Have you ever felt like you’re pushing a boulder up a hill? You’re doing all the right things—showing up early, staying late, polishing your skills—but the promotion never comes. The callback for the interview never rings. You feel stuck, like a car with its wheels spinning in the mud.
I’ve been there. We all have.
A few years ago, I visited a friend’s office. He was a brilliant graphic designer, but his business was bleeding cash. He was stressed, tired, and frankly, a bit desperate. As I sat in his cabin, I noticed something behind his chair: a massive, heavy painting of a lone ship tossing in a stormy ocean.
“That’s a beautiful painting,” I said, “but it looks exhausting.”
He laughed, “Yeah, it feels like my life right now.”
That is the power of our environment. What we see, we become. In Vastu Shastra, our surroundings aren’t just decoration; they are a mirror of our subconscious mind. If you surround yourself with struggle, you attract struggle. But if you surround yourself with speed, power, and forward momentum, you invite success.
That is where the 7 Running Horses come in. You’ve probably seen this painting in the offices of CEOs, high-ranking bankers, and successful entrepreneurs. It’s not just art. It’s a “power switch” for your career luck.
But here is the catch—hanging it on the wrong wall is worse than not having it at all.
Let’s decode the logic, the myths, and the exact roadmap to using this symbol to unblock your career speed.
1. Why Horses? And Why Seven? (The Logic Behind the Magic)

Before you go out and buy the first horse painting you see on Amazon, you need to understand what you are actually putting on your wall. Vastu isn’t magic; it’s symbolic programming.
The Power of “Motion”
Think about water. If water sits in a pond for too long without moving, it gets stagnant. It smells. But a flowing river is always fresh.
Your career is the same. When energy stops moving, you get stagnation—no appraisals, no new clients, no growth. The horse is the universal symbol of speed, stamina, and loyalty. Unlike a lion (which represents aggression) or a turtle (which represents stability), a horse represents mobility. It brings the energy of “getting things done.”
The Secret of the Number 7
Why not three horses? Or eight?
In Hindu mythology, the Sun God (Surya) rides a chariot pulled by seven horses. These seven horses represent the seven colors of the rainbow (the spectrum of light) and the seven days of the week.
When you hang seven horses, you are essentially inviting the energy of the Sun into your home or office. The Sun represents:
- Fame: Being seen and recognized for your work.
- Vitality: Having the energy to execute your plans.
- Consistency: Rising every day without fail.
So, when you look at that painting, your subconscious picks up a very specific message: “It’s time to move fast, be consistent, and shine bright.”
2. The “Red Flag” Check: Choosing the Right Painting
This is where 80% of people mess up. I once consulted for a young man who bought a horse painting to help with his job search. Six months later, he was more anxious than ever.
When I saw the painting, I understood why. The horses looked aggressive, their eyes were wild, and the background was a dark, stormy grey. instead of “speed,” the painting screamed “panic.”
To avoid this, use my “Peaceful Motion” Checklist before you buy:
A. The Expression Matters
Look at the horses’ faces. Do they look angry? Are they fighting each other?
- Bad: Horses baring teeth or rearing up in anger. This brings conflict with your boss or colleagues.
- Good: Horses running in sync, looking determined but happy. You want teamwork energy, not battlefield energy.
B. The Direction of the Run
The horses must be running forward or inward.
- The Mistake: Never hang a painting where the horses are running out of the frame or towards the main door/window. That symbolizes your opportunities (and money) running away from you.
- The Fix: They should look like they are running into your room, bringing opportunities with them.
C. The Background
Avoid sunsets (which symbolize the end of the day/career) or stormy nights.
- The Ideal: A bright blue sky, a rising sun, or a clear day. This represents a bright future.
D. The Ground
The horses must be running on land, not water.
- The Logic: Horses don’t run on water; that’s a struggle. Running on solid ground represents stability in your speed. You don’t want a career that is fast but unstable!
3. The Million-Dollar Question: Which Wall? (Placement Guide)
Now, let’s get to the actionable part. You have the perfect painting. Where does it go?
In Vastu, different walls control different aspects of your life. Hanging the horses on the wrong wall is like trying to charge your iPhone with a toaster—it just won’t work, and it might burn something down.
There are two primary “Power Zones” for the 7 Running Horses, depending on what you need right now.
Scenario A: “I need a Promotion or Fame” (The South Wall)
If you are already in a job but feel invisible—like your boss takes you for granted or you aren’t getting the credit you deserve—you need Fire Energy.
- The Zone: The South Wall.
- Why? In Vastu, South is governed by the element of Fire and the planet Mars. It rules “Fame and Recognition.”
- The Effect: Hanging the horses here (especially if they are running on reddish ground or have a sunrise background) activates your reputation. It pushes people to notice your hard work.
- Who is this for? Politicians, actors, CEOs, and employees seeking a jump in rank.
Scenario B: “I need a New Job or Opportunities” (The North Wall)
If you are unemployed, looking for a career pivot, or want more sales leads, you need Water/Air Energy.
- The Zone: The North Wall.
- Why? North is ruled by Kubera (the God of Wealth) and is associated with “New Beginnings” and “Career Opportunities.”
- The Effect: Hanging the horses here removes the obstacles blocking new offers. It speeds up the hiring process.
- Note: For the North wall, try to find horses running on white or blueish ground, or against a blue sky. Avoid too much red here, as red (Fire) clashes with North (Water).
The “Danger Zones” (Where NOT to Hang It)
Never, under any circumstances, hang this painting in:
- The Bedroom: This is a place for rest. High-energy paintings here will cause insomnia or arguments with your spouse.
- Near the Bathroom/Toilet: This flushes the positive energy down the drain.
- Facing a Mirror: This reflects the energy back and doubles the chaos, which can lead to stress.
4. The “Odd vs. Even” Myth: Why Not 8 Horses?
One of the most frequent questions I get in my inbox is: “Jagdish, I found a beautiful painting with eight horses. Is that okay?”
The short answer is: No.
The long answer involves a bit of planetary math. In numerology and astrology, every number carries a specific vibration.
- The Number 8: In Vedic astrology, the number 8 is ruled by Saturn (Shani). Saturn is the planet of justice, hard work, and—crucially—delay. It teaches you patience through slowness. If you hang 8 horses, you might eventually get success, but it will be a long, slow grind. You are asking for speed, not a marathon.
- The Number 6: Ruled by Venus (Shukra). This brings luxury and comfort, but not necessarily ambition or drive. It’s great for a living room where you want to relax, but terrible for a career zone where you want to hustle.
- The Number 7: As we discussed, this is the number of the Sun (Surya) and Ketu. In Vastu, 7 represents “support.” It is the bridge between your effort and divine luck. It aligns the seven chakras of your body and the seven colors of the spectrum.
Real-Life Example: I once visited a small logistics company that was struggling with delayed shipments. Their office had a massive mural of three galloping horses. In Vastu, three can sometimes represent communication (Gemini energy), but it lacks the “completeness” of seven. It’s like a car running on 3 cylinders instead of 4. We replaced it with a standard 7-horse painting on the North wall. Within two months, their “stuck” shipments started clearing customs faster. Was it magic? Maybe. Or maybe seeing “completeness” every day made the team more thorough.
The Rule: Stick to Seven. Don’t get creative with the math. If a painting has 6 or 8 horses, appreciate it as art, but don’t use it as a Vastu remedy.
5. How to “Activate” the Painting (A Simple Ritual)
You can’t just buy a painting, slap it on a wall with a rusty nail, and expect a promotion on Monday. You have to “activate” it.
Think of this like buying a new smartphone. You have the hardware, but you still need to log in and set it up. The “setup” here is your Intention.
Here is a simple, non-religious ritual to install the painting for maximum effect.
Step 1: The “Clean Slate” Protocol
Before you hang the painting, clean the wall physically.
- Remove any old nails, cobwebs, or scuff marks.
- If the paint is peeling, fix it first. You are inviting “prosperity,” and prosperity hates mess.
- Tip: Wipe the wall with a damp cloth dipped in salt water. Salt is a universal cleanser in almost every culture. It wipes away the “stagnant” energy of whatever was there before.
Step 2: The “Friday” Fix
The best day to hang this painting is a Friday (ruled by Venus, for attraction) or a Sunday (ruled by the Sun, for career success).
- Time: Try to do it during the “Hora” of the Sun (usually the first hour after sunrise).
Step 3: The Visualization (The Most Important Part)
This is where the magic happens.
- Hold the painting in your hands before hanging it.
- Close your eyes.
- Visualize your specific goal. Don’t just think “I want a job.” Think: “I am walking into my new office at [Company Name]. I am shaking hands with my new boss. I feel confident.”
- Project that feeling into the painting. Imagine the horses are carrying you toward that goal.
- Hang it up.
Why this works: Every time you walk past that painting now, your brain won’t just see “horses.” It will unconsciously trigger that memory of your goal. It becomes a vision board on steroids.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid (The “Reverse Gear” Traps)
I have seen people ruin perfectly good luck by making silly mistakes. Here are the three most common “career killers” related to this painting.
Mistake 1: The “Broken Frame” Syndrome
I visited a client who had a 7-horse painting that fell during a cleaning session. The glass cracked in the corner. He taped it up and put it back.
- The Problem: A cracked mirror or glass distorts the image. In Vastu, a distorted image means a distorted reality.
- The Result: His career became “fragmented.” He would get job offers, but they would fall apart at the last minute (the contract stage).
- The Fix: If it breaks, thank it for its service and replace it. Never keep broken symbols of success.
Mistake 2: The “Lonely Horse”
Sometimes, in these paintings, one horse is separated from the pack—maybe it’s lagging behind or running in a slightly different direction.
- The Problem: This symbolizes “being left behind” or a lack of teamwork.
- The Result: You might find yourself feeling isolated at work, or your team might stop supporting you.
- The Fix: Ensure all 7 horses look like a cohesive unit. They should be a team, not a group of strangers running away from a fire.
Mistake 3: The “Dusty Dream”
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. A painting covered in a layer of dust represents a career that has been “shelved.”
- The Fix: Dust the painting every Sunday. Keep the glass sparkling. Clarity in the image leads to clarity in your career path.
Conclusion: It’s Not Just a Painting, It’s a Promise
At the end of the day, a painting of 7 Running Horses isn’t going to do the work for you. It won’t write your resume, and it won’t ace the interview.
But it will change the energy of the space where you do those things.
When you look up from your laptop, tired and frustrated, and see those seven magnificent creatures charging forward with strength and grace, it shifts something in your brain. It reminds you that speed is possible. It reminds you that obstacles are meant to be jumped over, not stared at.
So, go ahead. Find a painting that speaks to you—one with blue skies, strong muscles, and happy eyes. Hang it on your South or North wall with a clear intention.
And then? Start running. Because the horses are ready, but they need a jockey. That jockey is you.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Count to Seven: Ensure there are exactly 7 horses. No more, no less.
- Check the Vibe: Avoid angry horses, stormy backgrounds, or horses running on water.
- Pick Your Wall: Use the South Wall for fame/promotion (Red/Brown tones) or the North Wall for new opportunities (Blue/White tones).
- Never in the Bedroom: Keep this high-energy symbol in the living room or office only.
- Keep it Clean: A dusty painting equals a stagnant career. Wipe it weekly.
May your career run as fast and as strong as the seven horses of the Sun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which direction should the 7 horses painting face?
According to Vastu Shastra, the horses should be running into your home or office, never out of it. If they face the main door or a window, it symbolizes wealth and opportunities leaving your life.
What is the best wall to hang the 7 horses painting?
The South Wall is best for fame, recognition, and promotions (Fire element). The North Wall is ideal for new career opportunities and financial growth (Water/Wealth element).
Can I hang the 7 horses painting in the bedroom?
No. The bedroom is a space for rest and tranquility. The high energy of galloping horses can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, or arguments between couples. It is best suited for the living room or office.
Is a white horse painting better than colored ones?
Yes, white horses are generally preferred in Vastu as white symbolizes peace, clarity, and success. They are especially effective when placed on the North or East walls. Avoid paintings with dark or black horses, as they can represent struggle.
What does the background of the painting signify?
The background is crucial. For the South wall, a sunrise or reddish background is excellent. For the North wall, a blue sky or white background is best. Avoid paintings with sunsets, storms, or dark nights, as these symbolize a decline in career.
Can I use a painting with 8 horses?
No. You should strictly stick to 7 horses. In Vastu and numerology, 7 represents the spectrum of light (rainbow) and support. The number 8 is associated with Saturn, which can cause delays and slow progress.
What if the horses are running on water?
Avoid this. Horses run on land. A painting showing horses running on water indicates a lack of stability and struggle in your career. Ensure the horses are running on solid ground.
About the Author Jagdish Vajpeyee is the founder of Vastu Dharma and a Vastu Shastra consultant with a specialized focus on Vedic Astrology. With a professional background in banking, Jagdish brings a unique, analytical approach to ancient wisdom, helping modern families and businesses correct their energy flow without unnecessary demolition. He is passionate about merging traditional Indian architecture with contemporary lifestyle needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Vastu Shastra is an ancient architectural and energetic system; while many individuals find value in its principles for creating a harmonious environment, these suggestions are based on traditional interpretations and personal research. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional architectural, legal, financial, or medical advice. The author and this website do not guarantee specific outcomes—such as financial gain or health improvements—resulting from the application of these tips. Before making significant structural modifications to your home or basement, please consult with a licensed architect or structural engineer to ensure the safety and integrity of your property.