We experience different kinds of invisible energies and wish to surround ourselves with positive ones, hoping they would bring tremendous improvements in our lives. Nowadays, the ancient principles of Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra are being widely adopted by homeowners and growing in popularity to achieve the same. Originated in two different countries centuries apart, the two theories revolve around harmonizing the environment through modifications in aspects of house design, construction, décor, etc. It is also possible to apply both the concepts together in your house for combined benefits.

However, the two philosophical systems slightly differ from each other with regard to the prescribed five elements. According to Vastu, the elements are earth, water, fire, air, and space while Feng Shui regards metal and wood among the five major elements along with earth, water, and fire. While the Chinese system of Feng Shui is more applicable for existing spaces, Vastu concepts can be applied before, during, and after the construction of a building.

The centre

According to Feng Shui, the center is called the heart of the home, also considered the yin-yang point from where all other Bagua energies originate. Similarly, Vastu lays importance on the Brahma Sthala or central point of the house. It says that the area needs to be kept clutter-free to evoke pleasant vibrations.

The greens

Lush green plants symbolize life and growth and bring charm to any empty space. Adding greenery inside the house stimulates Chi forces, according to Feng Shui. Plants with sharp leaves add more Yang while round-leafy plants bring more Yin qualities inside the house. In Vastu, too, keeping certain plants such as tulsi or bamboo is considered auspicious for the house. Both the philosophies count thorny plants such as Cacti, sources of negative energies. The east corner of the living room is known to be ideal for green plants to boost good health and vitality.

The colours

Feng Shui strongly encourages the use of cool colours for increasing the Yin in the house. Thus, it recommends the use of earthy tones such as blues, peach, greens and browns for certain areas. The sacred Chinese system also emphasises on enhancing the chi energy through varied design and interior décor for the house. Vastu experts advise the use of certain colours in certain directions. And all directions are represented by different planets. For instance, the moon represents the white colour, and could be used for adorning the north-west walls; blue should be used in the west corners as it is represented by Saturn.

The water

Aquariums or fish tanks are excellent stress-busting décor products that can lower blood pressure and anxiety levels. Keeping an aquarium of good and healthy fish in the house can nullify some Vastu defects. The presence of fish aquariums can overthrow evil forces and will rectify defects that cause finance-related issues. The predominant element in aquariums is water and fish. According to Feng Shui, the rapid movement of fish increases the active Chi energy leading to improved health, happiness, and wealth in the family. It is believed that feeding fish regularly can build good karma. Placing an aquarium in Vastu recommended directions of the north or the east can drive out the negative energies from your home. It is would be interesting to note that Feng Shui and Vastu warn against keeping décor pieces with water features in the bedroom.

Vastu and feng shui may have evolved in two different setups but both aim to make the space we live in positive. Vastu and feng shui consultant Rashi Gaur lists the different conflicts that exist between these two sciences.

1. While the zone of the kitchen as per Vastu Shastra is South East (the zone of fire), feng shui supports it because the element in the southeast zone is wood, and wood supports fire. The green kitchen in the southeast zone is an ideal bet. But if this zone is unavailable for the kitchen, Vastu Shastra allows the NorthWest zone as a second option. However, in feng shui, North West is considered the zone of the patriarch and is governed by metal. A kitchen here would burn away or meltdown the energies of the patriarch like fire melts down metal. The contradiction here leads to refrain from having a kitchen in this zone.
2. North East is considered to be the zone of the mind in both the sciences. While Vastu Shastra places water here, in feng shui, this zone is governed by the earth, allowing it to have earthy and fiery tones as well. Fire destroys water, hence by sticking to earthy tones and not using tones of red in this zone, we can appease both the sciences.
3. Feng shui is more streamlined and the color tones are based on the elements that govern each zone. It is advisable to follow the color scheme as per feng shui and keep it muted wherever it clashes with Vastu Shastra. It is best to stick to basic soft tones. Strong colors such as red, blue, black, and green should be used wisely and correctly.
4. Vastu Shastra demarcates zones clearly according to its functioning. While a daughter of marriageable age should occupy the northwest zone, a temple in the North-East zone is also ideal. A living room in the East and a kitchen in the South or South East, the head of the family occupying the South Zone as it’s the zone of strength are some common examples of room allocation as per Vastu Shastra. Feng shui applies the theory of number calculations according to your date of birth and hence there are certain directions that may be suitable to you and some may not. This needs a piece of expert advice. While setting up your own space, the simple choice is to follow the directions as per Vastu Shastra and allocate rooms accordingly.