Since time immemorial, the science of directions, more specifically, directions of us humans in relation to the stars and other heavenly bodies, has fascinated mankind. Whether it was navigating by the stars, predicting the future based on configuration of stars or even building a home, man has found that directions constantly exert their influence on human life.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the science of Vastu. Our ancestors believed that if an imaginary line that spans east-west in the middle of the house is used properly, the inhabitants would prosper. The equator line is like to the house what the equator is to the earth. It forms the 'backbone' of the house. Consequently, if the home is not designed to make optimal use of this backbone, it may cause problems in the owner's life, more specifically, his backbone. Of course, if used according to the laws of nature, it proves most fortunate and auspicious to the owners or inhabitants of the house.
Ishanyam
'Ishan' in Sanskrit refers to the north-easterly direction. Hence if the north-eastern portion of the house is well illuminated by the Sun, the inhabitants have full grace of the Lord. Amarkosha (a Sanskrit lexicon) mentions the directions.
It pertains to the directions of the planets, which are specified as:
Surya [Sun] - East
Shukra [Venus] - South-East
Mangala [Mars] - South
Rama - South-West
Shani [Saturn] - West
Chandra [Moon] - North-West
Guru [Jupiter] - North and
Budha [Mercury] - North-East
These directions should be taken in conjunction with the directions of the Zodiac signs, which are specified as under:
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius - East
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius - West
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn - South
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces - North
How directions affect the home and the home-owner:
According to Vastu Shastra, the direction in which the house faces affects the nature of the home owner significantly. And this happens primarily because of the influence of the planet that rules the direction in which the house faces. Thus, a North facing house [and, by extension, the home-owner and the inhabitants of the house] would be affected by Jupiter, according to this science.
Given below are some of the common means by which directions influence the inhabitants of the home:
East
If the entrance of a house faces east, its ruling planet the Sun makes the owner of the house abiding to the truth, ambitious and courageous. He would have particular liking for acrid vegetables like bitter gourd, fenugreek etc.
South-East
If the entrance is in the South-East direction, it is ruled by Shukra [Venus]. Hence, the owner would have a variety of tastes and a special liking for luxuries and the finer things in life.
South
A South facing house [and its occupants] ruled by Mangal [Mars]. The owner of the home is usually courageous but can also be outrageous, haughty and stubborn. He relishes spicy foods and food that is tasty and delicious.
South-West
If the entrance faces South-West, the home is ruled by Rahu. The owner is supposed to be licentious, often engaged in illegal or immoral activities, savant of scriptures and talismans etc. He will specially relish stale food.
West
If the entrance faces West, it is ruled by Shani [Saturn]. Accordingly to the scriptures, the owner takes on characteristics of being serious, reserved, prudent, responsible and tolerant. He relishes food items cooked in oil and bitter and cold foods.
North-West
If the entrance faces North-West, it is ruled by Chandra [Moon]. Accordingly, the owner is of instable mind, sentimental, fond of traveling and soft-spoken. He is also fond of eating vegetables cooked with excess of salt.
North
A North facing house ruled by Brahaspathi [Jupiter]. The owner will be religiously inclined, altruistic, talkative and scholar of some particular subject and driven by whimsical fantasies. He is fond of sweet items as well.
North-East
If the entrance faces North-East, it is ruled by Budha [Mercury]. Accordingly, the owner will be intelligent, humorous, litterateur and active. He relishes everything but in moderation.
