Vaastu in the Southern Hemisphere — Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

The question

Vaastu Shastra was developed in India, in the northern hemisphere, where the sun travels across the southern sky. Much of its practical advice — light from the north and east, heavy walls to the south and west — makes sense for that climate. South of the equator, in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Durban or Port Louis, the sun travels across the northern sky. So families often ask: should Vaastu directions be reversed?

View 1: keep the directions

Many traditional consultants hold that the directions in Vaastu are tied to the deities of the directions and to the earth's magnetic field, not only to the sun. On this view the north-east is still Ishanya, the kitchen is still in the south-east and you still face east to pray — east is where the sun rises everywhere on earth.

View 2: adapt for the sun

Other consultants, especially those working in Australia and South Africa, argue that the climate logic should be followed: north-facing windows bring the warm winter sun south of the equator, so living areas and large windows belong on the north side, and the cold south side suits storage and heavier walls. Some swap north and south for sun-related advice while keeping east and west unchanged.

What both agree on

• East is the direction of sunrise everywhere — facing east to pray and morning light from the east remain good advice.
• A clean, light, sacred puja corner; an uncluttered centre; good ventilation.
• A sensible kitchen with fire and water apart.

Practical advice

In the southern hemisphere, follow local building practice for sunlight and insulation — it is what keeps the home healthy — and apply the room and puja-space traditions of Vaastu inside. If you are building or buying, ask a Vaastu consultant who has experience with southern-hemisphere homes, and decide with your family which approach you follow.