Good thoughts his only friends,
His wealth a well-spent age,
The earth his sober inn
And quiet pilgrimage.
                                                      .. .Thomas Campion

Money is an important factor in our lives and money matters can be a major source of stress. If you find your finances dwindling, you will have to locate the reason. Keeping an exact record of your income and expenditure can do this.

The Proof of the Pudding lies in the Eating

If the debit entries grow larger and larger in your bank statement, it is high time you got a grip on your finances. The best solution is to first try out which method is most suitable for you. You will have to find out whether you have bought too many expensive items with your credit card, or you might have used the telephone too often. You need to get an overview by drafting a two-column table. On the credit side, write down your income for the relevant month, and on the debit side, list all your expenditure. Think hard to ensure that your list is complete.

Scrutinize Honestly

The next step is to separate the important items from the trivial expenses. You can save money quite easily by cutting out or limiting unimportant expenses. To do this, scrutinize all the entries in the debit column, even the extremely minor ones. Then ask yourself honestly as to which items you can do without and which you must have.

Change your Habits

One way to take more control of your finances is to considered opening a special bank account into which you transfer a certain amount every month. With this money, you pay for long-term expenditure such as appliances or automobile payments, household repairs or tools that have to be replaced. Every debit or credit to your account should help you to keep your goals in mind.

If you are not successful in your efforts, you should check each individual step and change the critical phases. When you work out your household budget for the month or the year, even the most careful calculations are always subject to error. For this reason, it is always better to calculate your revenue slightly lower and your expenditure slightly higher than the actual numbers you get from bank statements. This will prevent you from being taken by a surprise when unexpected costs suddenly arise. Besides, it is a wonderful surprise if there is money left over at the end of the month or after a major purchase. You can use this money to make yourself or others happy.

When dealing with money, it is easy to feel that you can’t cope. Here too the rule applies: keep your goals in sight and plan accordingly. You will quickly filter out the most important things and not be burdened by things you don’t need.

Kuber—The God of Wealth 

With regard to wealth and prosperity, the direction of the north and its presiding deity, Kuber, are given considerable importance. Kuber or Kubera is the god of wealth and the treasurer of the demigods. He watches ever the world’s wealth, including gold, silver, jewels, pearls, etc. He lords over success in business as well as acquisition and accumulation of wealth. He is the protector of the northern direction. He has a white, dwarfish body and may be shown having two hands in which he holds a moneybag and a bowl. If he is shown having four hands, he may hold a vase, club, a bowl, or a piece of fruit. Kuber is also called Dhanapati (lord of wealth) and Nataraja (King of men), because who ever has wealth also rules men. His kingdom is in the Himalayas because the mountains contain great mineral wealth.

For a person aspiring to acquire money and wealth, Lord Kuber should be offered devotions and worshipped. This god blesses his worshippers with money, wealth, success and prosperity. The worship of Lord Kuber also helps one to create more awareness for earning and saving money. The devotee can, in turn, increase his assets and prosperity, and become a wealthy person from all aspects. Since Kuber is a demigod, he is not usually worshipped in temples. However, he is often carved on temple walls and is mentioned in many Vedic stories. For the purpose of worship, there is a special set of words that can be recited in order to summon the lord, called the Kuber mantra. The mantra has been evolved by Rishis and Yogis over the years and should be recited in the pooja performed for worship of the deity. In mainstream Vedic practices, this mantra is viewed as a necessity for spiritual advancement and high attainment. We should always face the direction of the north during such rituals and ceremonies and also when at work. The blessings of Kuber will thus be received alongwith health and wealth, encompassing spiritual wealth.

Vastu for Wealth

The accumulation of money and amassing of wealth is very much the realm of Vastushastra. This ancient art and science yields a harmonious coexistence with nature, generating the feeling of peace and calm within every person. Such qualities are the prerequisite for any endeavour that seek to increase wealth and possession of money. There are certain easy steps that you can take towards this goal, some of which have been presented and discussed here.

Always make sure that there is more vacant space and a source of light in the north and east, than in the south and west. This step should be followed and practiced both in the home and work place.
For a financial boost, the almirah in which cash and other valuables are kept should be very carefiilly positioned. The ideal location would be at the west sidewall facing the east or a southwest corner facing the east or the north. An almirah placed at the south wall facing the north is also auspicious. An almirah containing cash, jewellery or important papers should preferably open to the north, the direction of Kuber, and the deity of wealth.

Purple is the colour accepted as representative of wealth. Having a purple-coloured plant in the southeast corner would be beneficial. Otherwise, a money plant could be grown in a purple coloured pot and kept in the southeast side of the office or drawing room of the house.

When drainage pipes are fitted in factories, offices or residences, they should be in the east or the north. This will give prosperity to those who inhabit the place.

Make it a point to ensure that none of the taps fitted in the building leak. Water is a potent symbol of wealth and money and leakage would mean wastage and unnecessary flowing of hard-earned wealth.

On festive occasions, a lot of money is spent on celebrations and gifts. You should spend liberally and give generously because this will enhance your environment for prosperity. However, learn to spend wisely and control your expenditure to the extent of bringing out the essence of the festival.

Black is generally considered a negative colour but it can be a stimulating force if used well. If your compound wall’s entry gate is in the north, east or northeast, paint the gate with black colour, this will be to your advantage. You could also use black ribbons to tie the curtains on the northern side of your office.

There can never be a substitute for hard work, wise planning and determination. There is a saying: ‘He who sows, reaps’, meaning only a person who puts in hard work will reap the profits. Dedication to work can be supplemented by following the rules of Vastushastra. These guidelines will ensure that all your hard work does not go in vain. It will increase your decision-making capacity and help you gain more confidence. Your market relations and business will thus be favourably influenced, leading to an increase in wealth and prosperity.

Interior Decor to Enhance Your Fortune

The interior decoration of a building is a sphere where the practice of Vastu can make effective changes in the fortunes of residents. Using Vastu principles, the decor of a room or building can be directed toward achievement and aquisition of wealth. Advice lends itself to different aspects, right from the choice of colour to symbols that may prove auspicious.

Effects of Colours

A room in the northern sector should be painted in blue or grey and touches of black may also be added for prosperity in business and career. A room located in the east would be best painted in shades of blue and green; blue can also be used in a room on the northeast along with yellow. A room in the south can be painted green with touches of red; this will apply to a southwest room too where pink may also be added. A northwestern room can be in a light shade of grey or white. A room in the southeast sector should be painted with various shades of green and furnished with shades of yellow to give a cheerful effect. The colour red is considered to be the colour of good luck; yellow is associated with wealth and green signifies growth, prosperity and health; blue stands for spirituality and understanding and pink is the colour of romance and happiness.

Effect of Plants

Plant should be brought in as a part of the decor to highlight the element of nature in your interiors. They contribute not only to the beauty of your surroundings but also energize positive forces. Potted plants or fresh flowers should be chosen above dry or dead flowers and thorny plants. The southeast direction represents the wood element for wealth and a money plant in a transparent bowl should be kept in this direction. A purple vase may also be kept with purple or pink flowers in it. Pictures of trees may also be hung in this direction for good luck.

Aquariums

Fish and water are powerful symbols of wealth and prosperity. An aquarium provides both these symbols and should be placed in the northeast portion of a room. Aquariums also lend an aesthetic sense of beauty. An ideal collection would be a single pair of black fish and nine pairs of red coloured fish.

Lights For Prosperity

Lights mean money and greater light leads to greater prosperity. Shiny objects that reflect light should be used as part of the decor in a room’s interiors. Crystals and mirrors are such objects that you might use. Sources of light are especially important in a room where lots of activities are planned, as they will make the persons active.

The Peacock Feather

For an office building, it is wise to place either a peacock feather or a statue of Ganapati in the northwest corner. This will improve relations with staff members and business colleagues.

Rising Sun

On the inside of the main door, you should hang a beautiful poster of the rising sun. Since this will be the first thing that you see, it will raise your spirits and enthusiasm for work and also increase your chances for accumulation of wealth.

Boost Your Career by Following Symbols for Luck

You may be a very competitive and intellectually sound person but at times, everything seems to fail and might seem out of reach. This certainly leads to frustrations and laziness. When such symptoms appear, check out for good signs. Even  if you are not a believer of luck, you will have to know that invisible energies have a role in your failure. At a juncture like this, your career counts more than everything else. To energise your opportunities, find the lucky direction for a good career, because if you have a successful career, only then you can earn a lot of wealth. One such good luck piece that brings in wealth and boosts your career is the horseshoe. Hang it in the northern direction with its ends upwards. This will bring you opportunities not once, but every time, for whenever you open the door, opportunity will come knocking.

To enhance your career, you may place a fish aquarium anywhere in your office. Your best luck gets catalyzed with a round aquarium bowl that has a wide-open mouth. It is best to place this bowl in the north.

Never Sleep in Your Office

‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise’. If you have a good job, or a self-owned business but have been facing discontent due to incurred loss, check out your day-to-day activities from morning till the time you retire to bed. Sleep with your head pointing towards the south and feet towards the north. The body should be aligned with the axis of the earth. Only then will you get a good night’s sleep. Good sleep keeps you mentally fresh and alert. If your brain is alert, your working capacity naturally increases. When the mind is fresh, you are bound to prosper because your decisions will be wise and well thought out.

Never sleep in your office itself. If you wish to rest for some time during the day, have a separate cabin with a comfortable bed for this purpose. Sleeping in the office attracts negative energies and an atmosphere of lethargy prevails, encompassing the entire room. These negative energies can be very harmful for your work.

Get Rid of Depression in Your Career

Many times, we are caught in a depression due to unavoidable circumstances. This could be due to loss in business, low ebb in the job or even the loss of the job itself. Pull yourself together. Tell yourself that whatever happens, it is not the end. There is always scope for improvement and the slump is only temporary. Keep your room free of clutter and dust. Place a lamp in the south or southwest corner of your room. Pray to God and apply for a new job. A clean environment will clear your mind and open new avenues for you.

Coins to Woo ‘Lady Luck’

Coins are known to bring in wealth luck. Several coins are tied in a piece of red silk cloth. It is much better if the coins are ancient or antique and have a hole in the center. String them through a red silk ribbon and tie the ends together to make a good luck knot. This can be hung near the entrance to attract good luck and defend you against harm and evil. These coins should be 5 in number.

A coin in a glass bowl lined with red or blue velvet can be kept on the counter for added wealth luck. Eight coins strung on a red silk ribbon can be kept with the cash register inside the cabinet.

Keep an Aquarium in your Office

Fish is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is a good idea to boost wealth luck to have a picture of fish along with your logo, on a vase, a lampshade or a porcelain figure of fish, which serves the same purpose. This alternative is in case it is impossible for you to have an aquarium. Place the aquarium or other fish symbols in the north.

The Indoor Fountain for Boosting Wealth and Career

Moving water symbolizes life and vitality. It attracts energy that is a life-giving force. Bubbling water in an indoor pond is a constant source of moisture for the air. It filters out dust particles from the air and ionizes the air with vital negative ions, all of which add to the inhabitant’s physical and emotional well being.

The water should move gently over the stones and produce a soft bubbling sound. It can be decorated with plants. It is important that the water is clean and the plants healthy and strong. The technical parts such as the pump, lights and filters should be in good working order as well. Use only filtered water to reduce lime and other unsightly deposits on the stones, plants and the container.

A fountain with plants, lights, stones, bubbling water, if decorated aesthetically, will boost your wealth luck as well as your career.

These days, you must have noticed that very prosperous magnificent and large showrooms have fountains either at the entrance or inside. These fountains not only have a positive impression on the ambience but also boost their prosperity.

Horn of Plenty

The horn of plenty is a type of mythical drinking implement from which a never-ending supply of the gifts of nature appear. These gifts could be in the form of flowers, fruits, etc. This makes it a symbol of the gift of the gods, who give to people without asking them anything in return.

In prehistoric times, the horn was often used as a sacrificial vessel. Hence, it is also a symbol of hope. It is supposed to bring in wealth to those who display it. It should be preferably filled with gold-painted fruit.

The Lion for Fame, Wealth and Power

The lion is the king of animals and because of his impressive mane, courage and strength, he has been considered as a symbol of the sun.

In western astrology, the lion stands for fire, sun and gold. People born under the sign of the lion (Leo) love life, luxury and wealth and have a tendency to be vain and theatrical. They are dominating and autocratic.

History is testimony to the fact that when kings and people of authority wanted to display their wealth, power and prestige to the world, they would place sculptures of lions at the entrances to their houses or in the palace gardens. The lions symbolically informed anybody entering that it was the residence of an important person who demanded respect.

In the modern times, a pair of lions outside the main entrance can be seen in many corporate houses of repute. The lion pair always stands outside the front door to protect against bad luck entering the building. They are supposed to boost career and bring fame and eventual wealth from all their businesses and enterprises.

The lion symbol can also be used as a guard next to the entrance door to the home or garden; or even in the form of a picture or banner at the entrance door.

The Mandala

The word Mandala comes from Sanskrit and means ‘holy or magic circle’. The symmetric connection between several circles and squares creates many different shapes and patterns that are used in meditation and as an aid to concentration.

Originally, the Mandala was used to depict the order of the universe. It was a cosmogram. The circle represented the heavens and the squares, the four corners of the compass. Its’ cosmic power was transferred to architectural designs and the constructions of temples.

A Mandala can be painted on a wall or on a silk fabric, or even carved out of wood. It may be created out of one’s own intuition and imagination. As a picture or woodcarving hung on the wall, it is depicted to invite cosmic energies. As a floor design at the entrance or hallway, it attracts cosmic energy into the home. The presence of the Mandala symbols within the home, study or office, is known to boost the career because it attracts positive cosmic energy. This in turn gives a boost to your earnings.

Mobiles for Steady flow of Money

A mobile, moved by the air currents in a room, stimulates the circulation of energies and brings harmony into rooms that have weak energy flows. Its three-dimensional arrangement distributes energy evenly in the room. This makes a mobile particularly effective in those places that are static and have no movement.

In addition to activating energies, mobiles can be used to slow down the flow of negative energies when suspended in front of large windows or in long hallways. Different mobiles have specific results. Their effectiveness depends on the motif on them. A mobile with fish will bring with its’ movement a flow of wealth into the home or office. In terms of work, this could mean more business and an increase in the clientele. A mobile with butterflies, on the other hand, will fetch fame which when literally translated could mean more work, more good business, earning of good name, and of course, the money would flow in automatically.

Display the Jade Plant

The jade plant, because of its fleshy round leaves that look like coins, is one of the most famous and potent symbols of wealth and prosperity. It takes almost ten years for a jade plant to come into bloom, for it requires very specific climatic conditions. The flowers last for quite some time once the plant is in bloom. It is believed that a jade plant in full bloom attracts wealth and money flows into the house. Due to its’ sturdiness, it also represents reliability and perseverance.

A motif of a jade flower on linen or a picture is also considered quite an effective way to attract wealth.

Lakshmi The Goddess of Wealth

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and good fortune. For a person aspiring to accumulate wealth, worship of goddess Lakshmi gains greater significance and the need to know more about this deity arises. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is usually depicted standing or sitting next to him. She usually has two arms when shown with Lord Vishnu and four hands when depicted alone. She sits or stands on a lotus flower. Her two upper hands are shown holding lotus flowers and her lower hands shower gold coins or are in the boon-giving posture. The lotus is a symbol of truth that mankind needs to gain. Since this goddess is so closely associated with the lotus, she is also named as Padma, Padmini or Padmhasta. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth but wealth includes an abundance of proper values and spiritual goodness that should be cultivated by each worshipper. The concept of knowledge is also reflected in the notion of wealth because acquisition of wealth requires the possession of knowledge.

Lakshmi assumes a different role and name with each new avatar of Vishnu but she always represents the Shakti or power that is represented in each avtar - reincarnation. Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna and Sita, the wife of Lord Rama are believed to be incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi. As this deity is the mistress of all forms of well-being and the owner of the entire wealth of this world, she should be respected and worshipped as the epitome of wealth. When she is pleased with a devotee, she unlocks many doors of treasury for him and serves him like a mother to her child. The blessed then become synonymous with Lord Vishnu and become rich and famous as a result of Lakshmi’s blessings.

Goddess Lakshmi does not have temples exclusively dedicated to her worship but she is usually worshipped as a side deity in Vishnu temples. The Deepavali or Diwali festival in October/November is associated with Lakshmi and the third day of the festival, which falls on Amavasya or no moon night, is the day of the Lakshmi Pooja. On this day, the goddess is expected to enter well-lighted houses to shower blessings of wealth. Many homes and office buildings have a statue of the goddess in their premises in the hope of attaining wealth. If such a statue is placed anywhere, care should be taken to revere and maintain it properly. Remember also that Lakshmi is fickle and unless she is worshipped with her consort, Lord Vishnu, her mercy may only be temporary.

Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is a festival associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. She is worshipped in the hope of acquiring wealth and prosperity. This festival is also associated with the coronation of Lord Rama on his return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. This festival is, thus, seen as a renewal of life and the passageway that leads us into truth and light. It teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Even though every household celebrates Diwali, not every one is blessed with wealth and prosperity. This may be due to defects in the celebrations. Vastu can guide you to a fruitful celebration of Diwali so that you may gain wealth and prosperity with blessings from the gods.

The first step is to conduct the celebrations in a clutter-free and clean environment. Since an untidy building and surroundings restrict the entrance of Lakshmi, all the redundant and unwanted material should be disposed off, including broken furniture and unwanted gifts. Make way for the new by discarding the old.

Attend to each and every corner of the house when you clean up. Even corners which may be partially hidden or otherwise neglected, should be subjected to this spring-cleaning. After the house is thoroughly cleaned, you can energize the entire building by whitewashing or applying a new coat of paint, in view of a happy and coordinated life.

Colourful decorations should be put up on the occasion to lift the spirits and promote good health. Lights are the main component of Diwali decorations and they are believed to bring prosperity. Homes that are better lit always belong to rich people, showing a direct link between the light and wealth. The greater the light, the greater is the prosperity. Diyas (clay lamps), candles or bulbs can be used to light a building. The lights will drive away the evil spirits and welcome goddess Lakshmi into the house. They will also charge, energize and improve the ambience of the surroundings.

Crackers are an important component of Diwali celebrations. They energize the dead or weak energy and push out negative energies from the premises. Firecrackers represent speed, energy and joy. The sound produced by crackers can scare away evil spirits from the area but excessive use of crackers can lead to noise pollution. Teach children to light crackers properly and use smaller ones in the home so that accidents do not mar this happy occasion.

The entrance to the house should be adorned with traditional motifs and rangoli designs to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. Small footprints may also be drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house, to indicate the long-awaited arrival of the goddess.

A proper place of worship should be assigned in the northern sector of the building. Pooja should then be performed to show reverence to the gods through incantations, prayers, songs and rituals. The Lakshmi Pooja can be performed in the evening where Bhakti or devotional songs are sung and Naivedya of sweets is offered to the goddess. Mud huts are also used for pooja, where prayers are offered to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Vastupurusha is also worshipped on this occasion. One should sing his aarti, praising his kindness to gain his protection and blessings. In addition to religious music, pleasant and soothing music may be allowed to filter the building as this energizes the positive forces on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. The essence of Diwali is cleanliness, fragrance and light that will boost your wealth prospects.

Review your goals on Diwali and make amendments if you think they are necessary. Make a resolution to amass wealth on this occasion and have it written down. Then wrap three coins in a piece of red cloth or tie them with a red ribbon. Place them beside a water bowl in the north direction and pray for a grant of your resolution. Keep the area clean and prepare yourself to welcome the fulfillment of your wish.

The five days of Diwali celebrations are considered to be an auspicious time for the beginning of business and financial ventures. The first day, or Dhanteras is considered especially significant for the mercantile community. On the day of the Chopada-Pooja, the sun enters its second course, passing Libra and this is represented by the balance or scale. This design is considered auspicious for balancing and closing of account books. The Diwali period is a good time to buy jewellery and utensils. The silver or gold coins used in poojas should be later stored carefully as they will prove to be objects of luck and symbols of the blessings of the goddess. Diwali is also an occasion for gifting of all-round good will. It is Vastu in itself since it promotes the sense of universal brotherhood and harmony in the universe.

The Restaurant Business

 There are three basic needs in life food, clothes and shelter. But to do more than this, is a normal human tendency. With an attitude of consumerism and voracious appetite for anything good dominating the society be it food, fashion or cars, one certainly gets lured. However, if you have any plans to start your career by starting your own food gallery and want it to be one of the most sought after restaurants, follow certain Vastu rules. Always try to bring luck to your business by painting your restaurant in a bright colour.

If you feel that your business is not flourishing, try to give it a more defined look and better facilities for the customers. Have a completely hygienic kitchen and plush ambience for the restaurant. The service should be quick yet polite. The customer is god. To give your restaurant an esthetic appeal, making some rangoli designs at the doorstep is a good idea. Also decorate the entrance with bouquets of fresh flowers. There should be a doorman at the entrance to welcome the customers and escort them to their table. All staff should be instructed to be extremely polite to the clients. During the service, the manager should make it a point to go around and ask the guests whether they have enjoyed the food and would they wish to have anything else. He could even assist some guests about the choice of food and suggest some items on the menu, though the customer’s choice should be final. At the end, one person from the staff should escort the guests to the door and thank them for coming. Small gestures such as these can make a restaurant immensely popular, though it goes without saying that food should be of top quality, appearing great on looks and delicious in taste.

If you have a bar section, use a water motif that not only boosts the liquor business but also provides a lucky charm for your business. For auspiciousness, keep an idol of Ganesha and pay due respect to it with lights and flowers. Keep the cashbox in the north.

The Department Store Business

If you own a shop and want it to run for a long time because it is the only source of income for you, place a symbol of bamboo in the north. A bamboo plant signifies longevity and is a powerful charm for good fortune. If it is impossible to get a bamboo plant, a picture or a painting of the bamboo in your shop or office will also help your business to take proper shape and size.

If your shop stores antique pieces, we should not forget that antique items mostly consist of statues of deities and these should be given due respect. Do not place these on the ground and have proper lighting for your shop. Some antiques carry negative energy. Try to find out the history of the antiques before your buy them. With a flourishing department store, money is bound to flow in.

The Jewellery Shop

If you have a jewellery shop, give it a colour that will give you a long-term business. Never paint the shop red or yellow as these are the colour of fire and can attract negative energies. The jewellery shop should be delicately decorated, as jewellery is an item for ladies. It should be very comfortable for the ladies to be able to sit at ease before deciding what jewellery to buy. Preferably, it should be air-conditioned and it goes without saying that the service should be polite. For comfort, install deep cushioned sofas. Make sure that you sell only genuine stuff in your shop, to earn name and fame.

Metals belong to the element earth, so earth energies are very beneficial for jewellery business. In your showcases have mannequins, ensure that they are made of china clay to display your jewellery. Thus, you will introduce the element earth along with metal in a beautiful way.

An Electronic Showroom

If your showroom has electronic items like refrigerators, TV sets, music systems, washing machines, etc., then pink, light green, light blue or white are the most suitable colours for your shop. Any appliance including audios and videos falls under the realm of electricity and fire. They should be displayed along the southwest wall. Red and light yellow are also good colours that will attract brisk business and good money will follow. Have your display cabinets in these colours and in no time, your shop will earn a good reputation. You must remember that besides these symbols, honesty in business and an earnest desire to earn money honestly go a long way. There is no substitute for hard work. When all these qualities are combined, your business is bound to boom.

The Shoe Business

A shoe is a marker of your personality. Having a shoe shop these days is counted as one of the most lucrative business as the trend for fashionable shoes is very high. If you own one, polish your luck and let your business shine and the easiest and effective way is to paint it black, brown-red, white or a combination of these. Wearing black shoes signifies honour and black also indicates depth.

Follow the Vastu rules for keeping a good shop. Keep a statue of Lord Ganesha in the northeast and at a higher level than the shoes. Do not place any shoes in the corner where you place the statue or picture of Ganesha. Respect the statue with diya (light), fresh flowers and aarti. Believe in the saying ‘honesty is the best policy’ and put in hard work to maintain a good standard. Look into the complaints of your customers and be polite to them. Thus, you will earn a good name and reputation.

Keep a stock of the latest style of shoes in your shop. For good Vastu, keep a central open space or Brahmasthan in your showroom. Arrange the seating arrangement for the customers all round it. Do away with clutter. The showroom should be neat, clean and attractively decorated. A fish aquarium can be kept in the north to boost your wealth luck. Keep the cash box in the northeast with a few coins tied in a red cloth permanently placed in it. Never empty out the cash box completely. This tip can be followed for other businesses also.

Good thoughts his only friends,
His wealth a well-spent age,
The earth his sober inn
And quiet pilgrimage.
                                                      .. .Thomas Campion

Money is an important factor in our lives and money matters can be a major source of stress. If you find your finances dwindling, you will have to locate the reason. Keeping an exact record of your income and expenditure can do this.

The Proof of the Pudding lies in the Eating

If the debit entries grow larger and larger in your bank statement, it is high time you got a grip on your finances. The best solution is to first try out which method is most suitable for you. You will have to find out whether you have bought too many expensive items with your credit card, or you might have used the telephone too often. You need to get an overview by drafting a two-column table. On the credit side, write down your income for the relevant month, and on the debit side, list all your expenditure. Think hard to ensure that your list is complete.

Scrutinize Honestly

The next step is to separate the important items from the trivial expenses. You can save money quite easily by cutting out or limiting unimportant expenses. To do this, scrutinize all the entries in the debit column, even the extremely minor ones. Then ask yourself honestly as to which items you can do without and which you must have.

Change your Habits

One way to take more control of your finances is to considered opening a special bank account into which you transfer a certain amount every month. With this money, you pay for long-term expenditure such as appliances or automobile payments, household repairs or tools that have to be replaced. Every debit or credit to your account should help you to keep your goals in mind.

If you are not successful in your efforts, you should check each individual step and change the critical phases. When you work out your household budget for the month or the year, even the most careful calculations are always subject to error. For this reason, it is always better to calculate your revenue slightly lower and your expenditure slightly higher than the actual numbers you get from bank statements. This will prevent you from being taken by a surprise when unexpected costs suddenly arise. Besides, it is a wonderful surprise if there is money left over at the end of the month or after a major purchase. You can use this money to make yourself or others happy.

When dealing with money, it is easy to feel that you can’t cope. Here too the rule applies: keep your goals in sight and plan accordingly. You will quickly filter out the most important things and not be burdened by things you don’t need.

Kuber—The God of Wealth 

With regard to wealth and prosperity, the direction of the north and its presiding deity, Kuber, are given considerable importance. Kuber or Kubera is the god of wealth and the treasurer of the demigods. He watches ever the world’s wealth, including gold, silver, jewels, pearls, etc. He lords over success in business as well as acquisition and accumulation of wealth. He is the protector of the northern direction. He has a white, dwarfish body and may be shown having two hands in which he holds a moneybag and a bowl. If he is shown having four hands, he may hold a vase, club, a bowl, or a piece of fruit. Kuber is also called Dhanapati (lord of wealth) and Nataraja (King of men), because who ever has wealth also rules men. His kingdom is in the Himalayas because the mountains contain great mineral wealth.

For a person aspiring to acquire money and wealth, Lord Kuber should be offered devotions and worshipped. This god blesses his worshippers with money, wealth, success and prosperity. The worship of Lord Kuber also helps one to create more awareness for earning and saving money. The devotee can, in turn, increase his assets and prosperity, and become a wealthy person from all aspects. Since Kuber is a demigod, he is not usually worshipped in temples. However, he is often carved on temple walls and is mentioned in many Vedic stories. For the purpose of worship, there is a special set of words that can be recited in order to summon the lord, called the Kuber mantra. The mantra has been evolved by Rishis and Yogis over the years and should be recited in the pooja performed for worship of the deity. In mainstream Vedic practices, this mantra is viewed as a necessity for spiritual advancement and high attainment. We should always face the direction of the north during such rituals and ceremonies and also when at work. The blessings of Kuber will thus be received alongwith health and wealth, encompassing spiritual wealth.

Vastu for Wealth

The accumulation of money and amassing of wealth is very much the realm of Vastushastra. This ancient art and science yields a harmonious coexistence with nature, generating the feeling of peace and calm within every person. Such qualities are the prerequisite for any endeavour that seek to increase wealth and possession of money. There are certain easy steps that you can take towards this goal, some of which have been presented and discussed here.

Always make sure that there is more vacant space and a source of light in the north and east, than in the south and west. This step should be followed and practiced both in the home and work place.
For a financial boost, the almirah in which cash and other valuables are kept should be very carefiilly positioned. The ideal location would be at the west sidewall facing the east or a southwest corner facing the east or the north. An almirah placed at the south wall facing the north is also auspicious. An almirah containing cash, jewellery or important papers should preferably open to the north, the direction of Kuber, and the deity of wealth.

Purple is the colour accepted as representative of wealth. Having a purple-coloured plant in the southeast corner would be beneficial. Otherwise, a money plant could be grown in a purple coloured pot and kept in the southeast side of the office or drawing room of the house.

When drainage pipes are fitted in factories, offices or residences, they should be in the east or the north. This will give prosperity to those who inhabit the place.

Make it a point to ensure that none of the taps fitted in the building leak. Water is a potent symbol of wealth and money and leakage would mean wastage and unnecessary flowing of hard-earned wealth.

On festive occasions, a lot of money is spent on celebrations and gifts. You should spend liberally and give generously because this will enhance your environment for prosperity. However, learn to spend wisely and control your expenditure to the extent of bringing out the essence of the festival.

Black is generally considered a negative colour but it can be a stimulating force if used well. If your compound wall’s entry gate is in the north, east or northeast, paint the gate with black colour, this will be to your advantage. You could also use black ribbons to tie the curtains on the northern side of your office.

There can never be a substitute for hard work, wise planning and determination. There is a saying: ‘He who sows, reaps’, meaning only a person who puts in hard work will reap the profits. Dedication to work can be supplemented by following the rules of Vastushastra. These guidelines will ensure that all your hard work does not go in vain. It will increase your decision-making capacity and help you gain more confidence. Your market relations and business will thus be favourably influenced, leading to an increase in wealth and prosperity.

Interior Decor to Enhance Your Fortune

The interior decoration of a building is a sphere where the practice of Vastu can make effective changes in the fortunes of residents. Using Vastu principles, the decor of a room or building can be directed toward achievement and aquisition of wealth. Advice lends itself to different aspects, right from the choice of colour to symbols that may prove auspicious.

Effects of Colours

A room in the northern sector should be painted in blue or grey and touches of black may also be added for prosperity in business and career. A room located in the east would be best painted in shades of blue and green; blue can also be used in a room on the northeast along with yellow. A room in the south can be painted green with touches of red; this will apply to a southwest room too where pink may also be added. A northwestern room can be in a light shade of grey or white. A room in the southeast sector should be painted with various shades of green and furnished with shades of yellow to give a cheerful effect. The colour red is considered to be the colour of good luck; yellow is associated with wealth and green signifies growth, prosperity and health; blue stands for spirituality and understanding and pink is the colour of romance and happiness.

Effect of Plants

Plant should be brought in as a part of the decor to highlight the element of nature in your interiors. They contribute not only to the beauty of your surroundings but also energize positive forces. Potted plants or fresh flowers should be chosen above dry or dead flowers and thorny plants. The southeast direction represents the wood element for wealth and a money plant in a transparent bowl should be kept in this direction. A purple vase may also be kept with purple or pink flowers in it. Pictures of trees may also be hung in this direction for good luck.

Aquariums

Fish and water are powerful symbols of wealth and prosperity. An aquarium provides both these symbols and should be placed in the northeast portion of a room. Aquariums also lend an aesthetic sense of beauty. An ideal collection would be a single pair of black fish and nine pairs of red coloured fish.

Lights For Prosperity

Lights mean money and greater light leads to greater prosperity. Shiny objects that reflect light should be used as part of the decor in a room’s interiors. Crystals and mirrors are such objects that you might use. Sources of light are especially important in a room where lots of activities are planned, as they will make the persons active.

The Peacock Feather

For an office building, it is wise to place either a peacock feather or a statue of Ganapati in the northwest corner. This will improve relations with staff members and business colleagues.

Rising Sun

On the inside of the main door, you should hang a beautiful poster of the rising sun. Since this will be the first thing that you see, it will raise your spirits and enthusiasm for work and also increase your chances for accumulation of wealth.

Boost Your Career by Following Symbols for Luck

You may be a very competitive and intellectually sound person but at times, everything seems to fail and might seem out of reach. This certainly leads to frustrations and laziness. When such symptoms appear, check out for good signs. Even  if you are not a believer of luck, you will have to know that invisible energies have a role in your failure. At a juncture like this, your career counts more than everything else. To energise your opportunities, find the lucky direction for a good career, because if you have a successful career, only then you can earn a lot of wealth. One such good luck piece that brings in wealth and boosts your career is the horseshoe. Hang it in the northern direction with its ends upwards. This will bring you opportunities not once, but every time, for whenever you open the door, opportunity will come knocking.

To enhance your career, you may place a fish aquarium anywhere in your office. Your best luck gets catalyzed with a round aquarium bowl that has a wide-open mouth. It is best to place this bowl in the north.

Never Sleep in Your Office

‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise’. If you have a good job, or a self-owned business but have been facing discontent due to incurred loss, check out your day-to-day activities from morning till the time you retire to bed. Sleep with your head pointing towards the south and feet towards the north. The body should be aligned with the axis of the earth. Only then will you get a good night’s sleep. Good sleep keeps you mentally fresh and alert. If your brain is alert, your working capacity naturally increases. When the mind is fresh, you are bound to prosper because your decisions will be wise and well thought out.

Never sleep in your office itself. If you wish to rest for some time during the day, have a separate cabin with a comfortable bed for this purpose. Sleeping in the office attracts negative energies and an atmosphere of lethargy prevails, encompassing the entire room. These negative energies can be very harmful for your work.

Get Rid of Depression in Your Career

Many times, we are caught in a depression due to unavoidable circumstances. This could be due to loss in business, low ebb in the job or even the loss of the job itself. Pull yourself together. Tell yourself that whatever happens, it is not the end. There is always scope for improvement and the slump is only temporary. Keep your room free of clutter and dust. Place a lamp in the south or southwest corner of your room. Pray to God and apply for a new job. A clean environment will clear your mind and open new avenues for you.

Coins to Woo ‘Lady Luck’

Coins are known to bring in wealth luck. Several coins are tied in a piece of red silk cloth. It is much better if the coins are ancient or antique and have a hole in the center. String them through a red silk ribbon and tie the ends together to make a good luck knot. This can be hung near the entrance to attract good luck and defend you against harm and evil. These coins should be 5 in number.

A coin in a glass bowl lined with red or blue velvet can be kept on the counter for added wealth luck. Eight coins strung on a red silk ribbon can be kept with the cash register inside the cabinet.

Keep an Aquarium in your Office

Fish is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is a good idea to boost wealth luck to have a picture of fish along with your logo, on a vase, a lampshade or a porcelain figure of fish, which serves the same purpose. This alternative is in case it is impossible for you to have an aquarium. Place the aquarium or other fish symbols in the north.

The Indoor Fountain for Boosting Wealth and Career

Moving water symbolizes life and vitality. It attracts energy that is a life-giving force. Bubbling water in an indoor pond is a constant source of moisture for the air. It filters out dust particles from the air and ionizes the air with vital negative ions, all of which add to the inhabitant’s physical and emotional well being.

The water should move gently over the stones and produce a soft bubbling sound. It can be decorated with plants. It is important that the water is clean and the plants healthy and strong. The technical parts such as the pump, lights and filters should be in good working order as well. Use only filtered water to reduce lime and other unsightly deposits on the stones, plants and the container.

A fountain with plants, lights, stones, bubbling water, if decorated aesthetically, will boost your wealth luck as well as your career.

These days, you must have noticed that very prosperous magnificent and large showrooms have fountains either at the entrance or inside. These fountains not only have a positive impression on the ambience but also boost their prosperity.

Horn of Plenty

The horn of plenty is a type of mythical drinking implement from which a never-ending supply of the gifts of nature appear. These gifts could be in the form of flowers, fruits, etc. This makes it a symbol of the gift of the gods, who give to people without asking them anything in return.

In prehistoric times, the horn was often used as a sacrificial vessel. Hence, it is also a symbol of hope. It is supposed to bring in wealth to those who display it. It should be preferably filled with gold-painted fruit.

The Lion for Fame, Wealth and Power

The lion is the king of animals and because of his impressive mane, courage and strength, he has been considered as a symbol of the sun.

In western astrology, the lion stands for fire, sun and gold. People born under the sign of the lion (Leo) love life, luxury and wealth and have a tendency to be vain and theatrical. They are dominating and autocratic.

History is testimony to the fact that when kings and people of authority wanted to display their wealth, power and prestige to the world, they would place sculptures of lions at the entrances to their houses or in the palace gardens. The lions symbolically informed anybody entering that it was the residence of an important person who demanded respect.

In the modern times, a pair of lions outside the main entrance can be seen in many corporate houses of repute. The lion pair always stands outside the front door to protect against bad luck entering the building. They are supposed to boost career and bring fame and eventual wealth from all their businesses and enterprises.

The lion symbol can also be used as a guard next to the entrance door to the home or garden; or even in the form of a picture or banner at the entrance door.

The Mandala

The word Mandala comes from Sanskrit and means ‘holy or magic circle’. The symmetric connection between several circles and squares creates many different shapes and patterns that are used in meditation and as an aid to concentration.

Originally, the Mandala was used to depict the order of the universe. It was a cosmogram. The circle represented the heavens and the squares, the four corners of the compass. Its’ cosmic power was transferred to architectural designs and the constructions of temples.

A Mandala can be painted on a wall or on a silk fabric, or even carved out of wood. It may be created out of one’s own intuition and imagination. As a picture or woodcarving hung on the wall, it is depicted to invite cosmic energies. As a floor design at the entrance or hallway, it attracts cosmic energy into the home. The presence of the Mandala symbols within the home, study or office, is known to boost the career because it attracts positive cosmic energy. This in turn gives a boost to your earnings.

Mobiles for Steady flow of Money

A mobile, moved by the air currents in a room, stimulates the circulation of energies and brings harmony into rooms that have weak energy flows. Its three-dimensional arrangement distributes energy evenly in the room. This makes a mobile particularly effective in those places that are static and have no movement.

In addition to activating energies, mobiles can be used to slow down the flow of negative energies when suspended in front of large windows or in long hallways. Different mobiles have specific results. Their effectiveness depends on the motif on them. A mobile with fish will bring with its’ movement a flow of wealth into the home or office. In terms of work, this could mean more business and an increase in the clientele. A mobile with butterflies, on the other hand, will fetch fame which when literally translated could mean more work, more good business, earning of good name, and of course, the money would flow in automatically.

Display the Jade Plant

The jade plant, because of its fleshy round leaves that look like coins, is one of the most famous and potent symbols of wealth and prosperity. It takes almost ten years for a jade plant to come into bloom, for it requires very specific climatic conditions. The flowers last for quite some time once the plant is in bloom. It is believed that a jade plant in full bloom attracts wealth and money flows into the house. Due to its’ sturdiness, it also represents reliability and perseverance.

A motif of a jade flower on linen or a picture is also considered quite an effective way to attract wealth.

Lakshmi The Goddess of Wealth

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and good fortune. For a person aspiring to accumulate wealth, worship of goddess Lakshmi gains greater significance and the need to know more about this deity arises. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is usually depicted standing or sitting next to him. She usually has two arms when shown with Lord Vishnu and four hands when depicted alone. She sits or stands on a lotus flower. Her two upper hands are shown holding lotus flowers and her lower hands shower gold coins or are in the boon-giving posture. The lotus is a symbol of truth that mankind needs to gain. Since this goddess is so closely associated with the lotus, she is also named as Padma, Padmini or Padmhasta. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth but wealth includes an abundance of proper values and spiritual goodness that should be cultivated by each worshipper. The concept of knowledge is also reflected in the notion of wealth because acquisition of wealth requires the possession of knowledge.

Lakshmi assumes a different role and name with each new avatar of Vishnu but she always represents the Shakti or power that is represented in each avtar - reincarnation. Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna and Sita, the wife of Lord Rama are believed to be incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi. As this deity is the mistress of all forms of well-being and the owner of the entire wealth of this world, she should be respected and worshipped as the epitome of wealth. When she is pleased with a devotee, she unlocks many doors of treasury for him and serves him like a mother to her child. The blessed then become synonymous with Lord Vishnu and become rich and famous as a result of Lakshmi’s blessings.

Goddess Lakshmi does not have temples exclusively dedicated to her worship but she is usually worshipped as a side deity in Vishnu temples. The Deepavali or Diwali festival in October/November is associated with Lakshmi and the third day of the festival, which falls on Amavasya or no moon night, is the day of the Lakshmi Pooja. On this day, the goddess is expected to enter well-lighted houses to shower blessings of wealth. Many homes and office buildings have a statue of the goddess in their premises in the hope of attaining wealth. If such a statue is placed anywhere, care should be taken to revere and maintain it properly. Remember also that Lakshmi is fickle and unless she is worshipped with her consort, Lord Vishnu, her mercy may only be temporary.

Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is a festival associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. She is worshipped in the hope of acquiring wealth and prosperity. This festival is also associated with the coronation of Lord Rama on his return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. This festival is, thus, seen as a renewal of life and the passageway that leads us into truth and light. It teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Even though every household celebrates Diwali, not every one is blessed with wealth and prosperity. This may be due to defects in the celebrations. Vastu can guide you to a fruitful celebration of Diwali so that you may gain wealth and prosperity with blessings from the gods.

The first step is to conduct the celebrations in a clutter-free and clean environment. Since an untidy building and surroundings restrict the entrance of Lakshmi, all the redundant and unwanted material should be disposed off, including broken furniture and unwanted gifts. Make way for the new by discarding the old.

Attend to each and every corner of the house when you clean up. Even corners which may be partially hidden or otherwise neglected, should be subjected to this spring-cleaning. After the house is thoroughly cleaned, you can energize the entire building by whitewashing or applying a new coat of paint, in view of a happy and coordinated life.

Colourful decorations should be put up on the occasion to lift the spirits and promote good health. Lights are the main component of Diwali decorations and they are believed to bring prosperity. Homes that are better lit always belong to rich people, showing a direct link between the light and wealth. The greater the light, the greater is the prosperity. Diyas (clay lamps), candles or bulbs can be used to light a building. The lights will drive away the evil spirits and welcome goddess Lakshmi into the house. They will also charge, energize and improve the ambience of the surroundings.

Crackers are an important component of Diwali celebrations. They energize the dead or weak energy and push out negative energies from the premises. Firecrackers represent speed, energy and joy. The sound produced by crackers can scare away evil spirits from the area but excessive use of crackers can lead to noise pollution. Teach children to light crackers properly and use smaller ones in the home so that accidents do not mar this happy occasion.

The entrance to the house should be adorned with traditional motifs and rangoli designs to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. Small footprints may also be drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house, to indicate the long-awaited arrival of the goddess.

A proper place of worship should be assigned in the northern sector of the building. Pooja should then be performed to show reverence to the gods through incantations, prayers, songs and rituals. The Lakshmi Pooja can be performed in the evening where Bhakti or devotional songs are sung and Naivedya of sweets is offered to the goddess. Mud huts are also used for pooja, where prayers are offered to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Vastupurusha is also worshipped on this occasion. One should sing his aarti, praising his kindness to gain his protection and blessings. In addition to religious music, pleasant and soothing music may be allowed to filter the building as this energizes the positive forces on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. The essence of Diwali is cleanliness, fragrance and light that will boost your wealth prospects.

Review your goals on Diwali and make amendments if you think they are necessary. Make a resolution to amass wealth on this occasion and have it written down. Then wrap three coins in a piece of red cloth or tie them with a red ribbon. Place them beside a water bowl in the north direction and pray for a grant of your resolution. Keep the area clean and prepare yourself to welcome the fulfillment of your wish.

The five days of Diwali celebrations are considered to be an auspicious time for the beginning of business and financial ventures. The first day, or Dhanteras is considered especially significant for the mercantile community. On the day of the Chopada-Pooja, the sun enters its second course, passing Libra and this is represented by the balance or scale. This design is considered auspicious for balancing and closing of account books. The Diwali period is a good time to buy jewellery and utensils. The silver or gold coins used in poojas should be later stored carefully as they will prove to be objects of luck and symbols of the blessings of the goddess. Diwali is also an occasion for gifting of all-round good will. It is Vastu in itself since it promotes the sense of universal brotherhood and harmony in the universe.

The Restaurant Business

 There are three basic needs in life food, clothes and shelter. But to do more than this, is a normal human tendency. With an attitude of consumerism and voracious appetite for anything good dominating the society be it food, fashion or cars, one certainly gets lured. However, if you have any plans to start your career by starting your own food gallery and want it to be one of the most sought after restaurants, follow certain Vastu rules. Always try to bring luck to your business by painting your restaurant in a bright colour.

If you feel that your business is not flourishing, try to give it a more defined look and better facilities for the customers. Have a completely hygienic kitchen and plush ambience for the restaurant. The service should be quick yet polite. The customer is god. To give your restaurant an esthetic appeal, making some rangoli designs at the doorstep is a good idea. Also decorate the entrance with bouquets of fresh flowers. There should be a doorman at the entrance to welcome the customers and escort them to their table. All staff should be instructed to be extremely polite to the clients. During the service, the manager should make it a point to go around and ask the guests whether they have enjoyed the food and would they wish to have anything else. He could even assist some guests about the choice of food and suggest some items on the menu, though the customer’s choice should be final. At the end, one person from the staff should escort the guests to the door and thank them for coming. Small gestures such as these can make a restaurant immensely popular, though it goes without saying that food should be of top quality, appearing great on looks and delicious in taste.

If you have a bar section, use a water motif that not only boosts the liquor business but also provides a lucky charm for your business. For auspiciousness, keep an idol of Ganesha and pay due respect to it with lights and flowers. Keep the cashbox in the north.

The Department Store Business

If you own a shop and want it to run for a long time because it is the only source of income for you, place a symbol of bamboo in the north. A bamboo plant signifies longevity and is a powerful charm for good fortune. If it is impossible to get a bamboo plant, a picture or a painting of the bamboo in your shop or office will also help your business to take proper shape and size.

If your shop stores antique pieces, we should not forget that antique items mostly consist of statues of deities and these should be given due respect. Do not place these on the ground and have proper lighting for your shop. Some antiques carry negative energy. Try to find out the history of the antiques before your buy them. With a flourishing department store, money is bound to flow in.

The Jewellery Shop

If you have a jewellery shop, give it a colour that will give you a long-term business. Never paint the shop red or yellow as these are the colour of fire and can attract negative energies. The jewellery shop should be delicately decorated, as jewellery is an item for ladies. It should be very comfortable for the ladies to be able to sit at ease before deciding what jewellery to buy. Preferably, it should be air-conditioned and it goes without saying that the service should be polite. For comfort, install deep cushioned sofas. Make sure that you sell only genuine stuff in your shop, to earn name and fame.

Metals belong to the element earth, so earth energies are very beneficial for jewellery business. In your showcases have mannequins, ensure that they are made of china clay to display your jewellery. Thus, you will introduce the element earth along with metal in a beautiful way.

An Electronic Showroom

If your showroom has electronic items like refrigerators, TV sets, music systems, washing machines, etc., then pink, light green, light blue or white are the most suitable colours for your shop. Any appliance including audios and videos falls under the realm of electricity and fire. They should be displayed along the southwest wall. Red and light yellow are also good colours that will attract brisk business and good money will follow. Have your display cabinets in these colours and in no time, your shop will earn a good reputation. You must remember that besides these symbols, honesty in business and an earnest desire to earn money honestly go a long way. There is no substitute for hard work. When all these qualities are combined, your business is bound to boom.

The Shoe Business

A shoe is a marker of your personality. Having a shoe shop these days is counted as one of the most lucrative business as the trend for fashionable shoes is very high. If you own one, polish your luck and let your business shine and the easiest and effective way is to paint it black, brown-red, white or a combination of these. Wearing black shoes signifies honour and black also indicates depth.

Follow the Vastu rules for keeping a good shop. Keep a statue of Lord Ganesha in the northeast and at a higher level than the shoes. Do not place any shoes in the corner where you place the statue or picture of Ganesha. Respect the statue with diya (light), fresh flowers and aarti. Believe in the saying ‘honesty is the best policy’ and put in hard work to maintain a good standard. Look into the complaints of your customers and be polite to them. Thus, you will earn a good name and reputation.

Keep a stock of the latest style of shoes in your shop. For good Vastu, keep a central open space or Brahmasthan in your showroom. Arrange the seating arrangement for the customers all round it. Do away with clutter. The showroom should be neat, clean and attractively decorated. A fish aquarium can be kept in the north to boost your wealth luck. Keep the cash box in the northeast with a few coins tied in a red cloth permanently placed in it. Never empty out the cash box completely. This tip can be followed for other businesses also.

Good thoughts his only friends,
His wealth a well-spent age,
The earth his sober inn
And quiet pilgrimage.
                                                      .. .Thomas Campion

Money is an important factor in our lives and money matters can be a major source of stress. If you find your finances dwindling, you will have to locate the reason. Keeping an exact record of your income and expenditure can do this.

The Proof of the Pudding lies in the Eating

If the debit entries grow larger and larger in your bank statement, it is high time you got a grip on your finances. The best solution is to first try out which method is most suitable for you. You will have to find out whether you have bought too many expensive items with your credit card, or you might have used the telephone too often. You need to get an overview by drafting a two-column table. On the credit side, write down your income for the relevant month, and on the debit side, list all your expenditure. Think hard to ensure that your list is complete.

Scrutinize Honestly

The next step is to separate the important items from the trivial expenses. You can save money quite easily by cutting out or limiting unimportant expenses. To do this, scrutinize all the entries in the debit column, even the extremely minor ones. Then ask yourself honestly as to which items you can do without and which you must have.

Change your Habits

One way to take more control of your finances is to considered opening a special bank account into which you transfer a certain amount every month. With this money, you pay for long-term expenditure such as appliances or automobile payments, household repairs or tools that have to be replaced. Every debit or credit to your account should help you to keep your goals in mind.

If you are not successful in your efforts, you should check each individual step and change the critical phases. When you work out your household budget for the month or the year, even the most careful calculations are always subject to error. For this reason, it is always better to calculate your revenue slightly lower and your expenditure slightly higher than the actual numbers you get from bank statements. This will prevent you from being taken by a surprise when unexpected costs suddenly arise. Besides, it is a wonderful surprise if there is money left over at the end of the month or after a major purchase. You can use this money to make yourself or others happy.

When dealing with money, it is easy to feel that you can’t cope. Here too the rule applies: keep your goals in sight and plan accordingly. You will quickly filter out the most important things and not be burdened by things you don’t need.

Kuber—The God of Wealth 

With regard to wealth and prosperity, the direction of the north and its presiding deity, Kuber, are given considerable importance. Kuber or Kubera is the god of wealth and the treasurer of the demigods. He watches ever the world’s wealth, including gold, silver, jewels, pearls, etc. He lords over success in business as well as acquisition and accumulation of wealth. He is the protector of the northern direction. He has a white, dwarfish body and may be shown having two hands in which he holds a moneybag and a bowl. If he is shown having four hands, he may hold a vase, club, a bowl, or a piece of fruit. Kuber is also called Dhanapati (lord of wealth) and Nataraja (King of men), because who ever has wealth also rules men. His kingdom is in the Himalayas because the mountains contain great mineral wealth.

For a person aspiring to acquire money and wealth, Lord Kuber should be offered devotions and worshipped. This god blesses his worshippers with money, wealth, success and prosperity. The worship of Lord Kuber also helps one to create more awareness for earning and saving money. The devotee can, in turn, increase his assets and prosperity, and become a wealthy person from all aspects. Since Kuber is a demigod, he is not usually worshipped in temples. However, he is often carved on temple walls and is mentioned in many Vedic stories. For the purpose of worship, there is a special set of words that can be recited in order to summon the lord, called the Kuber mantra. The mantra has been evolved by Rishis and Yogis over the years and should be recited in the pooja performed for worship of the deity. In mainstream Vedic practices, this mantra is viewed as a necessity for spiritual advancement and high attainment. We should always face the direction of the north during such rituals and ceremonies and also when at work. The blessings of Kuber will thus be received alongwith health and wealth, encompassing spiritual wealth.

Vastu for Wealth

The accumulation of money and amassing of wealth is very much the realm of Vastushastra. This ancient art and science yields a harmonious coexistence with nature, generating the feeling of peace and calm within every person. Such qualities are the prerequisite for any endeavour that seek to increase wealth and possession of money. There are certain easy steps that you can take towards this goal, some of which have been presented and discussed here.

Always make sure that there is more vacant space and a source of light in the north and east, than in the south and west. This step should be followed and practiced both in the home and work place.
For a financial boost, the almirah in which cash and other valuables are kept should be very carefiilly positioned. The ideal location would be at the west sidewall facing the east or a southwest corner facing the east or the north. An almirah placed at the south wall facing the north is also auspicious. An almirah containing cash, jewellery or important papers should preferably open to the north, the direction of Kuber, and the deity of wealth.

Purple is the colour accepted as representative of wealth. Having a purple-coloured plant in the southeast corner would be beneficial. Otherwise, a money plant could be grown in a purple coloured pot and kept in the southeast side of the office or drawing room of the house.

When drainage pipes are fitted in factories, offices or residences, they should be in the east or the north. This will give prosperity to those who inhabit the place.

Make it a point to ensure that none of the taps fitted in the building leak. Water is a potent symbol of wealth and money and leakage would mean wastage and unnecessary flowing of hard-earned wealth.

On festive occasions, a lot of money is spent on celebrations and gifts. You should spend liberally and give generously because this will enhance your environment for prosperity. However, learn to spend wisely and control your expenditure to the extent of bringing out the essence of the festival.

Black is generally considered a negative colour but it can be a stimulating force if used well. If your compound wall’s entry gate is in the north, east or northeast, paint the gate with black colour, this will be to your advantage. You could also use black ribbons to tie the curtains on the northern side of your office.

There can never be a substitute for hard work, wise planning and determination. There is a saying: ‘He who sows, reaps’, meaning only a person who puts in hard work will reap the profits. Dedication to work can be supplemented by following the rules of Vastushastra. These guidelines will ensure that all your hard work does not go in vain. It will increase your decision-making capacity and help you gain more confidence. Your market relations and business will thus be favourably influenced, leading to an increase in wealth and prosperity.

Interior Decor to Enhance Your Fortune

The interior decoration of a building is a sphere where the practice of Vastu can make effective changes in the fortunes of residents. Using Vastu principles, the decor of a room or building can be directed toward achievement and aquisition of wealth. Advice lends itself to different aspects, right from the choice of colour to symbols that may prove auspicious.

Effects of Colours

A room in the northern sector should be painted in blue or grey and touches of black may also be added for prosperity in business and career. A room located in the east would be best painted in shades of blue and green; blue can also be used in a room on the northeast along with yellow. A room in the south can be painted green with touches of red; this will apply to a southwest room too where pink may also be added. A northwestern room can be in a light shade of grey or white. A room in the southeast sector should be painted with various shades of green and furnished with shades of yellow to give a cheerful effect. The colour red is considered to be the colour of good luck; yellow is associated with wealth and green signifies growth, prosperity and health; blue stands for spirituality and understanding and pink is the colour of romance and happiness.

Effect of Plants

Plant should be brought in as a part of the decor to highlight the element of nature in your interiors. They contribute not only to the beauty of your surroundings but also energize positive forces. Potted plants or fresh flowers should be chosen above dry or dead flowers and thorny plants. The southeast direction represents the wood element for wealth and a money plant in a transparent bowl should be kept in this direction. A purple vase may also be kept with purple or pink flowers in it. Pictures of trees may also be hung in this direction for good luck.

Aquariums

Fish and water are powerful symbols of wealth and prosperity. An aquarium provides both these symbols and should be placed in the northeast portion of a room. Aquariums also lend an aesthetic sense of beauty. An ideal collection would be a single pair of black fish and nine pairs of red coloured fish.

Lights For Prosperity

Lights mean money and greater light leads to greater prosperity. Shiny objects that reflect light should be used as part of the decor in a room’s interiors. Crystals and mirrors are such objects that you might use. Sources of light are especially important in a room where lots of activities are planned, as they will make the persons active.

The Peacock Feather

For an office building, it is wise to place either a peacock feather or a statue of Ganapati in the northwest corner. This will improve relations with staff members and business colleagues.

Rising Sun

On the inside of the main door, you should hang a beautiful poster of the rising sun. Since this will be the first thing that you see, it will raise your spirits and enthusiasm for work and also increase your chances for accumulation of wealth.

Boost Your Career by Following Symbols for Luck

You may be a very competitive and intellectually sound person but at times, everything seems to fail and might seem out of reach. This certainly leads to frustrations and laziness. When such symptoms appear, check out for good signs. Even  if you are not a believer of luck, you will have to know that invisible energies have a role in your failure. At a juncture like this, your career counts more than everything else. To energise your opportunities, find the lucky direction for a good career, because if you have a successful career, only then you can earn a lot of wealth. One such good luck piece that brings in wealth and boosts your career is the horseshoe. Hang it in the northern direction with its ends upwards. This will bring you opportunities not once, but every time, for whenever you open the door, opportunity will come knocking.

To enhance your career, you may place a fish aquarium anywhere in your office. Your best luck gets catalyzed with a round aquarium bowl that has a wide-open mouth. It is best to place this bowl in the north.

Never Sleep in Your Office

‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise’. If you have a good job, or a self-owned business but have been facing discontent due to incurred loss, check out your day-to-day activities from morning till the time you retire to bed. Sleep with your head pointing towards the south and feet towards the north. The body should be aligned with the axis of the earth. Only then will you get a good night’s sleep. Good sleep keeps you mentally fresh and alert. If your brain is alert, your working capacity naturally increases. When the mind is fresh, you are bound to prosper because your decisions will be wise and well thought out.

Never sleep in your office itself. If you wish to rest for some time during the day, have a separate cabin with a comfortable bed for this purpose. Sleeping in the office attracts negative energies and an atmosphere of lethargy prevails, encompassing the entire room. These negative energies can be very harmful for your work.

Get Rid of Depression in Your Career

Many times, we are caught in a depression due to unavoidable circumstances. This could be due to loss in business, low ebb in the job or even the loss of the job itself. Pull yourself together. Tell yourself that whatever happens, it is not the end. There is always scope for improvement and the slump is only temporary. Keep your room free of clutter and dust. Place a lamp in the south or southwest corner of your room. Pray to God and apply for a new job. A clean environment will clear your mind and open new avenues for you.

Coins to Woo ‘Lady Luck’

Coins are known to bring in wealth luck. Several coins are tied in a piece of red silk cloth. It is much better if the coins are ancient or antique and have a hole in the center. String them through a red silk ribbon and tie the ends together to make a good luck knot. This can be hung near the entrance to attract good luck and defend you against harm and evil. These coins should be 5 in number.

A coin in a glass bowl lined with red or blue velvet can be kept on the counter for added wealth luck. Eight coins strung on a red silk ribbon can be kept with the cash register inside the cabinet.

Keep an Aquarium in your Office

Fish is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is a good idea to boost wealth luck to have a picture of fish along with your logo, on a vase, a lampshade or a porcelain figure of fish, which serves the same purpose. This alternative is in case it is impossible for you to have an aquarium. Place the aquarium or other fish symbols in the north.

The Indoor Fountain for Boosting Wealth and Career

Moving water symbolizes life and vitality. It attracts energy that is a life-giving force. Bubbling water in an indoor pond is a constant source of moisture for the air. It filters out dust particles from the air and ionizes the air with vital negative ions, all of which add to the inhabitant’s physical and emotional well being.

The water should move gently over the stones and produce a soft bubbling sound. It can be decorated with plants. It is important that the water is clean and the plants healthy and strong. The technical parts such as the pump, lights and filters should be in good working order as well. Use only filtered water to reduce lime and other unsightly deposits on the stones, plants and the container.

A fountain with plants, lights, stones, bubbling water, if decorated aesthetically, will boost your wealth luck as well as your career.

These days, you must have noticed that very prosperous magnificent and large showrooms have fountains either at the entrance or inside. These fountains not only have a positive impression on the ambience but also boost their prosperity.

Horn of Plenty

The horn of plenty is a type of mythical drinking implement from which a never-ending supply of the gifts of nature appear. These gifts could be in the form of flowers, fruits, etc. This makes it a symbol of the gift of the gods, who give to people without asking them anything in return.

In prehistoric times, the horn was often used as a sacrificial vessel. Hence, it is also a symbol of hope. It is supposed to bring in wealth to those who display it. It should be preferably filled with gold-painted fruit.

The Lion for Fame, Wealth and Power

The lion is the king of animals and because of his impressive mane, courage and strength, he has been considered as a symbol of the sun.

In western astrology, the lion stands for fire, sun and gold. People born under the sign of the lion (Leo) love life, luxury and wealth and have a tendency to be vain and theatrical. They are dominating and autocratic.

History is testimony to the fact that when kings and people of authority wanted to display their wealth, power and prestige to the world, they would place sculptures of lions at the entrances to their houses or in the palace gardens. The lions symbolically informed anybody entering that it was the residence of an important person who demanded respect.

In the modern times, a pair of lions outside the main entrance can be seen in many corporate houses of repute. The lion pair always stands outside the front door to protect against bad luck entering the building. They are supposed to boost career and bring fame and eventual wealth from all their businesses and enterprises.

The lion symbol can also be used as a guard next to the entrance door to the home or garden; or even in the form of a picture or banner at the entrance door.

The Mandala

The word Mandala comes from Sanskrit and means ‘holy or magic circle’. The symmetric connection between several circles and squares creates many different shapes and patterns that are used in meditation and as an aid to concentration.

Originally, the Mandala was used to depict the order of the universe. It was a cosmogram. The circle represented the heavens and the squares, the four corners of the compass. Its’ cosmic power was transferred to architectural designs and the constructions of temples.

A Mandala can be painted on a wall or on a silk fabric, or even carved out of wood. It may be created out of one’s own intuition and imagination. As a picture or woodcarving hung on the wall, it is depicted to invite cosmic energies. As a floor design at the entrance or hallway, it attracts cosmic energy into the home. The presence of the Mandala symbols within the home, study or office, is known to boost the career because it attracts positive cosmic energy. This in turn gives a boost to your earnings.

Mobiles for Steady flow of Money

A mobile, moved by the air currents in a room, stimulates the circulation of energies and brings harmony into rooms that have weak energy flows. Its three-dimensional arrangement distributes energy evenly in the room. This makes a mobile particularly effective in those places that are static and have no movement.

In addition to activating energies, mobiles can be used to slow down the flow of negative energies when suspended in front of large windows or in long hallways. Different mobiles have specific results. Their effectiveness depends on the motif on them. A mobile with fish will bring with its’ movement a flow of wealth into the home or office. In terms of work, this could mean more business and an increase in the clientele. A mobile with butterflies, on the other hand, will fetch fame which when literally translated could mean more work, more good business, earning of good name, and of course, the money would flow in automatically.

Display the Jade Plant

The jade plant, because of its fleshy round leaves that look like coins, is one of the most famous and potent symbols of wealth and prosperity. It takes almost ten years for a jade plant to come into bloom, for it requires very specific climatic conditions. The flowers last for quite some time once the plant is in bloom. It is believed that a jade plant in full bloom attracts wealth and money flows into the house. Due to its’ sturdiness, it also represents reliability and perseverance.

A motif of a jade flower on linen or a picture is also considered quite an effective way to attract wealth.

Lakshmi The Goddess of Wealth

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and good fortune. For a person aspiring to accumulate wealth, worship of goddess Lakshmi gains greater significance and the need to know more about this deity arises. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is usually depicted standing or sitting next to him. She usually has two arms when shown with Lord Vishnu and four hands when depicted alone. She sits or stands on a lotus flower. Her two upper hands are shown holding lotus flowers and her lower hands shower gold coins or are in the boon-giving posture. The lotus is a symbol of truth that mankind needs to gain. Since this goddess is so closely associated with the lotus, she is also named as Padma, Padmini or Padmhasta. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth but wealth includes an abundance of proper values and spiritual goodness that should be cultivated by each worshipper. The concept of knowledge is also reflected in the notion of wealth because acquisition of wealth requires the possession of knowledge.

Lakshmi assumes a different role and name with each new avatar of Vishnu but she always represents the Shakti or power that is represented in each avtar - reincarnation. Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna and Sita, the wife of Lord Rama are believed to be incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi. As this deity is the mistress of all forms of well-being and the owner of the entire wealth of this world, she should be respected and worshipped as the epitome of wealth. When she is pleased with a devotee, she unlocks many doors of treasury for him and serves him like a mother to her child. The blessed then become synonymous with Lord Vishnu and become rich and famous as a result of Lakshmi’s blessings.

Goddess Lakshmi does not have temples exclusively dedicated to her worship but she is usually worshipped as a side deity in Vishnu temples. The Deepavali or Diwali festival in October/November is associated with Lakshmi and the third day of the festival, which falls on Amavasya or no moon night, is the day of the Lakshmi Pooja. On this day, the goddess is expected to enter well-lighted houses to shower blessings of wealth. Many homes and office buildings have a statue of the goddess in their premises in the hope of attaining wealth. If such a statue is placed anywhere, care should be taken to revere and maintain it properly. Remember also that Lakshmi is fickle and unless she is worshipped with her consort, Lord Vishnu, her mercy may only be temporary.

Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is a festival associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. She is worshipped in the hope of acquiring wealth and prosperity. This festival is also associated with the coronation of Lord Rama on his return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. This festival is, thus, seen as a renewal of life and the passageway that leads us into truth and light. It teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Even though every household celebrates Diwali, not every one is blessed with wealth and prosperity. This may be due to defects in the celebrations. Vastu can guide you to a fruitful celebration of Diwali so that you may gain wealth and prosperity with blessings from the gods.

The first step is to conduct the celebrations in a clutter-free and clean environment. Since an untidy building and surroundings restrict the entrance of Lakshmi, all the redundant and unwanted material should be disposed off, including broken furniture and unwanted gifts. Make way for the new by discarding the old.

Attend to each and every corner of the house when you clean up. Even corners which may be partially hidden or otherwise neglected, should be subjected to this spring-cleaning. After the house is thoroughly cleaned, you can energize the entire building by whitewashing or applying a new coat of paint, in view of a happy and coordinated life.

Colourful decorations should be put up on the occasion to lift the spirits and promote good health. Lights are the main component of Diwali decorations and they are believed to bring prosperity. Homes that are better lit always belong to rich people, showing a direct link between the light and wealth. The greater the light, the greater is the prosperity. Diyas (clay lamps), candles or bulbs can be used to light a building. The lights will drive away the evil spirits and welcome goddess Lakshmi into the house. They will also charge, energize and improve the ambience of the surroundings.

Crackers are an important component of Diwali celebrations. They energize the dead or weak energy and push out negative energies from the premises. Firecrackers represent speed, energy and joy. The sound produced by crackers can scare away evil spirits from the area but excessive use of crackers can lead to noise pollution. Teach children to light crackers properly and use smaller ones in the home so that accidents do not mar this happy occasion.

The entrance to the house should be adorned with traditional motifs and rangoli designs to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. Small footprints may also be drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house, to indicate the long-awaited arrival of the goddess.

A proper place of worship should be assigned in the northern sector of the building. Pooja should then be performed to show reverence to the gods through incantations, prayers, songs and rituals. The Lakshmi Pooja can be performed in the evening where Bhakti or devotional songs are sung and Naivedya of sweets is offered to the goddess. Mud huts are also used for pooja, where prayers are offered to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Vastupurusha is also worshipped on this occasion. One should sing his aarti, praising his kindness to gain his protection and blessings. In addition to religious music, pleasant and soothing music may be allowed to filter the building as this energizes the positive forces on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. The essence of Diwali is cleanliness, fragrance and light that will boost your wealth prospects.

Review your goals on Diwali and make amendments if you think they are necessary. Make a resolution to amass wealth on this occasion and have it written down. Then wrap three coins in a piece of red cloth or tie them with a red ribbon. Place them beside a water bowl in the north direction and pray for a grant of your resolution. Keep the area clean and prepare yourself to welcome the fulfillment of your wish.

The five days of Diwali celebrations are considered to be an auspicious time for the beginning of business and financial ventures. The first day, or Dhanteras is considered especially significant for the mercantile community. On the day of the Chopada-Pooja, the sun enters its second course, passing Libra and this is represented by the balance or scale. This design is considered auspicious for balancing and closing of account books. The Diwali period is a good time to buy jewellery and utensils. The silver or gold coins used in poojas should be later stored carefully as they will prove to be objects of luck and symbols of the blessings of the goddess. Diwali is also an occasion for gifting of all-round good will. It is Vastu in itself since it promotes the sense of universal brotherhood and harmony in the universe.

The Restaurant Business

 There are three basic needs in life food, clothes and shelter. But to do more than this, is a normal human tendency. With an attitude of consumerism and voracious appetite for anything good dominating the society be it food, fashion or cars, one certainly gets lured. However, if you have any plans to start your career by starting your own food gallery and want it to be one of the most sought after restaurants, follow certain Vastu rules. Always try to bring luck to your business by painting your restaurant in a bright colour.

If you feel that your business is not flourishing, try to give it a more defined look and better facilities for the customers. Have a completely hygienic kitchen and plush ambience for the restaurant. The service should be quick yet polite. The customer is god. To give your restaurant an esthetic appeal, making some rangoli designs at the doorstep is a good idea. Also decorate the entrance with bouquets of fresh flowers. There should be a doorman at the entrance to welcome the customers and escort them to their table. All staff should be instructed to be extremely polite to the clients. During the service, the manager should make it a point to go around and ask the guests whether they have enjoyed the food and would they wish to have anything else. He could even assist some guests about the choice of food and suggest some items on the menu, though the customer’s choice should be final. At the end, one person from the staff should escort the guests to the door and thank them for coming. Small gestures such as these can make a restaurant immensely popular, though it goes without saying that food should be of top quality, appearing great on looks and delicious in taste.

If you have a bar section, use a water motif that not only boosts the liquor business but also provides a lucky charm for your business. For auspiciousness, keep an idol of Ganesha and pay due respect to it with lights and flowers. Keep the cashbox in the north.

The Department Store Business

If you own a shop and want it to run for a long time because it is the only source of income for you, place a symbol of bamboo in the north. A bamboo plant signifies longevity and is a powerful charm for good fortune. If it is impossible to get a bamboo plant, a picture or a painting of the bamboo in your shop or office will also help your business to take proper shape and size.

If your shop stores antique pieces, we should not forget that antique items mostly consist of statues of deities and these should be given due respect. Do not place these on the ground and have proper lighting for your shop. Some antiques carry negative energy. Try to find out the history of the antiques before your buy them. With a flourishing department store, money is bound to flow in.

The Jewellery Shop

If you have a jewellery shop, give it a colour that will give you a long-term business. Never paint the shop red or yellow as these are the colour of fire and can attract negative energies. The jewellery shop should be delicately decorated, as jewellery is an item for ladies. It should be very comfortable for the ladies to be able to sit at ease before deciding what jewellery to buy. Preferably, it should be air-conditioned and it goes without saying that the service should be polite. For comfort, install deep cushioned sofas. Make sure that you sell only genuine stuff in your shop, to earn name and fame.

Metals belong to the element earth, so earth energies are very beneficial for jewellery business. In your showcases have mannequins, ensure that they are made of china clay to display your jewellery. Thus, you will introduce the element earth along with metal in a beautiful way.

An Electronic Showroom

If your showroom has electronic items like refrigerators, TV sets, music systems, washing machines, etc., then pink, light green, light blue or white are the most suitable colours for your shop. Any appliance including audios and videos falls under the realm of electricity and fire. They should be displayed along the southwest wall. Red and light yellow are also good colours that will attract brisk business and good money will follow. Have your display cabinets in these colours and in no time, your shop will earn a good reputation. You must remember that besides these symbols, honesty in business and an earnest desire to earn money honestly go a long way. There is no substitute for hard work. When all these qualities are combined, your business is bound to boom.

The Shoe Business

A shoe is a marker of your personality. Having a shoe shop these days is counted as one of the most lucrative business as the trend for fashionable shoes is very high. If you own one, polish your luck and let your business shine and the easiest and effective way is to paint it black, brown-red, white or a combination of these. Wearing black shoes signifies honour and black also indicates depth.

Follow the Vastu rules for keeping a good shop. Keep a statue of Lord Ganesha in the northeast and at a higher level than the shoes. Do not place any shoes in the corner where you place the statue or picture of Ganesha. Respect the statue with diya (light), fresh flowers and aarti. Believe in the saying ‘honesty is the best policy’ and put in hard work to maintain a good standard. Look into the complaints of your customers and be polite to them. Thus, you will earn a good name and reputation.

Keep a stock of the latest style of shoes in your shop. For good Vastu, keep a central open space or Brahmasthan in your showroom. Arrange the seating arrangement for the customers all round it. Do away with clutter. The showroom should be neat, clean and attractively decorated. A fish aquarium can be kept in the north to boost your wealth luck. Keep the cash box in the northeast with a few coins tied in a red cloth permanently placed in it. Never empty out the cash box completely. This tip can be followed for other businesses also.

The best career advice to give to the
young is ‘Find out what you like doing
best and get someone to pay you for
doing it’
                                                …Katherine Whitehorn

The concept of Vastushastra is based on the Vedic truth and the science is intended to utilize the natural forces and conditions for the well being of humanity. This well being is intended in its totality, including our personal and work life, encompassing a person’s ambitions and career goals. The Vedic texts assert that the divine exists within every person, within every building as well as in the external environment. This would mean that the divine is also present in our workspace, though many of us do not seem to acknowledge this fact. Work, for almost everyone, is a burdensome necessity and a hassling experience. Vastu, however, recommends that we turn our workspace into friendly spaces, by introducing energies that celebrate life. Once you introduce the principles of Vastu into your workplace, you will find that you have a wonderful new opportunity to find satisfaction in your work, which is an essential ingredient for a successful career.

The world we are living in is fast paced, where everyone is in a constant haste to make hay while the Sun shines. This has resulted in our not giving enough attention to our working environment and thus neglecting its sacredness. Some offices are so cramped that there is little space to call one’s own. There can be lack of natural Sunlight, and windows and ventilation that makes it difficult for those working in the office to feel interconnectedness with the rhythm of the universe. The lack of fresh air can also add to a feeling of claustrophobia within the confines of our workplace. To work in such an environment is challenging and so, the work is done viewed as a chore and is usually dreaded.

For success in one’s career, a person needs to take care of himself and also learn to skillfully manage his daily routine. The focus here is once again the interconnectedness of the universe, which the Vedas continually assert. A successful person is always one who disciplines himself and is careful of his habits and indulgences. Vastu can give help to one who is willing to develop himself by guiding him in building his personality for success. There are certain steps that a person can follow which would give him an opportunity to learn and benefit from the correct practices of Vastu.

Going back to the issue of a living workplace, Vastu can correct the wrongs that make work such a challenging task. It can put it back on the right track by reversing the negativity that filters the workplace. An adherence to Vastu will force us to slow our pace and help us to overcome the problems that come with being in a state of constant overdrive and tension. Since Vastu living emphasizes on the importance of natural respect, it can help foster a strong harmonious relationship between you and your colleagues to work together, and also between you and your workplace.

At this point, I am reminded of a story whose source is quite obscure but which has mythic elements. Once there was a monastery that had fallen into hard times though it had once been a great order. Now, the monastery housed only an abbot and four monks, all old and aged. In a forest nearby lived a rabbi, a Jewish teacher, who often came to this hermitage. The abbot visited the rabbi one day to ask if he could offer any advice to revive the dying order of monks. The rabbi could not give any help but as the abbot was bowing down to him, he said, ‘I have no advice to give. The only thing I can tell you is that the Messiah is among you.’ When the abbot returned and reported their conversation, the monks started pondering over who among them could be the Messiah. They started looking at each other and at themselves to seek qualities any of them might have that could mean that he was the Messiah. They started treating each other and themselves with extraordinary respect, considering the chance that the Messiah could be one of them. The people who came to the monastery could experience the positivity radiating in the place. Not long after, young men became attracted and started joining the monastery and the order of the monks became a thriving order again, all thanks to the rabbi’s gift of a vibrant centre of spirituality and light in the realm.

It was the possibility of God’s presence in their midst that made the monks show so much respect to each other that it changed the fortunes of their order. Vastu principles establish that God is indeed present in everything in the world, including our workplace, wherever and whichever area that might be. Understanding this and following the principles of Vastu can help every individual in the pursuance of their goals and change the course of their future.

Guided by The Vastu Purusha

The Vastu Purusha is the cosmic spirit of a site and is at the centre of Vastushastra’s concern with zones and directions. These zones, directions and the Vastupurusha mandala are as significant in a person’s career graph, as are its’ characteristics. The Vastu Purusha is held down in a squatting position by other deities, as instructed by Lord Brahma who also declared that this spirit must be appeased for the fruitful construction on any plot or land. This appeasement would also mean the appeasement of the deities who held him down. Every deity represents a function in the grand set up that runs the entire universe. Since every thing is interconnected, the construction of buildings according to Vastu guidelines lends a spiritual dimension befitting its holy occupants.

The Vastu Purusha must be worshipped on three occasions during the period of construction at the beginning while laying the foundation; in the middle while fixing the frame of the main door; and at the end of the construction. The periods between April-May, July-August, November-December, December-January and February-March are considered favourable for the start of excavation and fixing of the main door. As regards the commencement of . ‘ construction, the period between April-May will bring in I good results, while that between January-February and July-\ August is good for the welfare of the family. For the * acquisition of wealth and richness, the periods between October-November and February-March are considered auspicious. Auspicious days to start the work are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The main doors of a structure can be positioned according to an individuals sign:

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius - East

Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn - South

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius - West

Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces - North

In general, it can be said that fixing the main door facing East or North is the best.

For a thorough interpretation of the significance of cycles and auspicious signs, it is wise to consult a learned priest, an astrologer and a Vastu expert, for all other related details. Positive Vastu in your office can definitely boost your career. Keep in mind the various aspects of Vastu related to your office. Some of these are as follows:

Location of Your Chamber

Creating a good environment at your work place promises a stable future. Ultimately, it is your office where your thought processing, decision-making and career development takes place. Thus, choosing a proper and suitable location for you office is an important factor that goes a long way to affect your career. The north is an auspicious direction for your career and gives beneficial results. Remember that you should never have an office at the end of a corridor and if you already have one, it is better to opt to shift.

Different professionals have different modes of offices. If you are a writer, an artist or a research scholar, you will prefer to have an office that is secluded. An ideal location for your office would be along the back wall of the office with no entrance from outside. Such an office should not have a direct and immediate confrontation with the main entrance. The residential offices should not be located next to a bedroom, nor should it be made accessible through a bedroom, because this will lead to stress and instability in one’s marital status.

The offices of government officials and heads of corporate houses should be located far from the main entrance. It should not be a thoroughfare because that brings down the performance of the leader and, at times, may be fatal for the company as well. An office that is protected from interrupting visitors is bound to flourish.

Seating Arrangements

Besides your home, your office is the second place where you should feel comfortable. Irregular and poor seating arrangement can bring ill luck. Be careful about the seating arrangement in your office. While at business meetings, avoid pointed edges of tables. These create negative energies that can interrupt you from your path of progress. For good business make sure you sit facing the north as this is the direction of Lord Kuber the god of wealth.

Should you run short of chairs and you are compelled to bring in an extra one, do not fit yourself at the corner edge of a table. This makes you sit with the pointed edge of the table aimed directly at your stomach, which can bring in a lot of ill luck. Do not compromise by taking an extra seat for yourself and there is no need to be polite at the cost of your career.

While you are in a conference room negotiating your business, be seated farthest from the main door of the chamber. Do not sit with your back exposed to the entrance at it symbolically signifies a stab or deception from behind. So, avoid sitting with your back to the door or a window for it represents a lack of support and possible chances of bringing bad luck to you. If given the choice, go for a chair with a high back and an armrest that will provide not only balance but also support. While you are seated, look above and behind. Beams or fans positioned overhead are inauspicious. This can be cause enough for headaches and exertion and your performance and output could be inadequate or poor.

Finally, anything sharp and angular pointing directly at you should be avoided as this can create problems. Angular and pointed knobs on doors should be changed in your Corporate house. Sometimes, for the sake of interior decoration, such weird items are chosen and we may be caught unawares of the fact that negative energies are influencing our lives.

The Shape of your Desk

Geometry plays a significant role in our day-to-day life. There are no areas in our lives that have not been touched by geometry. Having a good shape and size of desk is always desirable. Should you want lady luck to come to you and never go away, welcome your clients by seating them at smooth rectangular desks. Oval-shaped, L-shaped or U-shaped desks are not favourable for growth in business, which is mandatory for an upward career graph.

Wooden desks are the most profitable of all. Elaborate and extensively carved wooden desks boost your career steadily. If your office or residential office is located in the East, a glass-topped desk is not favourable. However, if you are permanently settled in the West, you can always count on a glass top.

Placing the Desk

All of us have a right to reserve a seat somewhere or the other, but where you sit is the most primary question and the reason you are seated immediately follows up. Your desk represents the purpose of your presence. Therefore, placing it at an absolutely correct direction and angle gives you the power of immense good luck. For a genuine clue, never position your desk confronting protruding corners. Place an array of plants to conceal such edges. An office desk directly facing the main entrance or front door fetches bad luck. Your desk should not be placed directly opposite the door. Rather, place it in the far right corner, appearing diagonal from the door. This enforces the positives energies present in the room.

Place Flowers on your Desk

Flowers, the most wonderful and beautiful creation of nature, can be very inspiring. You will always love to associate yourself with flowers, and this becomes all the more important at your workplace. We admire the beauty of flowers while they bring myriad colours of satisfaction in our professional and personal lives. Place a vase of fresh flowers on the East of your desktop. There should be buds in the flower arrangement. Buds represent emergence of new life, while wilting petals signify gradual death. So, keep changing the flowers in your vase, replacing stale flowers with fresh ones as soon as they show signs of yellow pigmentation.

Plants

Plants symbolize life, endurance and growth. Imagine a world without plants. Plants have no adverse effects on our lives. Placing pots of plants around your office premises gives a sense of decor but placing it on the Southeast corner of your office fetches you good income and assures your growth financially.

Lights

Light is a form of energy that symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment of the human soul. Generally, light gives you a vision, but when speaking of career, light brings you good luck, name and fame only if you know where to place it. It ensures good business when placed in the southern corner of your table. It shows the attunement of your mind to brightness. For long-term effects, it boosts your good reputation whichever field of profession you practice in.

Crystals for your Career

Laws of reflection and refraction are basic knowledge known to all. We all know that light travels through a transparent medium, but that is not the end of it. If you want to be endowed with favourable energy, it would be in your favour to know that gems and crystals have an indirect but strong and effective influence in our lives. Career is one of the most important aspect of a persons life and there is no harm in trying your level best to add sauce to your life. A crystal at your office is helpful, both for its aesthetic value and a smooth career. Quartz crystals are auspicious for your desktop. Round and rectangular crystals refract good energy. Place a round crystal in the southwest corner of your desk. Good opportunities will knock at your door very soon.

Modern Equipment

Change is the essence of progressive life. Once a dream has been realized, it becomes a necessity. With advanced technologies, we have computers at our disposal. However, the use of these equipments is beneficial only if we handle them carefully both from the technical and Vastu point of view. If you possess a personal computer meant for business, you should be careful about placing it in the right direction. Although it may sound impractical for those who do not believe in good luck, for persons who believe in invisible energies all the electronic equipments should be placed on a separate desk on the west or northwest of the room.

If however, your assets are very dear to you and you wish to have them on your table, place them at the right hand side, but ensure that you have something taller to place on the left side. This ensures that the energies on your table are balanced.

Dial your Lucky Number

You may not believe this, but an indispensable instrument like the telephone can be lucky or unlucky. For good luck, place the telephone in the north, east, or southeast. Make sure that the wires are not visible. The main switchboard should also be in these directions as it is the source of energy for the telephone. You will encounter success when the incoming wire enters through the east. Now, when you dial the numbers that you require for business or official work, you will be dialing numbers that will bring you luck. Always face the north while attending to business or work-related calls.

Lucky Faxes

Fax machines, like any other equipment of the modern age, are an easy and accessible source of communication as well as an income supplementation tool. Fax machines are installed in almost every corporate and government office,