Download The astrological connection

Star 1/8/04 The astrological connection
SEVERAL readers have asked how astrology is connected with Vasthu Sastra.
There is, indeed, a connection because the planetary forces described by
astrology are also governed by the five elements on which Vasthu Sastra is
based: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Based on their elemental composition,
different planets and stars emanate different grades of energies that can
influence an individual.
Their influence also depends on the planets’ proximity to each other, their size,
the direction in which they are moving, and the speed at which they are rotating.
Vedic philosophy says that an individual’s actions (both positive and negative)
create a certain pattern called karma. An individual’s time, date and place of birth
are based on accumulated karma from the past. And the various planets and
stars that are in a particular combination at the time of birth can affect karma
and determine one’s course in life.
Studying those planets and stars’ positions and combinations and determining
how they will affect a life is astrology. Just as these planets and stars affect an
individual’s life, they also influence a person through his or her dwelling. When
properly created and arranged, a property will harmonise all the energies of the
planets to produce a beneficial vibration that will foster the best possible result
within the limits of one’s karma. Vasthu Sastra offers guidance on how to achieve
this harmony.
When building a property, Vasthu Sastra suggests that, if possible, the
breadwinner should pick the direction in which it faces based on the direction that
is favourable to his or her zodiac sign (see graphic left). Of course, this is easier
to do if one is building from scratch. When buying a ready-made property, it
might not be possible to change the direction in which the property faces. This is
not, however, a major problem because by staying in a property that is arranged
internally according to Vasthu principles, a person will be able to ease any
unfavourable astrological influences.
Case study
Following my last column on businesswoman A. Alagamah whose life improved
after she observed Vasthu Sastra principles in her house, I received almost 300
e-mail messages and calls from readers who want to design their properties
incorporating the ancient principles. Although many were excited over Alagamah’s
results, they lamented that they do not have the funds to carry out such
extensive renovations. But, as I’ve said before, Vasthu is the art of the placement
of things and this can be done without tearing down walls and doing major
renovations.
Mano from Kuala Lumpur said he suffered a stroke and his business collapsed
after moving into a house that has a south-west facing entrance and a road
spearing into his plot. He said there is also a lot of tension and disagreement
between him and his wife. “I strongly believe it is due to the property and I have
decided to move out because my life has been full of obstacles recently,” he said.
Vasthu recommends that there should not be any opening in the south-west
portion of the house. This is because the subtle energy that should be stored in
the south-west quadrant will exit thus resulting in the dweller not enjoying the
benefits of health, wealth, happiness and peace of mind. It is also inauspicious to
occupy a property that faces a T-junction, as the flow of negative energy will
affect the health and wealth of the occupants of such houses.
Letchumy from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, attributes her childless condition to the
south-west facing house she lives in. “I’ve been married for eight years and have
not had children, and now I’m also suspected of having breast cancer,” she said,
adding that she has been looking for a new dwelling since learning about the
negative properties of her house. However, Vasthu does not always demand such
a drastic change. Instead of vacating a property, one could correct faults. For
instance, if the main doorway of a house inauspiciously faces the south-west, seal
off that door and use an alternative entrance facing south or west.
Vasthu talks
The columnist will give a talk on how to enhance peace, happiness, health and
wealth through Vasthu Sastra today at 2.30pm at the 5th Floor Auditorium F,
Bangunan Komtar, Penang. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to purchase 10
wheel chairs for senior citizens.
To register, call Raman at 013-430 0509.
A similar talk will be held on August 6 at 7.30pm at the Pranic Healing Society of
Malaysia, Satyaloka 15.2, Plaza Prismaville, Jalan 26A/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas,
Kuala Lumpur. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to the association’s welfare
activities. To register, call Ju Keong at 012-207 4387. A forum on the science of
Vasthu Sastra will be held on August 27 at 8pm at MPH Megastore (F319 & S319
in the new wing, 1st and 2nd floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya,
Selangor).
It is open to the public and admission is free.
T. Selva, The Star’s Maritime Editor, has spent years researching this ancient
Indian science of construction, better known as ‘Indian feng shui’. He is a student
of 7th generation Vasthu Sastra Master Yuvaraj Sowma from Chennai, India. He
can be contacted at [email protected]