What is a Vastu compass and how to use it?

In the earlier days, Vastu experts figured out the correct direction with the help of the sun’s shadow. Today, thanks to technology, the Vastu compass is a simple device to learn about directions. The Earth is a huge magnet that has two centres of force – the North and the South poles. The core of the planet, which is mainly molten iron, creates a magnetic field as it spins around. This is what makes the north and south poles magnetic, based on which compasses can work. A compass is a device with a magnetic needle that aids in determining the direction of the Earth’s magnetic poles. It is a self-pointing tool that helps to check the directions. The Vastu compass is an instrument that has the main Vastu directions marked on it – north, south, east, west, northeast, southwest, northwest and southeast. Some vastu compasses may also have pointers for directions in-between. Vastu is a science of direction that considers the five elements of nature and space that balance everything. The Vastu Shastra gives immense importance to the correct directions for construction of the house, placement of each room and the arrangement of the furniture. For the ideal flow of energies, every room needs to be located in a particular direction as per Vastu. A Vastu compass can help you build or convert your home to attract positive energies.

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See also: Tips for east facing house Vastu plan

Vastu compass: Types

There are two types of Vastu compass – the pivotal vastu compass and the floating Vastu compass.

Pivotal Vastu compass

The pivotal Vastu compass is one of the most commonly used devices for Vastu. The magnetic needle is balanced on a pivot point so one has to place the pivotal vastu compass on the ground, or a level surface, in the centre of the house. Once on a level surface, the compass aligns itself automatically. The red arrow or a needle with a black or white end will point to the north and every other direction will be properly aligned.

Floating Vastu compass

The floating Vastu compass does not need to be placed on the ground. One just needs to stand in the centre of the house or plot while holding the vastu compass. Wait till the needle with the red tip stops moving and check if the needle aligns with the N mark. When using a floating Vastu compass, ensure that there are no magnetic or electromagnetic objects nearby.

How are directions marked in a Vastu compass?

In a vastu compass, a magnetic needle (pointed by red, black, green, or the letter N) is used to find out the north direction, based on the earth’s magnetic field, and is considered the 0-degree or the 360-degree. Following this pattern, east is 90-degree, west is 270-degree and south is 180-degree.

Four cardinal directions: north (N), east (E), south (S) and west (W); at 90-degree angles on the compass.

Four intercardinal (or ordinal) directions: northeast (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW) and northwest (NW).

Also read all about south facing house Vastu

Importance of directions in Vastu

To apply all the Vastu principles, you need to find out the accurate directions of your house. Each direction, based on its elements and deity, is apt for certain activities and unsuitable for others. If a specific direction does not adhere to a specific activity as per Vastu, one can feel the negative effects of the imbalanced energies. Hence, it is important to understand each direction and its significance to create an environment of happiness, peace, prosperity and overall well-being.

How to use your smartphone as a Vastu compass?

Compasses today can be found on smartphones. Vastu compass functionality in phones and tablets is enabled by a sensor called a magnetometer, which is used to measure the direction of the magnetic fields. The sensor allows a phone to determine its orientation accurately. Phones that do not have a compass app can download Digital Field Compass for Android or Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android. However, when using a compass on your phone, ensure that it is properly calibrated. The vastu compass will rotate before coming into position with the direction you face. Check that the dial and the needle are in sync.

How to use a magnetic compass for Vastu?

Stand in the centre of the plot when checking directions.
Keep the base of the compass flat in front of your chest.
Ensure that the needle of the compass is floating freely and pointing towards the magnetic north.
Avoid anything that may affect the magnetic needle or the compass’s reading.
Keep the compass away from your phone, laptop, or any iron object when using it for Vastu.
Avoid using the compass near your car, metallic objects, or high-voltage power lines.
Don’t wear jewellery or use a metal pen that could obstruct the reading.

How to use a Vastu compass?

While checking the directions with a Vastu compass, stand in the centre of the plot.
Hold the base of the Vastu compass flat in front of your chest.
The Vastu compass needle will float freely and point to the magnetic north.
Ensure that you are away from structures that could affect the magnetic needle and hence, the reading of the Vastu compass.
Avoid proximity with a mobile phone, laptop or any iron object when using a Vastu compass.
Use your vastu compass away from your car, metallic objects or high-voltage power lines.

Also read: How to prepare a makaan ka naksha for your home

Buying a Vastu compass: Price

You can easily find a vastu compass for sale in stores specialising in vastu-related products. If the intricacy of a vastu compass seems overwhelming, simpler compass options are also available at stationery stores. The cost typically varies based on the compass’s size and material, ranging from around INR 150 to over INR 1000. For a convenient option, you can explore various e-commerce platforms to purchase a suitable vastu compass online. Some iOS devices even offer a vastu compass through Google Maps, and it’s important to note that Microsoft devices come equipped with an in-built vastu compass feature.

How to store Vastu compass at home?

Always keep your vastu compass away from direct heat sources. Do not store a vastu compass near a magnet or electronic field. Over time, exposure can demagnetise the needle. Do not place your vastu compass in your pocket next to your cell phone.

How to find your home’s centre to use a Vastu compass?

To mark the four corners of your house, label them as points A, B, C, and D, and connect A to C and B to D. The centre point where these two lines intersect is the exact centre of your house. In case your house has a cut or extension in any corner, draw an imaginary line to make it square or rectangular before labelling the corners. Remember to avoid any magnetic interference from nearby objects such as your phone, laptop, car, metallic objects, or high-voltage power lines when using a magnetic compass for Vastu. Also, refrain from wearing jewellery or using a metal pen, as they may obstruct the compass reading.

Using a Vastu compass: Tips to keep in mind

When using a compass, it’s essential to remember the following key points:

Ensure there are no obstacles obstructing the magnetic needle and the compass reading.
Avoid carrying mobile phones, laptops, or iron objects, as they can interfere with the compass.
Prior to using the compass, confirm there are no high-voltage power lines nearby.
Keep the compass away from any magnetic objects.
Remove any jewellery from your hands and wrists, as it might affect the accuracy of your reading.

FAQs

How many readings should I take on the compass to know the correct Vastu direction?

The most important part of Vastu analysis is taking an accurate compass reading. Most Vastu experts suggest that a layman takes three readings. The first reading should be taken from the main gate facing towards the property. The second reading should be taken from the centre of the premise. The last reading must be taken from the far corner of the location. If you have inconsistent readings there may be some metallic or electrical interference or you may be standing close to metal objects.

Can I use the compass in the wristwatch for Vastu?

There are currently two types of compass watches – digital and analogue. The digital watch is also known as the electronic compass since it uses electronic sensors to measure the magnetic fields. Vastu experts feel that the watch compass is not very accurate but ideal for hikers and campers. Nevertheless, a lot may depend on the model of the watch and its compass features.

Can the Vastu compass be used for Feng Shui at home?

Vastu and Feng Shui both believe that the centre of the home is where all the energies combine, making it the most important part of the house. Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui use the eight compass directions to determine placement and architecture and the five elements to attract positive energies. So, yes, a Vastu compass can also be used for Feng Shui.

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Purnima Goswami Sharma

Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.

Email: [email protected]