It is a very commonly asked question as to which is better and whether Vaastu and Feng Shui are the same or different from each other. Though both of them deal with the cosmic forces acting on us and our dwellings, certain principles differ. While Vaastu takes Prana or life force into account, Feng Shui considers Chi as the flow of energy. Both the systems use the eight cardinal directions and five elements but Feng Shui considers two different elements. The basic objective of both the systems is to bring positive energy into the house or place of work by removing negative energy. Believers of both the systems found effective means in getting positive results. Modern Vaastu practitioners use several Feng Shui energisers to counter negative energy as they are relatively cheaper because traditional Vaastu requires physical change of the structure on many occasions like shifting of an obstacle in front of the main entrance or changing a toilet or bedroom.
According to Vaastu, the five basic elements are earth, water, air, fire and space. Feng Shui considers the five elements as earth, water, fire, wood and metal. The east is the source of prime energy as per Vaastu as the sun rises in this direction. The north is also important as the source of magnetic energy and hence these two directions are very auspicious. So it is highly recommended to do all major work facing these two directions only. Feng Shui considers the south and southeast as very auspicious because of the powerful sunrays coming from these directions.
Vaastu Shastra does not depend on the horoscope of individuals though it suggests lucky colours or directions according to ruling planets. The directions and their ruling planets are constant. But Feng Shui has assigned different animals based on the year of birth and the effects keep changing every year according to the year of the animal. Feng Shui says that the lucky direction for a person may vary according to the birth number or KUA number.
Feng Shui and Vaastu have differences in the use of colours also. For example, the lucky colour of the north is light green because it is ruled by mercury. But Feng Shui says black is lucky at north. As Lord Shani (Saturn) rules the west, blue is said to be good according to Vaastu. But Feng Shui considers white, gold or silver as lucky colours at west.
Wind chimes for good luck
The wind chime makes a nice soothing sound when it is moved by wind and this sound can activate the Chi energy. It can dispel negative energy and energise the surroundings positively. The Chinese use the wind chime made of bamboo in the east as the east is the direction of the wood element as per Feng Shui. Metal wind chimes should be placed at west or northwest. Metal wind chimes produce a sharper sound compared to wooden or bamboo ones and so they can activate the energy faster. Metal wind chimes can increase creativity and should be placed in the children’s room at west. Earthen wind chimes are also available but if they fall down on the ground, they may break and create negative energy instead.
The size of the wind chime matters too. For example, in a big garden, a small wind chime will have little effect. For general purpose, it is ideal to hang them on the window or the door where the wind is blowing through.
If there are three doors in a straight line which drains the energy out, a wind chime can be placed in the middle to arrest the outgoing energy and prevent good luck from going away.
It is recommended to hang a wind chime with 6 metal rods at northwest for luck and intelligence. Wind chimes with 7 rods increase self knowledge. For growth, success, abundance and prosperity, wind chime with 8 rods are recommended.
If the main door is facing a staircase, hang a wind chime over the foot of the staircase to dissipate the negative energy.
Wind chimes should not be hung directly above one’s head, bed or workplace because the energy from the metal rods may affect adversely.