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The Formula of Harmony

Harmony represents a balance between two different or opposite things. When we see a beautiful object, it appears pleasing to our eyes because its design is harmonious. When we enjoy music, it happens due to its harmonious sound. Thus, everything that appears or sounds aesthetic to us may be summarized as harmonious.

The house we live in, the other buildings we visit regularly, and the space surrounding us have a strong influence on us. If an experience we had in a certain place was positive, we can say that the place is harmonious. If the experience we had in a certain place was negative or difficult, then the place was probably negative and disharmonious. If you have ever wondered why in one place you feel very good and in another very bad, this may be the reason behind receiving positive or negative experiences there.

Besides the fact that harmony creates pleasant sensations and tranquility, it establishes balance between a person and various energies circulating around the globe. These energies influence all areas of life, such as relationships, studies, career, work, partnership, health, and more. When the place where we live or stay is harmonious, we have a much greater chance of succeeding.

To create harmony and success in different areas of life, one may use various methods and scientific, mathematical formulas that were discovered and researched thousands of years ago. One such science is Vastu Shastra.

The formula of harmony according to Vastu includes important components: planning according to directions and the movement of magnetic-field energies, correspondence with astrology and numerology, alignment with the five elements, proper selection of colors and shapes, and maintaining cleanliness and order (this applies both to design and to clutter and dirt).

Energies, Influences, and Corrections

Thousands of years ago, scholars of India studied different types of energy, such as cosmic energy, the energy of the sun, wind, the stars of the galaxy (astrology and astronomy), and others. After researching the various types of energies, it was decided to develop Vastu Shastra.

There exist different types of energies and 45 magnetic fields that influence the place where we live, according to different directions. To live in peace with these energies, in balance, and with the ability to enjoy life, one must first correctly direct these energies through construction and design.

By adhering to the principles of the Indian science, one can improve all areas of life. Therefore, mistakes in architectural planning and in choosing the site may lead a family to various difficulties and problems in any endeavor and in any sphere.

Sometimes, when different things happen in a house or in a certain building, people who know nothing about the Indian science may intuitively feel that something is not right in the house—and they are absolutely correct. Some may suspect that there is a ghost in such a house, but before making such conclusions, it is better to check the planning and design of the house, since most likely the issue lies in strong defects that have very negative effects and harm those who inhabit the space. Also, the more time a person spends in a certain place, the more the place influences him. Sometimes serious defects in the northern and southern directions may cause objects to start moving, falling, and the like. A cut-off corner in the northeast may contribute to wrong decision-making; a cut-off corner in the northwest may cause feelings of loneliness and nightmares.

Vastu is also connected in some way with Ayurveda, and therefore health may be harmed if there are defects in the corresponding direction:

Defects in the northeast and east may lead to problems with the eyes.

Defects in the southeast may contribute to health issues related to the organs in the chest area.

Defects in the south may contribute to problems with the legs.

Defects in the southwest may cause problems with the teeth, heart, kidneys, as well as health issues affecting longevity.

Defects in the west may cause health problems related to the reproductive system.

Defects in the northwest may cause problems connected to mental health, knees, and elbows.

Defects in the north may cause health problems related to the heart and other organs in the chest area.

The most basic thing one can do to maintain health and harmony (according to Vastu) is to use natural resources and healthy, high-quality materials, and to avoid toxic materials.

One must also avoid recycled or previously used materials from another building, because old materials may bring into the new house events that already occurred in the old house. The use of such materials can also lead to loss of wealth. What is better: to invest a bit more money in new materials and enjoy the results for a long time, or to save money but not enjoy the outcome, because in a short time you will have to replace the recycled materials as they have deteriorated? The answer is the well-known saying: “the miser pays twice.”

One must also avoid the proximity of electromagnetic fields, large electric poles, polluted water, humidity, and ventilation problems. Therefore, when choosing a site for a house or choosing a house, it is important to pay close attention to the environment surrounding it. If it is located in a polluted area, surrounded by industrial buildings, a gas station, a cemetery, a hospital, or if the place has safety-related issues, one should reject such an acquisition.

Clean, quiet places with beautiful views and trees are considered excellent for living. If you ask a person who has lived in a mountainous, beautiful, and relatively quiet town, and who also lived for some time in a noisy, crowded, and polluted yet central city, where he felt better, he will most likely answer that he felt much better in the quiet town with views, and that life in the big city was connected with work or other goals. Going through this experience myself served as additional proof that one should live in a harmonious environment, wherever that may be.

Wood is a natural and pleasant material, so it is no surprise that it is considered so positive. If there is no nature, abundant greenery, or trees in your surroundings, you can always grow plants yourself, hang paintings or beautiful drawings at home depicting plants or flowers, or place colorful flowers in a vase with water, even if there is no special reason for it.

Minor Imperfections to Correct in Order to Maintain Harmony in the Home:

Maintain cleanliness and order; there should be pleasant scents and an absence of smoke odor.

Set a comfortable air temperature and ventilate the space.

Use good lighting—pleasant and suitable for any household task.

There should be good acoustics and an absence of noise.

Use comfortable and ergonomic furniture.

Use high-quality and comfortable beds, mattresses, and bedding.

Monitor safety in the home. For example, if there are stairs or a balcony, one must ensure that the railings are in good condition.

Do not use excessive electronics in the bedroom without necessity.

Use pleasant and harmonious colors throughout the house, according to the directions.

Replace old, cracked, or broken items and furniture with new ones.

Home Renovation

If there are serious defects, such as cut-off corners and improper placement of rooms and systems, the home may be renovated. But if there are too many defects and there is no budget for such extensive renovation, or when it concerns an apartment in a multi-story building where exterior walls cannot be touched, it is better to sell the property and find a new one.

When renovating a home, attention should be paid to the following principles:

The entrance door – If someone wishes to install another door, the first door may remain, provided that it is located in a positive place, such as the east or the north. One may select materials and color for the door according to the directions: in the north, it is recommended that the door have metallic and silver shades; in the east, it is recommended that the door have wooden tones; in the south, it is recommended that the door have wooden or metallic tones; and in the west, it is recommended that the door have metallic tones. It should also be ensured that the new door is not placed near areas unsuitable for an entrance (for example, near the kitchen). An entrance through the kitchen creates a serious defect. Additionally, one must ensure that no door in the house opens toward the southwest.

One must ensure that there are not three doors in the hallway facing the same direction.

Windows – If one is interested in adding additional windows, it is better to do so in northern and eastern areas, rather than in southern and western ones. Also, if enlarging the opening of any window, it is better not to do so in negative areas such as the south, west, and southwest. Ideally, the number of windows should be even. When replacing windows, this work should be completed on the south, west, or southwest side.

Floor replacement – It is better to refrain from using gray and black colors, as they absorb all positive energies from the home. Floors are influenced by the element of earth, therefore various earthy tones may be very beneficial. It is also forbidden to use white granite in the home, as it is commonly used in religious buildings such as churches, mosques, and temples. One must also avoid types of granite used for monuments and tombstones in cemeteries.

Exterior walls – There must not be five corners or more (during renovation and after it).

General Recommendations:

During renovation, one must maintain a good mood and calmness. Nervousness and anger carry negative energies capable of harming the renovation and rendering it useless.

Before beginning renovation, one must ensure that no new defects will arise because of the changes.

Renovation and the various modifications should be carried out in such a way that they fully suit all people living in the home.

It is forbidden to add bathrooms and toilets in unsuitable places, especially in the northeast and the southwest.

One must not build a kitchen, toilet, room, staircase, or pillar in the center of the house.

It is necessary to consult professionals to obtain the required permits for changes in the home. For example, no wall may be demolished without the approval of an engineer. Demolition of structural walls may cause enormous damage to the house or building.

Astro Vastu

Every person feels harmony differently and understands something personal under this word, something that differs from others. This happens for a simple reason – each person is individual and has his own horoscope. Therefore, the planning and design of a home must suit each person separately.

In every direction, according to the compass rose, there is a meaning and an influence from the point of view of Indian (Vedic) astrology. Therefore, before acquiring a new home or planning different areas within the home, it is worth checking the directions also from a personal and astrological perspective.

The use of Vastu Shastra principles can greatly help resolve various problems, but approaching the matter from the perspective of a professional astrologer can solve problems one hundred percent.

Each planet has a ruler and a place in the home that influences it.

Improving the Influence of the Sun on the Home

The Sun is the source of life on Earth. It is called the king among the planets, and it gives light and warmth. The Sun is responsible for the four seasons, the elements, the soul of a person, and his organs: the heart, eyes, spine, and blood.

According to Vastu, the Sun represents Brahma – the creator and the one responsible for everything that happens. The east is controlled by Indra (the king of the gods) and is under the influence of solar energies. Also, the Sun rises in the east, and therefore this direction is considered positive and prosperous.

The Sun is represented by the element of fire. In the home its influence may be positive, contributing to the expression of emotions and enthusiasm, but it may also be negative and destructive – similar to sunlight, which can be beneficial, yet excessive heat can harm health.

To prevent a lack of balance in the eastern part of the home, this area should be kept light (not overloaded) compared to the southern and western sectors. It is also better for the northern and eastern walls to be less thick than the western and southern ones.

The eastern direction especially influences men – in terms of health, social reputation (one’s name in society), character, and fame.

By maintaining the balance of the five elements (water, fire, air, earth, and ether) in the design of the home, one can reduce the negative influences of the Sun, receive the benefits of solar energies, and create a harmonious space.

To allow the elemental energies to pass harmoniously and not stagnate, one must follow these rules: objects and colors representing the element of water must not be placed in the location of the element of fire; objects and colors representing the element of fire must not be placed in the location of the element of ether; objects and colors representing the element of ether must not be placed in the location of the element of air; objects and colors representing the element of air must not be placed in the location of the element of earth; objects and colors representing the element of earth must not be placed in the location of the element of water.

When there are defects in the east of the home, the Sun activates the negative qualities of a person, such as arrogance, anger, envy, malice, lack of morals, egoism, and audacity.

When the east is balanced, the Sun can give a person fame, a good name for his business, respect, energy, happiness, optimism, success in all areas of life, love, wealth, the ability to lead, the development of beneficial relationships, reputation, and good character.

In the home, the Sun represents the head of the household and also influences the eastern windows in the living room. If there are no eastern windows in the home, it is recommended to compensate for this by hanging a metal or copper sun on the eastern wall of the house. When hanging or placing items depicting the Sun that have a face, only a smiling Sun should be used, and negative facial expressions should be avoided. This especially helps businessmen, politicians, consultants, artists, and people who are professionals in their field.

The east is considered a calm, pleasant, and peaceful place. Therefore, it is highly recommended for an elderly person to sleep in an eastern room if the house has eastern gates. The west is also suitable for placing an elderly person’s bedroom, as it likewise helps maintain health. The northeast can be a very pleasant place (such as a guest room for an elderly person).

A water tank must not be placed on the roof in the east of the house. This type of tank represents the element of earth (the southwest direction is ideal – heavy), while the eastern direction (light) receives the energies of the element of air from the west. If these two elements meet in this way, an energetic blockage will form, affecting health.

It is recommended to sit near sunlight every morning; therefore, the home should be planned so that the living room and work area are located near the east.

One may place a bamboo plant in the east of the living room or in the eastern part of the home.

It is recommended to hang a picture depicting a sunrise in the east of the living room or in the easternmost room of the home.

The eastern area of the home should be warm and pleasant in terms of color, and therefore cold colors (blue, black) should be avoided there.

It is recommended to hang in the eastern part of the home an illustration of a phoenix and to place a statue of a horse, lion, or bull.

Occupations and careers suitable for the east include politics, management, business, international organizations, art, cinema, and photography. The east is also a good location for beaches and swimming pools.

Buildings represented by the Sun: fortresses, government institutions, public offices, council houses, municipalities, and temples.

Stones represented by the Sun, which may be used for strength: ruby, orange calcite, smoky quartz, quartz, mango quartz, red quartz, tiger’s eye, carnelian, citrine, amber, sunstone, axinite, diamond, topaz, and others.

Metals represented by the Sun: gold and copper.

Shapes represented by the Sun: circle, heart, star, spiral, and swastika (although it is undesirable to place round objects in the east).

Plants and flowers represented by the Sun: wheat, rice, almond, coconut, oranges, lavender, pungent-flavored plants, roses, lotus, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers.

Natural places represented by the Sun: forests and mountains.