1. God is the great architect, builder, painter and decorator. His creations including of human beings are infinite, innovative, intricate, interesting, intelligible, revealing. The greatest wonder of this universe is, the universe itself. You only need the right vision and mind to see it and to admire it.

2. Astrology refer to the solar system, namely the Sun and other planets which orbit around it and the five basic elements namely space, air, fire water and also the earth. Solar system consists of Sun, Stars, Planets, Satellites, asteroids, comets etc. in the galaxy which have telling effects on the total things on earth- both living and non-living.

3. Ancient sages and saints knew the secret of their influences on the life on earth and evolved two important shastras (systems) which are known as Vastu Shastra- The ancient art and science of building and jyotish (Astrology) which gives an account of what is in store for every thing from womb to tomb. Vastu experts should also know Astrology.

The planetary forces having effect on Animate and

Inanimate objects

The Solar System and the Planets

Sun is the king of the solar system. The Sun, planets, satellites, asteroids and comets together are known as the solar system in the galaxy. These are the members of solar family. Planets are heavenly bodies rotating around the Sun in orbit. They also rotate on their own axis. They are not hot bodies and do not have light. There are nine planets known to us who revolve around the Sun in elliptical path.

Planets Distance Their Their

from the Sun colour directions

in millions

(Kilometers)

1. Earth 149.598 Mixed -

(Prithvi)

2. Mercury 57.900 Green North

(Budh)

3. Venus 108.200 White South East

(Shukra)

4. Mars (Mangal, 227.900 Coral Red South

Kuj, Angarak)

5. Jupiter 778.300 Golden North-east

(Brahaspati, Yellow

Guru)

6. Saturn 1427.000 Black South

(Shani)

7. Uranus 2869.600 White -

(Prajaapathi)

8. Neptune 4496.600 Silver West

(Varun) White

9. Pluto 5900.000 Black South

(Yamaha or Yam)

Pancha Bhootas

The Five Great Elements

Pancha Bhootas greatly influence human life on earth. They are-(1) Space (Akaash), (2) Air (Vaayu), (3) Fire (light and heat) (Agni), (4) water (jal) and (5) Earth (Prithvi).

Space

The unending part of the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere in which all other planets and stars exist is known as space- to be precise, outer-space. It influences life on earth through its various forces like gravitational force, light, heat, magnetic field and waves etc. which are worth observing. Astronomy and Astrology relate to movements of Sun, Moon, and 5 other planets etc. through zodiac and tell how they affect life.

Air (Vaayu)

We can't see air, but can feel it. Air around earth extends up to 400 kms. and mainly consists of oxygen (21%) nitrogen (78%) and the rest other gases like helium, Carbondioxide etc. Without air, there can be no life.

Now Air is also used to produce wind-energy to run our machines and light up our homes.

Fire (Light & Heat)

Agni is the basis of all energy including solar energy, atomic energy, thermal energy and above all animal and human energy. Without light and heat life will be extinct.

Water (Jal)

Rain, river, seas and oceans all represent water. Water forms part of every plant and animal. Our blood is nothing but water with hemoglobin and oxygen. Now a days water and waves are used for generating energy through hydro power projects and tidal power projects. All the civilisations in the world prospered only on the banks of big rivers.

Briefly, the Five basic and essential elements like Earth, Space, Fire, Air and Water affect, influence, guide and change the living styles of not only human beings but every living being on earth. They even go a few steps forward shaping our deeds, destiny, luck and livelihood, behavior and others basics of life. "According to Ayurveda the body is an energy capturing device and this can be captured through the five elements-

Space : by gazing at the stars and sky,

Air : by breathing the breath of plants,

Fire : by letting the SUN (Morning SUN) shining directly on us.

Water : by drinking plentiful pure water (sip hot water every half-an-hour for losing weight)

Earth : Removing shoes and directly walking on the Earth will lead to "Renewal" we have to go to the source the earth.

Five elements and Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra, in fact, is nothing but creating a congenial setting or a place to live or work, in most scientific way taking advantages of the benefits bestowed by the five elements called "Pancha Boothaas" of the nature thereby paving the way for enhanced health, wealth, Prosperity and happiness in an enlightened environment. Putting up buildings as per principles and practices propounded by Vastu Shastra may be beneficial and compatible- the system of Vastu, evolved by enlightened Indian sages, saints and seers.

Some Vaastu guidelines

for plots, houses and flats

(Tips)

- Know about the direction and their names

- Ideal Plot for construction

- Selection of plot

- About the over-head Tank

- Doors and Windows

- Entrance door should be biggest

- Exit Door

Directions

Selection of Plot

Once a suitable site has been selected, observe the following principles while constructing a new house.

Ideal Place for construction within the plot

Leave more open space in the east and the north as compared to the south and west. Construction is preferred in the South-West quadrant.

Overhead Tank

Let the overhead tank be in the South-West quadrant avoiding the diagonal.

Doors and Windows

(i) Have more doors, windows and balconies in the east and the north as compared to the south and west.

(ii) It is suggested that doors and windows in the south-west should seldom be used. For balconies in the south-west, have lots of plants; do not leave the space vacant. The balconies in SW should preferably be covered with a collapsible plastic or wooden curtain.

Entrance Door

Make the entrance door the biggest in the house. A good ratio for a door is L:B. 2:1. The length should be twice the width.

Do not have the entrance and the exit doors in a straight line as then whatever comes in tends to flow out.

For multi-storied buildings where the set back is the same at front and rear, for a north-south situation raise the southern side and have a slope towards north. For an east-west situation raise the western side and have a slope towards east.

Tube-well/Underground Tank

Let the tube-well or underground tank be in the NE quadrant, avoiding the diagonal between the NE and the SW.