu
Zone: South-East.
The South-East is the fire zone: all electrical equipment belongs here, never in the North-East.
Where should the store, records and heavy almirahs go?Vastu
Zone: South-West, South or West.
Heavy storage on the South and West walls keeps the North and East light and open.
Where should the toilets be in an office or shop?Vastu
Zone: North-West or West.
Never in the North-East, the South-West or the centre. Keep the door shut and an exhaust fan running.
Where should the puja space (temple) be in an office or shop?Vastu
Zone: North-East, East or North. Pray facing East or North.
In the North-East corner, on a raised platform or shelf, so you face East or North while praying. Not under a staircase, not against a toilet wall, not in a store.
Which wall is best for a wall clock in an office?Vastu
Wall: East or North.
On the East or North wall. Never on the South wall or above the main door; keep it working and on time.
Where can a mirror go in an office?Vastu
Wall: North or East.
Never facing the main entrance or the owner's seat.
Where should the locker or safe be in a shop or office?Vastu
Zone: South-West or South. Wall: South or West.
Against the South or West wall (best in the South-West), its door opening towards the North.
Where should the drinking water or water dispenser be in an office?Vastu
Zone: North-East or North.
In the North-East or North; never in the South-East beside electrical equipment.
Where should the name board or logo be?Vastu
Wall: North or East.
Clean and well lit, at the entrance; a North or East facing board is best. Replace a broken or faded board promptly.
Which pictures help in an office, and on which wall?Vastu
Wall: South or West.
A picture of mountains on the wall behind the owner (South or West) gives support; flowing water or rising sun on the North or East wall. No pictures of war, sorrow or wild animals.
Where should plants go in an office?Vastu
Zone: North, East or North-East.
A money plant in the North; healthy green plants in the North and East. No thorny plants, no bonsai, no dry plants.
Numbers and personal fit
Numerology and Kua look at the people, not the building.
How is a flat number read in numerology?Numerology
Add its digits until one digit is left: 1204 → 1+2+0+4 = 7. The single digit is the flat's number, ruled by a planet.
The flat's letter counts too, by its Chaldean value (A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, D = 4…), so the four flats of one floor read differently: 107 A → 1+0+7+1 = 9, 107 B → 10 → 1, 107 C → 11 → 2, 107 D → 12 → 3. Only the letter that is part of the number counts (107 A, 107A, B-1204), not words such as Shop, No., Tower or the project's name.
vesma compares it with your birth number (Mulank), destiny number (Bhagyank) and name number, and shows which numbers suit you, which are neutral and which to avoid.
My flat number does not suit me. What can I do?Numerology
When choosing, pick a flat whose number suits you: vesma shows the numbers that suit you, the neutral ones and the ones to avoid.
For a flat you already have, the number on the door does not change. Numerology is one input; the Vastu of the layout matters more, so follow the layout's remedies first.
What is a Kua number?Feng Shui
A Feng Shui number from your birth year and gender. It gives you four good and four weak directions for your bed, desk and door. It is Feng Shui, not Vastu, so a Vastu-only report leaves it out.
What is the difference between Vastu and Feng Shui? Can I follow both?Vastu and Feng Shui
Vastu is the Indian tradition: it reads the home by its directions and the 81-pada mandala. Feng Shui is Chinese: it reads the Bagua and your personal Kua directions.
They agree often and sometimes differ. vesma keeps them separate: pick Vastu only, Feng Shui only or Both on any layout. Most families in India follow Vastu first.
Using vesma
How does vesma read my floor plan?vesma
Upload the plan or pick it from a project. vesma reads the rooms, you set North and mark the main door, and the report scores every room, corner and the door against the Vastu rules, with a remedy for each problem.
I do not know which way the flat faces. Can I still use it?vesma
Yes. Tap 'Direction not known? Analyse for all directions' and vesma reads the layout as if the door faced each of the eight directions, so you can compare flats of a tower.
Do I need to break walls to follow the remedies?vesma
No. The remedies are mostly arrangement, colour, light, metal strips, mirrors and plants. Where a better layout would need a change (such as using another bedroom as the master bedroom), the report says so.
Your own home or office?
The answers above are general. A vesma report reads your own floor plan and gives each answer for your rooms, your door and your directions.