In the traditional concept of Vaastu, the layout of a house and the corresponding

functions of each room have been prescribed according to the position of the sun
throughout the day. Accordingly,
the period between three and six in the morning, just before sunrise, is called
Brahma Muhurta. This is the time when the sun is in the north-eastern section of the
house. This is a good time for meditation.
From six to nine in the morning, the sun is in the eastern part of the house. This
is a good time for bathing; and the east is logically a good location for the
bathroom.
From nine in the morning to noon, the sun is in the south-east part of the house.
It is a good time to eat, and the direction is a good location for the kitchen. This is
also a good time for preparing food as well as to eat.
Between twelve and three in the afternoon is the resting period and the sun is in
the south, which is an ideal location for a bedroom.
Between three and six in the evening, the sun is in the south-west section of the
house. This is a good location for a study.
The evening, between six and nine, is a good time for eating. The sun is in the
west, which is a good location for a dining room.
The period between twelve and three in the morning, when the sun is in the north,
is the time for secrecy, rest and sleep.

Rituals for a New Home

Since all living spaces are said to be filled with unseen entities, the purification of the
place is mandatory before its occupation. So certain rituals or pujas are conducted.
The first is performed before the construction actually commences, the second on
positioning the main door, the third to ensure that the new occupants have happy lives,
and the fourth set of rituals are associated with moving in.
Before entering a new home a Vaastu puja is performed to the imaginary Vaastu
Purusha. The place is scrupulously cleaned and a light is carried to the centre of the
house where a jug of water, white flowers and burning incense have already been
placed. Milk is then boiled until it overflows or food is cooked and offered to the
gods. Then follows a prayer for health, wealth and happiness.
Finally, holy water mixed with sandalwood oil is sprinkled into each corner of the
property to purify it. The food that has been cooked is then offered to the gods and
given to the guests as prasad.
 There are five essential items required for a puja: water or milk, incense, flowers, a
light and a bell. The water or milk represents the element water, the incense is
symbolic of the element air, the flower represents earth, the light symbolises fire and
the sound of the bell represents space. In this manner, all the elements are brought
together and offered to the gods of the space directions to ensure the protection and
prosperity of the home.

The Role of Colours

Colours have a powerful impact on us. This has also been proved scientifically.
Heliotherapy, or the use of sunlight in the treatment of diseases, has been in use for a
long time. Sunlight is apparently pure white light, though it is a combination of the
seven colours of the rainbow. Each colour has an independent vibration that affects
the mind and the body and activates human glands.
In Vaastu, colours play an important role. They are linked with the three gunas:
sattva, rajas and tamas. Blue, green, white and light colours are considered sattvic.
Rajasic colours are fiery reds, oranges and pinks. The tamasic colours are browns and
black.
Colours can influence the size and shape of a room. Light colours give the illusion
of space. Softer, more sattvic colours promote harmony, red increases desire, blue and
green are cooling and yellow stimulates cerebral activities. Violet, which enhances
introspection, is best in the meditation room, and a baby’s room should ideally be
bright.
Interestingly, the colour of the front door should be in harmony with the direction it
faces. A door facing north should be a shade of blue, for example.

The Five Elements

The Five Elements are synonymous with Feng Shui and quite popular too. These
elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are the foundation theory for Feng
Shui balance. There also seems to be some confusion about just what these elements
really are and how they work. Actually, it is easy to understand the elements and their
significance. Using them properly and in the correct proportion is what separates a
master from a student.
The following is a brief description of each of these elements and how they might
be applied.

Wood
We start with the wood element since it is the beginning of new life. Just as spring
brings new plants and new life, wood is the originator of the five elemental cycle.
Many people mistakenly use wood furniture as a Feng Shui solution. The problem
with wood furniture is that it is lifeless.
To harness the chi of wood, it is essential you use live wood! A shrub or bushy
plant is ideal since it emits live chi and is also an excellent method of retaining chi.
Plants recycle the air we breathe and can provide a natural filter for the air. A
common Feng Shui problem is the staircase that empties into a doorway. A bushy
plant can retain some of that chi, when it is placed either on the landing, or more
ideally, at the bottom of the staircase.
Remember that you want a live plant, so maintain it. A dead plant holds no chi and
is actually a sha (unsightly or bad influence).
Wood can be represented by the colour green. We find that the colours are not
nearly as effective, though, as the actual element. When it comes to the wood element,
there is rarely an occasion when you need to substitute the colour for a living plant.
Wood represents the directions of east and the Chen Trigram. It also represents the
southeast and the Sun Trigram.

Fire

The fire element is the most Yang of the elements. It is the hot summer or a blast of
heat. If it is hot, it is even better. A red night light or a table lamp with a red shade
makes excellent fire remedies. Fire represents the south and the Li Trigram.

Earth

Earth is an interesting element despite the rather commonplace conception of dirt.

Many times earth is recommended for a larger environmental solution. In this case
large granite boulders, or a beautiful clay statue can be used. Terracotta pots filled
with potting soil make a great earth remedy. Earth also represents the mountain. Earth
tone colours can be used, but they are not nearly as effective as the actual element.
Earth represents the north-east or the Ken Trigram. It also represents the south-west or
the Kun Trigram.
Additionally, it represents the ‘centre’ of the Master Trigram. Energetically
speaking, Kun Earth and the centre representation (also called a star) of ‘5’ can have
negative influences, whereas the Ken Trigram (north-east, also referred to as the
mountain) can have a very prosperous influence.

Metal
The most common solution, metal can be found in all forms. Copper, silver, gold, and
bronze are a few variations of the metal element. Using the metal element can take on
all sorts of creative ideas. A cast silver deer is one idea. A bronze plate hung on the
wall is another one. Even iron weightlifter plates can be utilised as a metal solution.
This can be done by stacking a few, then placing a brass pot upside down on top and
creating a pedestal for a small plant or perhaps a metal statue. The quantity of the
element is definitely there! The key thing to remember is that Feng Shui is about
creating a beautiful environment.
When utilising the metal element, ensure that it is rounded and pleasing, not sharp
and pointed. Metal is the most commonly used remedy for the negative earth energies
as mentioned above. Ideally, the goal is to introduce Feng Shui elemental solutions
that are not identifiable as Feng Shui remedies. Feng Shui objects that are unsightly or
easily identified as a ‘Feng Shui cure’ are not recommended. It should blend into the
environment and be beautiful.
The colours of white, silver, or gold can be used. Metal represents the Tui Trigram
in the west. Tui is a soft metal like gold. It is also the Chien Trigram in the north-west.
Chien is a hard metal like steel.

Water

Water is what gives life. Without it, we would not exist. Our bodies are mostly water.
In Feng Shui, water is a very useful element. Water, when needed, should be clear and
flowing. Stagnant water can create more problems than it solves. A simple aquarium,
or even a small ‘metal’ fountain can be used. Do not use ceramic or other earthen
fountains. This is a common mistake.
The earth element blocks water and neutralises its positive effect. A metal trough, a
fountain, or even a fishpond can act as an environmental solution. Water has always
been synonymous with power. Water has been used as an elemental solution by the
emperors in the form of moats and by placing their palaces near bodies of water. Most
flourishing cities are either located near water or have large lakes or rivers nearby.
Residences close to water bodies are always sold or bought at a premium.
Water can be represented by the colours blue or black. Water represents the Kan
Trigram in the north.
While the elements and their uses have been detailed above, make sure that they are
not used haphazardly. Ideally, a proper Feng Shui analysis should be performed by a
qualified practitioner. Used incorrectly, the elements can cause harm to relationships,
health, or prosperity.