When it comes to Vastu Shastra, one of the first and most important steps is to know the direction of your house. Many people make the mistake of assuming that the direction of their main door or balcony automatically decides the “facing” of their home. In reality, Vastu has a very specific way of determining directions.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for you to know your house direction correctly, along with the meaning of each direction.

Step 1: Understand What “Facing Direction” Means in Vastu

In Vastu, the facing of a house is determined by the direction you face when you step out of the main entrance door.
Example: If you stand inside your house at the main door and while stepping out you face East, then your house is considered an East-facing house.
It is NOT about the direction in which the main door is built, but about the direction you face when you go out of it.

Step 2: Get a Reliable Compass or Mobile Compass App

To find directions accurately, you need a compass. You can:

Buy a physical compass from a shop.
Or download a free compass app on your smartphone.

Tip: When using a mobile compass, make sure you calibrate it (most apps will ask you to tilt and rotate your phone in a certain way). This ensures accuracy.

Step 3: Stand at the Main Entrance of Your Home

Go to the main entrance door of your house.
Stand inside the house, facing outward, as if you are about to step out.
Hold your compass (or phone) flat on your palm at waist height.

Step 4: Note the Direction Shown on the Compass

Look at the compass reading when you are facing outward.
The direction it shows is the facing direction of your home.

Step 5: Cross-Check for Accuracy

To avoid mistakes, follow these checks:

Step out and take the reading once again. It should match.
Don’t stand near heavy metal objects, iron grills, or electronic appliances, as they may disturb the compass reading.
Take the reading during the day, as shadows and reflections at night can cause confusion.

Step 6: Note the Exact Degree for Precision (Optional)

If you want to go deeper:

Most compasses show degrees (0° to 360°) along with directions.
Example:

0°/360° = North
90° = East
180° = South
270° = West

If your compass shows 45°, your house faces Northeast.
This degree-based reading helps Vastu experts give more precise guidance.

Step 7: Record Your House Direction

Once you know your facing direction, write it down. This is the base for applying Vastu principles to:

Main door placement
Room allocations (bedroom, kitchen, study, etc.)
Remedies for imbalances

Quick Reference Table of Directions

Compass Reading	House Facing Direction
0° / 360°	North
90°	East
180°	South
270°	West
45°	Northeast
135°	Southeast
225°	Southwest
315°	Northwest

What Each House Facing Direction Means in Vastu

Now that you know how to find your house direction, here’s what each direction signifies as per Vastu:

1. East-Facing House

Ruled by the Sun, symbol of energy and growth.
Considered very auspicious for leaders, teachers, and spiritual people.
Brings positivity, vitality, and good social connections.

2. West-Facing House

Ruled by Lord Varuna (the God of water).
Not traditionally as popular as East or North, but can be very beneficial.
Good for people in service, business, and creative fields.
Brings stability and gradual progress.

3. North-Facing House

Ruled by Lord Kuber, the God of wealth.
Considered highly auspicious for career growth and financial prosperity.
Ideal for businesspeople, bankers, and those seeking material success.

4. South-Facing House

Ruled by Lord Yama (the God of Dharma).
Often misunderstood as inauspicious, but with the right Vastu adjustments, it can bring discipline, power, and fame.
Suitable for people in politics, administration, or authoritative roles.

5. Northeast-Facing House

Ruled by Lord Shiva.
Considered the most spiritual direction.
Brings peace, clarity of mind, and blessings of wisdom.
Highly beneficial for spiritual seekers, healers, and educators.

6. Northwest-Facing House

Ruled by Vayu (the God of Wind).
Encourages movement, travel, and networking.
Suitable for people in trade, communication, and social professions.
Best for those who thrive on change and adaptability.

7. Southeast-Facing House

Ruled by Agni (the God of Fire).
Associated with energy, passion, and strength.
Ideal for people in business, industry, or armed forces.
Needs careful balancing to avoid aggression or health issues.

8. Southwest-Facing House

Ruled by Nairitya (a form of Goddess Parvati).
Represents stability, protection, and grounding.
Suitable for leaders, family heads, and people looking for long-term settlement.
If planned incorrectly, it may bring obstacles, so Vastu corrections are important.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Checking from inside a room – Always stand at the main entrance facing outward.
Using Google Maps alone – Maps show location, not house facing direction.
Standing near metal objects – They disturb compass readings.
Confusing door direction with facing direction – It’s about your facing when exiting, not where the door is built.

Knowing the facing direction of your house is the foundation of Vastu Shastra. Once you identify it, you can explore whether it aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle. Every direction has its strengths—what matters is how you balance and harmonize your home with Vastu principles.