Animal paintings are more than artistic choices—they reflect our beliefs, heritage, energy, and spiritual alignment. In Vastu Shastra, animal symbolism plays a vital role in balancing energies in your living and working space. But did you know that different cultures across the world have their own sacred animals and beliefs about where and how they should be placed?
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore:
- Vastu-approved animal paintings
- Animals to avoid
- Room-by-room placement
- Cultural meanings of animals in art from around the world
Vastu-Approved Animal Paintings & Ideal Directions
| Animal | Direction (Vastu) | Ideal Room | Global Cultural Symbolism |
| Elephant | North or East | Entrance, Living Room | India: Royalty, Ganesha; Thailand: National symbol of power & rain; Africa: Ancestor wisdom |
| Horse (7 Red) | South or South-East | Living Room, Office | China: Speed, fame; Greece: Messenger of gods (Pegasus); Native American: Spiritual freedom |
| Cow with Calf | North-East | Kitchen, Pooja Room | India: Sacred, motherly; Egypt: Hathor, goddess of love and nourishment |
| Peacock | East or South-East | Bedroom, Study | India: Beauty, romance, divine vehicle; China: Status and good fortune; Rome: Immortality |
| Koi Fish / Golden Fish | North or North-East | Study, Living Room | China/Japan: Wealth, perseverance; Tibet: One of 8 Auspicious Symbols (Freedom) |
| Swans / Ducks (Pair) | South-West | Bedroom | Western cultures: Purity and love; Scandinavia: Soul travelers; Japan: Commitment and harmony |
| Tortoise | North or Center | Study, Office | China: Longevity and stability (Feng Shui); South America: Earth Mother and divine balance |
| Deer | East or South-East | Study Room | Buddhism: Symbol of enlightenment; Celtic lore: Magic and grace; Japanese Nara Park: Peace |
Animal Paintings to Avoid Across Cultures & Vastu
| Animal | Vastu Reason | Global Warnings |
| Lions, Tigers (Alone or Roaring) | Aggression, dominance | Chinese superstition: Guard animal only when placed at gate, not inside |
| Snakes (except mythological form) | Hidden enemies, stress | Africa/Mexico: Sacred, but inside homes it brings mystery and fear |
| Fighting Bulls / Rams | Ego, disputes | Spain: Bullfighting – bravery but also destruction |
| Dead Animals, Skulls | Stagnation, negativity | Universal: Symbol of decay, loss, and trauma |
| Bats, Jackals (realistic) | Night fears, secrecy | Western folklore: Associated with vampires; Japan/Europe: Omen of death |
Animal Paintings by Room
| Room /Counter | Good Animals | Avoid |
| Living Room | Elephant, Horse, Fish, Deer | Predators, aggressive birds |
| Bedroom | Pair of Swans, Ducks, Peacock | Horses, Snakes, Lions |
| Office / Study | Elephant, Horse, Tortoise | Fox, Jackal |
| Kitchen / Dining | Cow with Calf, Fish | Wild animals, carnivores |
| Pooja Room | Cow, Swan, Tortoise (in divine forms) | Non-religious animal art |
| Main Entrance | Elephant (facing inward), Deer | Snake, Jackal, solitary big cats |
Cultural Notes for Collectors & Travelers
If you collect art or travel and buy animal paintings, consider these cross-cultural tips before hanging them:
Chinese Feng Shui
- Dragon: Only in East direction for luck and protection
- Phoenix: For new beginnings (in pair with Dragon)
- Avoid: Snake motifs in bedrooms
Japanese Zen Art
- Koi Fish: Hang in flowing motion towards center of home
- Crane: Brings longevity, should be in living or pooja space
- Avoid: Owl paintings in bedrooms
Ancient Egypt
- Scarab Beetle & Cow: Represent rebirth and nourishment
- Avoid: Jackal-headed Anubis art in dining areas
Native American
- Wolf, Bear, Eagle: Sacred spirit animals (only if used with respect)
- Avoid: Aggressive bear depictions in bedrooms
European
- Deer: Used in royal halls for grace and honor
- Owl: Symbol of wisdom but also loneliness if alone
“Every culture paints its spirit through animals. But whether you follow Feng Shui, Vastu, or modern interior design — your wall must breathe peace, purpose, and prosperity. Let animals be guides, not distractions.”
Align your décor with Vastu Shastra and global energy science.
📲 For Personal Consultation or Art-Vastu Curation:
Sailyajit Vastu™ | Trusted Since 2007
🌐 Website: www.sailyajitvastu.com
📞 Contact: 6003937773 / 7575923777
📍 Guwahati, Assam | Global Online Consultation Available
