Compared to Vaasthu Shastra, Feng Shui’s application is limited. Feng Shui (pronounced -foong shway) is the Chinese science of correcting energy flow and the art of placing household objects to attract prosperity health and happiness. Like many eastern traditions, which promotes well being and harmony with nature is the bedrock of Feng Shui. While Vaasthu Shastra is a complete science encompassing every aspect of architecture and habitat management Feng Shui operates at a more peripheral level. Feng Shui means wind (feng) and water (shui). It was originally used to locate auspicious sites for graveyards. Gradually though Feng Shui began to be used for dwellings as well.

The system enables the harmonious flow of Chi – Indian equivalent of Prana or life force. Feng Shui maximizes positive energy (Sheng Chi) and eliminates malign energy (Sha Chi).

The emerging grid ‘pa kua’ includes the four principal directions east, west, north, south, as well as ancillary directions- southeast, southwest, north east and north west. Unlike the normal compass Chinese compass has its South facing upward. Each principal direction has an animal attached to it - the auspicious dragon in the east, white tiger in the west, the phoenix in the south and tortoise in the north.

Mountains symbolize these animals and their uniting place is said to be the place of maximum Chi. The dragon range of mountains (or buildings) should be taller than the tiger, for the dragon stands for the expansive positive 'yang' energy, while the tiger stands for the nurturing negative 'yin' energy. Each direction also has its element associated with a specific season and color. The five elements are wood, fire, water, metal and earth. South is the home of fire, summer and color red. East gets the element of wood, spring, and the color green. North the winter zone draws water and the color blue or black. West contains metal associated with autumn and color gold, white or silver. The center of 'pu kua' contains the fifth element earth whose colors are brown and yellow.

Each direction is also associated with specific aspiration. South equates with fame, southwest with relationships, west with children, northwest with new beginnings, north with career prospects, northeast with education, east with family and health, and southeast with prosperity.