Guide
Vastu Directions: Find Them with a Compass
Vastu Shastra is built on the eight compass directions. Use a compass to find true north, then read each direction for your home.
Updated September 16, 2026
Vastu Shastra, the traditional Indian system of architecture and placement, is built entirely on direction. Every guideline, where to put the kitchen, which way to sleep, where the entrance should face, is expressed as a compass direction. So the first tool you need is a reliable compass.
The eight Vastu directions
Vastu uses the four cardinal and four intercardinal directions, each linked to an element and a purpose:
| Direction | Degrees | Common Vastu association |
|---|---|---|
| North (N) | 0° | Wealth, career |
| Northeast (NE) | 45° | Water, prayer, most auspicious |
| East (E) | 90° | Sunrise, health |
| Southeast (SE) | 135° | Fire, kitchen |
| South (S) | 180° | Rest, stability |
| Southwest (SW) | 225° | Earth, master bedroom |
| West (W) | 270° | Gains, storage |
| Northwest (NW) | 315° | Air, guests |
How to find your Vastu directions
- Stand near the centre of the room or home you are checking.
- Open Online Compass on your phone and start it.
- Tap True north. Vastu directions are geographic, so you want true north, not magnetic.
- Face each wall and read the heading. The number tells you which Vastu direction that side of the home faces.
Because the reading is live, you can slowly turn to trace all eight directions and map your rooms.
Common Vastu direction questions
- Kitchen: the southeast (SE) is the classic Vastu direction for a kitchen, the zone of the fire element.
- Sleeping: a head-south position is widely recommended, with head-east as an alternative; head-north is traditionally avoided.
- Main entrance: north, east and northeast facing entrances are considered favourable in many Vastu texts.
- Money plant, mirrors and clocks: these are usually tied to specific directions too, and a compass is how you confirm them.
Why true north
A compass points to magnetic north by default, which can differ from true (geographic) north by a few degrees. Vastu is defined against geographic north, so tap True north in the compass to correct for your location before you take readings.
Whatever the tradition, a compass simply tells you which way is which. To read the headings, see our guide to compass directions and degrees.
Frequently asked questions
Which compass direction is best for sleeping as per Vastu?
Vastu commonly advises sleeping with your head toward the south (feet toward the north), and many teachers also accept a head-east position. A head-north position is traditionally avoided. Use a compass to check how your bed is aligned.
Do I need a special compass for Vastu?
No. Any accurate compass works. Because Vastu directions are geographic, set your compass to true north first, then read the direction each room or object faces.