Michael Goh | Singapore Astrologer · Feng Shui Consultant · Qi Men Dun Jia

In the earlier articles of this series, we examined several projects from the June 2026 BTO exercise, assessing their site configurations and highlighting preliminary Feng Shui observations based on the available project information. In this final article, we turn our attention to Kebun Baru Breeze BTO in Ang Mo Kio. 

Beyond reviewing the individual projects themselves, one of the objectives of this series has been to introduce readers to a practical framework for the preliminary assessment of BTO units. Throughout the earlier articles, we progressively explored several key considerations, beginning with the importance of frontage and common Form Feng Shui afflictions (形煞), before broadening the assessment to include the Macro Perspective (大局), Off Site Considerations (局外), the principle of Relative Significance (轻重缓急), and finally selected aspects of Four Sided Form Assessment (四象风水), particularly the influence of the left and right sides of a residence. Together with general Qi considerations, these represent some of the more practical factors that applicants can readily apply when conducting a preliminary assessment during the unit selection process.

Accordingly, this article continues with the same approach. By this stage of the series, however, readers should already be familiar with the basic principles of Form Feng Shui discussed thus far and may find it worthwhile to identify some of the more obvious considerations independently. For this reason, potential Form afflictions have not been specifically marked on the site plan as in the earlier articles. We will instead proceed directly to discussing the more notable site considerations before briefly considering the broader Qi characteristics of the development.

Finally, we will examine another aspect of stack assessment that often receives less attention during the initial BTO launch, one that only becomes more apparent when the detailed block layouts are released during the flat selection stage.

Kebun Baru Breeze Site Plan

Kebun Baru Breeze is a comparatively small development comprising just two residential blocks. As a result, there are relatively few immediately noticeable Form Feng Shui afflictions arising from close block to block interactions.

In particular, the stacks facing Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park are likely to enjoy a more open and pleasant outlook, especially on the higher floors. Nevertheless, units situated closer to the main road should still take potential noise considerations (声煞) into account.

The north facing stacks of Block 248A likewise benefit from a comparatively open frontage overlooking the surrounding low rise private residential houses. Compared with the park facing stacks, however, the presence of AMO Residences represents a minor compromise to what would otherwise be a more favorable frontage.

Image source: Google Maps satellite imagery. © Google.

Overall, Kebun Baru Breeze presents relatively few significant Form Feng Shui concerns based on the overall site configuration. As mentioned throughout this series, lower floor units generally require more careful assessment, particularly those facing the Multi Storey Car Park, where additional Form considerations may arise.

Turning to the Qi characteristics of the development, the stack orientations fall broadly into the following three categories. The following observations are based on broad Qi considerations and assume that the facing direction is supported by a pleasant and open external environment.

1. NE1-SW1 (丑未 Mountain): Stacks 239,237,233,235
2. S3-N3 (丁癸 Mountain): Stacks 243,241,221,223,229,225,227,213,211,209,207,205,203,201,215,217
3. W3-E3 (辛乙 Mountain): Stacks 231,219

Based on broad Qi considerations, the NE1 - SW1 orientation generally favors southwest facing stacks under the current Feng Shui Period.

For the S3 - N3 orientation, both the north and south facing stacks are generally regarded as favorable under the current Feng Shui Period.

Lastly, for the W3 - E3 orientation, the east facing stacks are likewise generally regarded as comparatively favorable from a Qi perspective.

As mentioned earlier, we now turn to another aspect of stack assessment that often receives less attention during the initial BTO launch. Although some of these considerations may already be apparent from the preliminary site plans, they frequently become much clearer once the detailed block layouts and corridor arrangements are released during the flat selection stage. These finer details may sometimes influence the overall assessment when comparing otherwise similar stacks.

Layout 1 Illustration

The illustration above presents a representative design commonly found in many BTO developments. All three units are four room flats of similar size.

The first feature that many readers are likely to notice, and perhaps assume to be the primary concern, is what appears to be a 门对门 arrangement, where two main doors face one another across the common corridor. Although 门对门 has become a fairly common layout in many modern BTO developments and is likewise one of the more widely recognized Feng Shui considerations, its practical significance is often overstated. It is not, however, the aspect I wish to highlight here.

A closer observation reveals that the main doors of Units A and B are, in fact, not directly aligned with one another, but are instead slightly offset from one another. Although this may appear to be a relatively minor design feature, the resulting Form influence can, in certain situations, prove more significant than what many simply regard as a 门对门 arrangement.

As with all Form assessments, the principle of Relative Significance (轻重缓急) should always be applied. Not every consideration carries equal weight, and the ability to distinguish between primary and secondary influences is often more important than merely identifying the presence of a particular Form.

The offset design also means that Unit C is not entirely unaffected, as the same configuration may likewise introduce additional Form considerations for Unit C.

Layout 2 Illustration

Let us now consider another design layout.

At first glance, many applicants may simply observe that the main doors of Units A and B neither face each other directly nor exhibit the offset arrangement discussed previously, and therefore conclude that there is little to be concerned about. A closer examination, however, reveals that Unit A is directly confronted by a projecting side wall opposite its main entrance, giving rise to another type of Form affliction that deserves attention.

Throughout this series, we have repeatedly emphasized the importance of frontage. This principle extends not only to the overall facing direction of a residence but also to the immediate environment encountered upon stepping through the main entrance. What one encounters immediately outside the main door likewise forms an important part of the overall assessment and should not be overlooked.

More importantly, these examples serve as another reminder that the assessment of a stack is always multifaceted and should never be reduced to a single consideration. Every stack possesses its own strengths and weaknesses. Some may benefit from favorable Qi while presenting certain Form considerations. Others may enjoy excellent surroundings while being comparatively less advantageous from a Qi perspective. The considerations discussed throughout this series are by no means exhaustive. Other factors, such as the internal layout of the unit, the reception and distribution of Qi within the dwelling, the suitability of the property to its occupants' personal charts, and various other considerations, likewise contribute to the overall assessment.

Ultimately, selecting a suitable stack is a process of weighing multiple considerations rather than focusing on any single factor. One may think of it as assigning appropriate weight to each consideration before arriving at an overall judgement. The objective is not to seek perfection, but rather to identify the option that offers the most favorable overall balance, while recognizing that any offsite assessment is necessarily subject to certain limitations. This is especially true for BTO developments that have yet to be constructed, where the assessment must necessarily rely on preliminary plans and publicly available information rather than direct onsite observation.

Although the examples presented throughout this series have focused on the June 2026 BTO projects, the underlying assessment principles are equally applicable to many other residential developments. Ultimately, it is the principles behind the examples, rather than the examples themselves, that I hope readers will take away from this series.

As this series comes to a close, I hope readers have gained not only a better appreciation of the individual BTO projects, but also a practical framework for conducting their own preliminary assessments. While seeking professional advice certainly has its place, I have always believed that some fundamental Feng Shui knowledge is best possessed by homeowners themselves. Just as a sound general education equips us to make better informed decisions in everyday life, a basic understanding of these principles likewise enables us to approach one of the most important decisions many people will make with greater confidence and discernment.

Image sources: HDB Sales Portal (artist’s impression and site plan).

In the earlier articles of this series, we examined several projects from the June 2026 BTO exercise, assessing their site configurations while progressively introducing practical Feng Shui considerations that applicants may find useful during the flat selection process. Continuing the series, we now turn our attention to Lakeview Cascadia.

Lakeview Cascadia Site Plan

As with the previous articles, we begin by highlighting several noticeable Form Feng Shui considerations based on the site configuration. The illustrations presented are intended to demonstrate representative examples rather than every possible Form affliction. By this stage of the series, readers should already be familiar with the basic principles discussed previously and may begin identifying other potential considerations independently, gradually learning to 举一反三.

Potential Common Form Afflictions

Lakeview Cascadia enjoys a particularly attractive setting beside MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Its cascading architectural design allows many of the higher floor southwest facing units to benefit from relatively unblocked views towards the reservoir and surrounding greenery. The remaining orientations are likewise comparatively open. For example, many northwest facing stacks overlook low rise private housing rather than high density developments.

Nevertheless, there are still several important considerations. For the northwest facing stacks, particularly Block 325A, lower floor units should take note of the presence of 海南山天公坛 (Hai Lam Sua Tee Kong Toa Temple) directly opposite. 

Lakeview Estate 3D

Although the southwest facing units generally enjoy views towards MacRitchie Reservoir and the surrounding greenery, applicants should also take into account the three residential blocks of Lakeview Estate situated in front. Depending on the visual spacing between these buildings, certain units may potentially be affected by a Form Affliction. The actual significance would ultimately depend on the frontage view from the selected unit, the chosen floor level, and the separation distance between the buildings.

Stacks 391 and 393, which face southeast, likewise enjoy relatively open view. However, an unblocked view does not necessarily translate into favorable Form. While the view may appear relatively open, the external Forms immediately in front are not necessarily among the more desirable.

The remaining orientations generally face towards the internal development, particularly the Multi Storey Car Park for the lower floor units. Readers who have followed the earlier articles in this series should already have a good understanding of the considerations involved when selecting units facing or overlooking a Multi Storey Car Park. 

Among these remaining orientations, particular attention may be paid to the southeast facing stacks of Block 325A and the northeast facing stacks of Block 326A, both of which present comparatively less desirable frontage.

One additional Form Affliction consideration worth highlighting is the Scissor Formation (剪刀), which may be regarded as another variation of the Pointed Angle (尖角) related Form afflictions introduced earlier in this series.

This may arise where adjacent blocks or stacks are positioned at an angle relative to one another, creating a wedge shaped or triangular space between them. In some situations, the triangular formation is immediately apparent, while in others it may be considerably more subtle. As with many Form afflictions, the more pronounced the formation, the greater its potential significance.

One potential example within Lakeview Cascadia may be observed between Stacks 321 and 323, where the two blocks are neither perfectly parallel nor perpendicular, but instead form a slight angle. Whether such a formation ultimately gives rise to a significant adverse influence for these two stacks depends on the overall circumstances, including the prominence of the formation.

Having identified the more apparent Form considerations across the development, we may now turn our attention to the Qi considerations. From a Qi perspective, the stack orientations within Lakeview Cascadia generally fall into the following three categories, with most stacks adopting a Southwest - Northeast orientation.

1. SW1-NE1 (丑未 Mountain): Stack 317, 323, 325, 327, 329, 337, 335, 339, 341, 343, 345, 349, 351, 353, 355, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387 and 389
2. SE1-NW1 (辰戌 Mountain): Stack 331, 333, 347, 373, 391 and 393
3. SE3-NW3 (巳亥 Mountain): Stack 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 313, 315, 319 and 321

Based on broad Qi considerations, and without taking into account unit specific factors, stacks under the SW1 - NE1 orientation generally favor the southwest facing direction under the current Feng Shui Period.

Among the SE1 - NW1 orientation, the southeast facing stacks are likewise generally regarded as relatively favorable from a Qi perspective. However, many of these stacks do not necessarily enjoy the most desirable external Form, once again illustrating why Qi should never be assessed independently of the surrounding environment.

For the SE3 - NW3 orientation, the northwest facing stacks are generally regarded as relatively more favorable.

As mentioned in the previous articles, when referring to relatively favorable stacks, it is always assumed that the facing direction is supported by an open and pleasant external environment. A favorable Qi orientation alone does not automatically make a stack desirable if the surrounding Form is compromised. Likewise, favorable external Form does not necessarily compensate for less desirable Qi. Every stack possesses its own strengths and limitations, and no single consideration should determine the overall assessment.

In the next and final article of this review series, we shall examine another aspect of stack assessment that becomes apparent only from the more detailed block layouts released during the flat selection stage. These finer details, while often overlooked, may prove useful when comparing otherwise similar unit choices during the flat selection process.

Image sources: HDB Sales Portal (artist’s impression and site plan).

In the earlier articles of this series, we examined various projects from the June 2026 BTO exercise, focusing on their site configurations and preliminary Feng Shui observations based on the available project information. Continuing this review series, we now turn our attention to Berlayar Rise at Bukit Merah. 

Among the projects in this launch exercise, Berlayar Rise is arguably one of the most closely watched developments. Located beside MRT station and within the Greater Southern Waterfront area, the project naturally attracts considerable attention due to its city fringe location, accessibility, and the possibility of wider open views towards the surrounding landscape and sea for selected stacks and higher floor units. These locational advantages have also contributed to its strong popularity among applicants in this exercise.

Berlayar Rise Site Plan

From a Feng Shui perspective, however, attractive views and desirable locations do not necessarily translate into equally favorable considerations across all stacks. While certain units may enjoy broader open views and stronger surrounding support, others may present potential Form Feng Shui considerations that applicants should remain mindful of during the selection process.

In this article, we will first examine some of the more noticeable Form Feng Shui considerations within the project, identifying stacks that may potentially be affected by external influences and highlighting areas that may warrant closer consideration during the selection process. Thereafter, we will briefly consider some general Qi related observations and whether similar orientations necessarily imply similar outcomes.

With this in mind, let us begin by looking at the Berlayar Rise site.

Artist's impression of Berlayar Estate. Image source: HDB.

Before looking at the individual blocks, it is worth considering the site as a whole. Broadly speaking, Berlayar Rise occupies a rather attractive location from a Feng Shui perspective. One notable feature is its relationship with the surrounding water formations.

Image source: Google Maps satellite imagery. © Google.

Unlike developments that face directly towards an immediate and vast open sea, the surrounding waters here appear comparatively more gathered before gradually extending outward. From a Form perspective, such a water formation generally creates a more embracing and contained environmental relationship rather than one that feels excessively exposed. Considering the overall site alone, the location itself appears reasonably attractive. Traditionally, favorable water formations are often associated with wealth accumulation and opportunities.

The project consists of six residential blocks, all largely following a north south orientation. If we consider only Qi principles in isolation, then units sharing the same facing direction and internal layout would theoretically experience similar Qi influences. Taking the four room units as examples, Stacks 118, 102, 151, 143, 127, and 111 share a similar arrangement. Likewise, Stacks 122, 106, 155, 147, 131, and 115 follow another similar arrangement.

Does this therefore mean that all these stacks would necessarily experience similar outcomes?

Not necessarily.

Similar internal arrangements do not always translate into similar outcomes once external environmental influences are considered. Therefore, before moving into broader Qi observations, let us first examine whether there are any noticeable potential Form considerations based on the site configuration.

Berlayar Rise Potential Form Afflictions

From a preliminary overview, Berlayar Rise appears relatively straightforward. The six residential blocks are reasonably spaced apart, and there appear to be relatively few immediately noticeable Form afflictions arising from close block to block interactions, excluding lower floor units where surrounding structures may naturally have greater impact.

However, one external feature that should not be overlooked is the expressway located towards the north of the site. Looking broadly across the blocks, 200B and 201A, followed by 200A, appear to be positioned closest to the expressway.

Units situated nearer to the expressway, particularly those at levels approaching the road height, may need to pay attention to practical and Form related considerations such as 声煞, 光煞 and certain visual influences arising from fast moving traffic.

If we were to loosely compare an entire residential block to a person and regard the expressway as a form of moving water, then assuming the block itself faces south, one may perhaps use the phrase “背水一战” as a simple analogy for illustration. Likewise, the expressway would also not generally be considered 有情之水 for those facing directly towards it.

That said, most applicants would likely be more attracted towards the south facing stacks overlooking the sea, Sentosa and Keppel Bay. After all, most people naturally appreciate a good view.

As mentioned in previous BTO articles, frontage is an important consideration. Frontage 为向，也就是前。前，也可以理解成前景。景既可以是眼前的景色，也可以延伸理解为 future development and potential, that is, 前景.

Taking four room units as examples, Stacks 118, 116, 102, 100, 151, 149 and 141 may potentially enjoy broader frontage and outward views. Likewise, Stacks 111, 109, 127 and 125 may also benefit from relatively open outward views due to the staggered height design across the site. However, frontage itself remains only one among several considerations.

Furthermore, one needs to note that while higher floor units may potentially enjoy broader frontage and wider outward views, height itself is not always an unconditional advantage. From a Feng Shui perspective, as one moves increasingly higher, surrounding Qi may also become comparatively more dispersed and less capable of accumulating or retaining Qi.

Certain blocks also appear somewhat more “孤” despite sharing similar directions. Furthermore, if considering the concept of Four-Sided Form Assessment mentioned in the previous article, one needs to remain mindful as well. For instance, for Stack 118, the right side is relatively "empty" (空), whereas conversely for Stack 116, the left side is relatively open. Such conditions may create both advantages and disadvantages depending on how one interprets support, a point also discussed in previous article.

At the same time, I have mentioned previously that one should not only observe 局内 influences but also remain mindful of 局外 surroundings.

Towards the southeastern side of the project sits the distinctive Reflections at Keppel Bay. Its highly recognizable architectural design creates a rather strong visual presence within the surrounding landscape.

Image source: Stankn via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

From a Form perspective, one also needs to consider whether the building's shape and reflective surfaces introduce any noticeable visual influence. Stacks positioned more towards this side, such as Stacks 163, 161, 139 and 137, may potentially experience stronger interaction. Ultimately, however, actual site experience and floor height will likely determine whether such observations become meaningful in practice.

Finally, based on a broad Form overview, applicants may first wish to exercise greater caution towards stacks with more obvious surrounding influences. This would include north facing stacks within Blocks 200A, 200B and 201A which are positioned nearer to the expressway, particularly for floor levels closer to the road height. Likewise, stacks such as 163, 161, 139 and 137 may wish to consider potential visual interaction arising from surrounding structures, while stacks such as 121 and 143 may present comparatively less spacious frontage.

Naturally, these observations do not automatically imply that such units are unfavorable in finality. They are simply factors that applicants may wish to consider and balance against other practical priorities.

From a broader Qi perspective, north south orientation under the current Feng Shui period is generally considered a favorable orientation. However, this assumes that the facing direction, whether north or south, is supported by a pleasant and open surrounding environment.

For Berlayar Rise, many stacks appear to satisfy this condition reasonably well, particularly those benefiting from broader outward frontage and less immediate surrounding influence.

Without going into more detailed considerations involving Four-Sided Form Feng Shui, deeper Qi analysis, internal layouts, or whether a unit complements the occupants' personal charts, Berlayar Rise is, on a broader level, a relatively positive project from a Feng Shui perspective.

Image sources: HDB Sales Portal (artist’s impression and site plan).

HDB has launched 6,952 flats across seven projects in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Bukit Merah, Sembawang, and Woodlands under the June 2026 Build To Order (BTO) exercise on 17 June 2026. Of the seven projects offered, three are located in Sembawang and Woodlands, two are in Ang Mo Kio, and the remaining two are in Bishan and Bukit Merah.

In a series of upcoming posts, we will take a brief look at each of these projects, beginning today with Kebun Baru Ridge.

Kebun Baru Ridge Site Plan

Kebun Baru Ridge Site Image

3D Image

From the site images, we can observe that the northwestern sector is comparatively open, facing the low rise private residential development of Horizon Gardens. Consequently, higher floor apartment units whose living room windows face this direction generally benefit from a more open outlook and a more favorable frontage. In traditional Feng Shui, such a frontage is often associated with opportunities for growth and favorable support for descendants. An ideal frontage should remain open and free from immediate obstruction, with any opposing structures situated at a sufficient distance so as not to impose visual or Qi constraint.

However, upon examining the site plan, it becomes apparent that achieving this condition may be challenging for many stacks within the development. In comparison with some of the other projects launched in this exercise, the overall site configuration of Kebun Baru Ridge appears to present more potential Form Afflictions, warranting closer examination from a Feng Shui perspective.

Most people today are already familiar with some of the more commonly discussed Feng Shui 形煞 (Afflictions of the Form), such as Wall Edge (壁刀), Pointed Angle (尖角), Reverse Bow (反弓), among others. As a preliminary step, it is customary to identify whether a unit is exposed to such obvious conditions and, where possible, eliminate these options from consideration.

Let us examine the site plan and identify whether any common Form Afflictions are potentially present. The influences highlighted in the plan represent selected, visually identifiable forms. By studying these examples, readers can develop a better understanding of how common Form Affliction may be recognized in practice. Arrows indicate stacks potentially subject to external form afflictions. With this understanding, readers may also examine other site elements within the development, such as pavilion structures and multi-storey rooftop garden features, for potential form afflictions not specifically highlighted in this analysis, particularly where such features may affect nearby lower-floor stacks.

Potential Common Form Afflictions

That said, the presence of a potential Form Affliction does not necessarily warrant concern. The term 形 itself refers to a physical form, something that is visually perceived. Since it is fundamentally a visual influence, a two-dimensional site plan cannot accurately reflect the full extent of its effect. Factors such as 远、近、高、低、专、杂 all influence the actual impact of a given form.

As a result, what appears problematic on paper may ultimately have only a limited effect in reality. Nevertheless, when selecting a home and where alternatives are available, it is generally prudent to exercise caution and avoid units with apparent adverse forms based on the information currently available.

The discussion above concerns the influence of Form Affliction, which forms part of the broader assessment of external Forms. Naturally, the evaluation of Form Feng Shui extends beyond merely identifying Form Afflictions and includes an examination of the 形势 presented by the left, right, front, and rear surroundings.

In addition to Form, we must also consider Qi (气), which refers to the formless energetic influence and its qualitative condition.

The stack orientations within this project fall into one of the following four categories:

1. SE3-NW3 (巳亥 Mountain): Stack 106, 108, 104, 102, 126, 128, 124, 122, 130, 132, 150, 148
2. SW2-NE2 (坤艮 Mountain): Stack 110
3. NE3-SW3 (寅申 Mountain): Stack 100, 144, 146
4. S3-N3 (丁癸 Mountain): Stack 120, 118, 116, 112, 114, 138, 140, 142, 136, 134

Since the majority of the stacks fall under the SE3-NW3 orientation, let us take a quick high-level look at the Qi assessment for these twelve stacks. Based on general Qi considerations and without taking into account unit specific factors, the following stacks appear relatively more favorable from a Qi perspective:

• Stack 106, 108, 132, and 126.

Beyond the considerations of Form and Qi discussed above, it is also worth noting that factors such as light (光煞), sound (声煞), and environmental odor (味煞) should also be taken into account in practical Feng Shui assessment. These are generally intuitive environmental considerations that are often already recognized in everyday judgment, even without specialized Feng Shui knowledge. For instance, units located near highways, major roads, or large carparks may be subject to such influences, which are not always reflected in a site plan-based evaluation.

It should be emphasized that both the Form and Qi considerations discussed above are derived from a macro level assessment based solely on a two-dimensional site plan. Where unfavorable factors are present and no better alternatives are available, a more detailed analysis becomes necessary. Such an assessment would include factors such as mitigation, the internal layout of the unit, Qi reception, suitability to the occupants' personal charts, and other relevant considerations before arriving at a conclusion regarding the overall suitability of the property.

However, from a macro perspective, the practical approach is first to eliminate the less favorable options from the available pool of choices before proceeding to a deeper level of analysis.

Image sources: HDB Sales Portal (artist’s impression and site plan).

At every launch of government housing projects (BTO) or new private developments, one often observes a mixture of anticipation and stress. The selection of a suitable unit is seldom a simple matter. Considerations commonly extend to solar exposure, in particular whether the unit receives the harsher western sun, the extent to which it is shaded or obstructed by neighboring blocks, and the proximity to amenities and transport. These are among the practical criteria by which many begin their evaluation. In addition to these, some will engage a Feng Shui practitioner to provide a more structured assessment, whether to eliminate unsuitable options or to identify units of greater promise.

From the standpoint of Feng Shui, assessment typically proceeds upon two principal foundations. The first is Form analysis, which, at this level of consideration, concerns the physical configuration of the environment, priority being given to the surrounding context, namely whether it exerts adverse or supportive influences upon the unit. Given the wide circulation of basic Feng Shui knowledge, it is not uncommon for the layperson to possess a general familiarity with certain common external form afflictions, such as 'Wall Edge' (壁刀) or 'Pointed Angle' (尖角) influences, among others. As a preliminary step, it is therefore customary to observe whether a unit is subject to such evident conditions, and where present, to exclude these options from consideration.

The second is Qi analysis, which pertains to the formless influence of Qi, its qualitative condition, and the unit’s capacity to receive and contain beneficial influences. Unlike Form, which may be apprehended through visual observation, Qi is measured or calculated. Through the use of the compass, one can ascertain the orientation of the unit, a key parameter in the analysis, the directional positions of specific structural features, and the qualitative condition of Qi across the various directions, from which an overall assessment may be derived.

In this article, a simple yet important consideration within Qi analysis will be introduced, one that, though not frequently encountered in practice, remains of significance. It is both easy to understand and readily applied, and may be used even by laypersons relying solely on a project site plan, serving as a useful preliminary filter in the selection of units.

This consideration is known as Void Lines, or Void Degrees. When present, it offers an immediate basis for excluding unsuitable options at an early stage of evaluation, before more detailed analysis is undertaken. The purpose of this article is to enable the reader to recognize and assess this condition independently, using only basic information available from the site plan.

In practical terms, the reader may first identify True North from the site plan, and thereafter, by overlaying a compass or protractor upon the plan, determine the approximate orientation in degrees. While, in principle, an adjustment for magnetic declination is required to convert the reading into true magnetic bearings corresponding to standard compass measurements, this step may be disregarded in locations where the declination is negligible, such as in Singapore. In such cases, the orientation derived from the site plan may be taken as a sufficiently accurate approximation of the magnetic bearing for practical purposes. In this way, one is able to obtain a sufficiently accurate directional reading to evaluate whether a unit or stack falls within the Void Degrees range.

Void Degrees, in simple terms, refers to situations where the orientation of certain stacks or units lies in a transitional zone, close to the boundary between two directional sectors, such that it becomes ambiguous as to which direction it properly belongs. It is precisely within such boundary regions that the orientation of the unit is considered to fall under what is termed Void Degrees.

For example, when viewed within the standard eight directional divisions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW), a typical stack or unit will be oriented towards one primary direction. This orientation may be taken from either the main entrance or the side where the living room windows are located, depending on the assessment approach adopted. In Diagram 1 below, with reference to Stacks 116 and 118 from a typical residential project, Direction A represents the facing of the living room windows, while Direction B represents the facing of the main entrance. In this example, when viewed from the living room windows side, both stacks are oriented towards the North direction.

Diagram 1

In standard rectangular or regular-shaped stacks and units, the overall structure is generally aligned along parallel sides. As such, when one side of the unit falls within a boundary zone between two directions, the remaining sides will naturally share the same underlying orientation. For this reason, it is not necessary, for the purpose of this preliminary assessment, to distinguish between different facings within the same unit. The orientation may be taken as a single coherent reading for the entire stack.

In Diagram 2 below, the compass reading shows that the orientation of stack 132 and 134 lies between North and Northeast. From a visual reading of the compass alone, the exact alignment may appear ambiguous. In precise terms, the midpoint between North and Northeast is 22.5 degrees. However, where the orientation falls within a narrow margin of approximately 1.5 degrees on either side of this boundary, it is still regarded as being under the influence of Void Degrees.

Diagram 2

In traditional Chinese Feng Shui compass systems, each of the eight primary directions is further subdivided into three segments of fifteen degrees each. This results in the well-known system of the Twenty-Four Mountains of the compass, as measured using the Luopan (罗盘), the traditional Feng Shui compass, as shown in Diagram 3.

Diagram 3

For ease of practical application, a table outlining the names and corresponding degree boundaries of the Twenty-Four Mountains is provided in the accompanying image for reference. 

View Twenty-Four Mountains Degree Table

This finer division is equally important, as it allows for a more precise assessment of whether a given stack or unit lies close to or straddles the boundary between two adjacent 'mountains'. When an orientation falls near such a dividing line, a similar condition of Void Degrees may also arise, and the same margin of approximately 1.5 degrees on either side of the boundary may be applied as a practical guide. 

For example, in Diagram 4, with reference to stacks 106 and 108, although the stack is clearly oriented towards the Southeast at a general level, a more precise reading shows that it lies between the Xun Mountain and Chen Mountain sectors. In such cases, this transitional orientation is likewise regarded as falling under Void Degrees.

Diagram 4

Traditionally, greater emphasis is placed on Void Degrees within the eight principal directions. However, the finer subdivisions within the Twenty-Four Mountains are equally significant and should not be overlooked when undertaking a more precise evaluation.

As for the significance of falling under Void Degrees, the term itself offers an important interpretive clue. “Void” is not merely a descriptive label but rather indicates a condition in which Qi is considered unstable, diminished, or unable to properly manifest in relation to worldly affairs, and therefore may lack the capacity to support sustained development.

The notion of emptiness or void is, however, not inherently negative in all contexts. In spiritual traditions, it is often associated with withdrawal from material concerns and the cultivation of higher states of awareness. For this reason, Void Degrees alignment is regarded as suitable for temples and other religious structures, where the focus is directed not toward worldly accumulation but toward spiritual cultivation.

In conclusion, this simple consideration offers a practical means by which readers may independently examine any stack, unit, or project plan of interest. By applying the concept of Void Degrees through a basic reading of the site plan, one is able to establish an initial layer of screening, thereby identifying and filtering out unsuitable options at an early stage of consideration. While such boundary conditions are not frequently encountered, they should nevertheless not be overlooked in preliminary assessment.

It may be noted that some practitioners consider Void Degrees to be of lesser concern, or still acceptable, where other strong indicators of auspiciousness are present. However, from the standpoint of selection, where choice is available, it is prudent to avoid such orientations altogether, rather than rely upon subsequent mitigation. As a practical checklist within Qi analysis, this consideration serves not as a comprehensive judgment, but as a clear and accessible basis for more considered selection.

A new year is approaching, the 2026 Year of the Horse 丙午年. Like many other years, the arrival of a new year offers an opportunity for reflection upon one’s endeavors in the year just past, together with assessment and renewal in preparation for the year ahead. Reflection upon the past allows for refinement and improvement. Forward-looking evaluation enables prudent preparations through the knowledge of the 【Feng Shui Annual Nine Stars】, directed toward enhancing auspicious potentials and restraining harmful influences. In practice, this assessment is complemented by careful attention to the 【Annual Afflictions】, namely San Sha, Tai Sui, and Sui Po, which likewise exert a defining influence upon the year.

With a clear understanding of the specific annual influences and the directional placement of these stars and afflictions for 2026, appropriate measures may be applied to moderate malefic tendencies and reinforce benefic effects within the environment.

One important point requires attention. In the application of the Feng Shui Annual Nine Stars, 2026 Year of the Horse commences on 4 February 2026 at 4:03 a.m., corresponding to Li Chun, the Beginning of Spring, as determined by the Solar Calendar. This should not be confused with the Lunar New Year, which is calculated according to the Lunar Calendar.

To support your preparations, I have created the 【2026 Year of the Horse 丙午年 Fengshui DIY Guide】, written in a clear and accessible manner. Those who wish to receive the guide in PDF format may contact me by email.

Case: 何宅损小口者 (Harm to Children; 何家巷 He Jia Xiang)

Period 1, Sitting Jia Facing Geng House (甲山庚向, Sitting East Facing West). Close to the back of the house is a stretch of water/ river. The Facing Stars for this stretch of water are Star #1 White Water (一白水星), Star #2 Black Earth (二黑土星) and Star #6 White Metal (六白金星). [River stretches Gen (Northeast), Zhen (East) and Xun (Southeast) Palaces].

The Main Door and the Pathway [Active Route 动线] from the Internal Door is at Qian (Northwest) Direction which has the Facing Star #4 Green Wood (四绿木星). From Period 1 till to date [Period 1 begins from 1864; Book published in early Period 4], the wealth luck has been favorable. The left bedroom has both its room door [Room Tai Ji] and the pathway [from internal door to room door] at Qian (Northwest) Palace, which has the Facing Star #4 Green Wood (四绿木星) and Mountain Star #7 Red Metal (七赤金星) in a conflict; Metal controls/ weakens Wood (金克木). During Period 2 and 3, there have been 5 to 6 premature deaths occurring in this room.

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Comments:
In this book, there are other Fengshui residential cases from the same vicinity i.e., He Jia Xiang (何家巷). Located in 斜滩镇, the houses are built on both sides of the river and tributaries. From the text, the cause of the dire outcome stem from the conflicting energies of the Five Elements from the Qian (Northwest) Direction/ Palace. This negative affliction are repeated throughout; from the location of the Main Door, Internal Door, Room Door and Pathway/ Active Route, which all points to Qian (Northwest). However, for the 5 to 6 premature deaths, this reason alone cannot be the sole cause. It is not significant enough. 气无形不成，形无气不应。

From the perspective of Landform Fengshui, the stretch of water/ river close to the entire back of the house is one prominent negative factor for the health of the children and descendants of the occupants. This alone already cannot be overstated. Of course, it also does not help when the bed layout in the room is not conducive for the well-being of the occupants. Could there be more reasons that contributed to such dire outcome in this particular case? Could be, but one can only know what is provided in the text and drawings. Nevertheless, this case is one example where, when studying historical cases of the past whether it is Fengshui or Astrology texts, we should be mindful of the context.

The residential Fengshui case below is from the book 二宅实验 (Practical Case Studies on Yin and Yang Dwellings, published 1927) by 尤惜陰 (You Xi Yin) and 荣柏云 (Rong Bo Yun), practitioners of San Yuan Xuan Kong (三元玄空) Fengshui. 

尤惜陰, or Venerable Yan Ben (演本法师) is the Fengshui teacher of Venerable Hong Choon (Hong Chuan 宏船法师), the second president of the Singapore Buddhist Federation and the second abbot of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (光明山普觉禅寺), also known as Bright Hill Temple.

This book is useful for those who are interested in the historical study of Fengshui techniques in that time or for those who are interested in San Yuan Xuan Kong, one of the more popular Fengshui techniques known today. 

Do note that it is assumed that the reader already has an understanding of San Yuan Xuan Kong Fengshui, as the purpose is on the translation of selected cases for the readers' benefit. Italic words in square brackets [ ] are my own comments. 

 Case: 又一马山许宅 (Wu Jin District, 'Xu' Residential)

The Qi Mouth (气口) for both external door and internal door are located at Kun (Southwest) Palace. [Main Door from House Tai Ji; Bedroom Door from Bed Tai Ji]. Kun Palace has Mountain Star #2 Ju Men Earth (巨门土星) and Facing Star #4 Green Wood (四绿木星). 

Location of the marital bed is where Star #1 White Water is being controlled/ weakened [The Influence of Zhen and Gen Palace]. Furthermore, Door and Pathway/ Active Route (动线) [The influence of Kun Palace] again encounters Star #2 Ju Men Earth which controls/ weakens Water and Star #4 Green Wood which weakens/ reduces Water. [Water absorbed by Wood]. These factors are detrimental to the Kan Life Trigram person. 

In the Year 1926 (丙寅), the Reigning Annual Star is Star #2 Ju Men Earth. Hence, the Annual Star #5 Yellow Earth arrives at Gen (Northeast) Palace whereas Annual Star #9 Purple Fire (九紫火) arrives at Zhen (East) Palace. Fire Produces Earth, thereby assisting Earth in weakening Water. The Annual Star #8 White Earth arrives at the Qi Mouth. [Kun Palace, Southwest. Further weakening Star #1 White Water]. 

In the 1st Lunar Month (正月), the Reigning Monthly Star is again Star #2 Ju Men Earth, repeating the above detrimental combination in the Northeast, East and Southwest locations. These repeating detrimental combinations are especially negative for the Kan Life Trigram person. 

The female occupant suffers from major health issues from the 1st Lunar month and by the 2nd Lunar month, passed away. If known beforehand and relocating the marital bed to the bottom right instead, the dire outcome could have changed for the better. 

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Below are some points that I wish to highlight. 

1. The use of one's Life Trigram in the analysis is widely used throughout the book. However, it is not been widely used today, or only given attention to when applying Ba Zhai (八宅) Fengshui. Despite the seemingly lack of interest, it is simple, useful and not simply just in San Yuan Xuan Kong or Ba Zhai Fengshui, but also in other Fengshui techniques as well. 

2. It is prudent not to assume the cause of serious events, in this case, is solely due to the suppressing/ weakening of Star #1 White Water, and hence especially detrimental for those of Kan Life Trigram. One can only know what is written in the text. Furthermore, there are other factors that are not considered in the book, such as Landform Fengshui (形); The book primarily focuses on Li Qi Fengshui (气). I will illustrate this issue from another case in the book in the future. 

3. The use of different Tai Ji reference points (in this case, House and Bedroom) and Pathway/ Active Route is plentiful in the book and its use has continued till today and even across different Fengshui techniques as well. Such technique is useful and important. 

4. Similar to any metaphysics techniques such as Horoscopic Astrology, repeating patterns/ combinations/ configurations found in the Annual, Monthly analysis relative to the Base Horoscope/ House Fengshui are important triggering factors.