Vaastu knowledge is also based on the study of the effects of Panch Tattva in a house such as; Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Ether. Their individual effects and effects of their mutual interplay as represented even by their significations have lots of dynamism in the lives of members of the house. For example, water body placed in the Fire zone in a house or vice-versa can have effects in two ways. Either water will evaporate due to fire resulting in excessive expenditure of money or fire will be scattered everywhere in the house signifying domestic quarrels. Likewise several possibilities can emerge on the basis of different combinations of these five elements in a house. Before going into details of these possible consequences we must know about the places assigned to each element.
North-East — Water
South-East —Fire
South-West –Earth
North-West –Air and
Center —- Ether or Space.
We can easily establish the nature of relationship among all these elements and the likely effects of their combinations. Each of these elements is the most essential component in a house and without any one of these; the occupants will face severe problems related to that particular element. This may reflect either in the form of absence of health, wealth and joy.
Water:
Water constitutes major portion in our bodies and on Earth. Water in a house also needs to be placed in a proper place so as to make it habitable. That is why in Vaastu Shastra its place has been assigned in North-East. However north or east are also preferred directions for the water bodies. Water bodies of any type such as bore well, pond, aquarium, inlets or outlets of used water of house and even the pictures and posters depicting water bodies such as fountains, oceans, rivers etc. have been proved to be as beneficial as the real water bodies for the occupants. Similar objects like crystals, fishes, mirrors are also effective significations of water and therefore properly placed water and water like significations in a house is important for the inflow of money for the occupants.
Earth:
Earth signifies stability and the heaviness in a house. It is the basis of our existence and therefore proper placement of Earth element in the house makes the occupants full of stability, command and authority in the society. South-West corner has been assigned for this earth element and this is supposed to be the heaviest and elevated among all the corners and directions. Elevated surface signifies more mass and volume which can be achieved by putting more weight either by way of making platform on that surface in that corner or putting objects having the similar characteristics such as, rock gardens, boulders, mountains and even the pictures and posters depicting these structures also have the same effects for the occupants.
Fire:
This is an element for vitality and strength for the family members. It draws its energy from the Sun which is reflected in the form of Infra Red light in the house. Longer wavelength and shorter frequency of Infra Red rays enables it to penetrate deeper into the body and house causing heat. Therefore the South-East region of house having maximum incidence of solar energy is the main region where this fire element is accumulated. In order to make it in conformity with the natural heat energy in the house kitchen along with all the heating gadgets such as heaters, geysers, generators, electric panels are prescribed in this corner itself as per Vaastu Shastra prescriptions. Even the pictures and posters depicting heat or fire such as flares of fire, volcano, red electric bulb, and red objects etc. can also enhance the Fire element in this corner.
Air:
Air is so essential an element for the living beings is beyond explanations. Air enables inflow and circulation of positive energy and outward ventilation of negativity from the house. The ventilators in the house are the sources of outlets of negativities therefore these have been prescribed as per Vaastu Shastra to be located near the ceilings in the house. Moreover, this element Air finds its place in North-West corner in house as per Vaastu Shastra. The established Vaastu prescription for planting herbal plants and trees in this corner finds its relevance from this logic only. Plants and trees in this corner of the house promote adequate flow and circulation of wind thereby saturating the requirements of Air element of the house. Proper wind blowing in a house enhances freshness of ideas and thoughts thereby negating suffocating atmosphere in the house. The circulation of wind in this corner should not be restricted either on the ground level or above the surface and kept open from all sides. This corner if maintained properly with the help of suitable airy objects results in healthy relationships with the neighbors and friends.
Ether or Space:
Space is needed for expansion of energy in the house. It is the manifestation of entire cosmos, galaxy and solar system. The space or Ether is omnipresent energy and is required to be present in the house in such a way that there is no feeling of suppression and suffocation in the house. Higher ceilings and free flow of light and air in the house are the symptoms of abundance of Space. The proper place for the Space element in a house is the central area. There should not be heavy object placed in the center. Neither kitchen nor toilets are allowable in the center of the house as they will lead to disastrous effects for the owner. Even the pillars are strictly prohibited in the center.
It is important to note that various significations of these elements can also do harm in case of their wrong placements. So it’s always advisable to keep them at the proper places.