Vastu is as old as the Vedas. (Vedas are a large body of texts originating in ancient India (Vedic Sanskrit)
According to Hindu tradition, the Vedas are apauruseya "not of human agency", are supposed to have been directly revealed, and thus are called sruti ("what is heard").
Terminology of VASTU:
The Sanskrit word
vastu means "any really existing or abiding substance or essence, thing, object, article", and also "goods, wealth, property". The vrddhi,
vāstu takes the meaning of "the site or foundation of a house, site, ground, building or dwelling-place, habitation, homestead, house". The underlying root is
vas "to dwell, live, stay, abide".
VASTU knowledge was 'hidden knowledge' for a long time. Ancient cultures in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and South America kept the secret of VASTU. Stonghenge, the Pyramids of Gizeh, Tiahuancao (Bolivia/South America) is build in VASTU style. The special energies can be felt by sensitive persons.
If you dig further into these special sides (lots of material available) it is scientifically proven that e.g. the pyramids are collectors of gravity waves, ancient grave hills are build in special ways and thus were collectors of life energies (being able to change the consciousness of a person), or celtic hills (energy patterns are strong enough to change weather patterns).
One of the many VASTU books can be ordered here:
http://www.amazon.com/Vastu-Home-Harmonize-Practical-Tradition/dp/1903296838/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1286634625&sr=8-32
Editorial Reviews
Even though it may well predate feng shui, Vastu, the ancient Indian tradition that "seeks to align living spaces with their inhabitants and the cosmos," has yet to rise to mass public consciousness, but it's certainly growing. (..) Chapters divided into each area of the house outline the optimal placement of rooms and furnishings to enhance the flow of prana, or "cosmic energy," and notes ways to achieve balance in the least ideal conditions.(..). The Vastu approach incorporates the increasingly trendy Indian health tradition of ayurveda, which will attract some readers. And, although Vastu isn't yet mainstream (..), there will probably be demand for this sensitive, informative guide. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Paperback edition
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... and I will buy a compass tomorrow....and will apply VASTU in my house....wow! EXITING to see what/if something will change :)