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

When I was teaching the introductory traditional astrology course, many of the questions and difficulties raised by students concerned how the various significations arising from planetary and house configurations might manifest. 

In chart judgment, much depends on how familiar one is with the significations that arise from the combinations of planets and houses. For example, during the course, when explaining what a particular house ruler in another house may signify, students can usually understand the explanation quickly. The difficulty comes when they encounter a different combination on their own. They may readily understand the individual example given, but when faced with an unfamiliar configuration, they may need more time to work out what it could signify, the qualitative nature of those indications, and the possible manifestations arising from them.

For this reason, I prepared concise reference materials for the students showing some of the common significations arising from the combinations of planets and houses. The purpose was to make these easier for students to read and understand, and to provide a basis from which they could work out how similar indications might apply to other combinations. Much of this material was eventually incorporated into my book as well.

I also recommended the works of earlier astrologers to students, as many of these works provide useful reference material for those beginning their study. One example is Henry Coley's Key to the Whole Art of Astrology (1676), particularly Part III, Chapter 8.

The intention behind providing such references was good. Yet I gradually noticed an unintended consequence. In making these materials readily accessible, I may have made them too easy to rely upon.

The reference materials came to be treated as something to consult only when a particular combination appeared in a chart. Because the significations were readily available, there was less incentive to read through them carefully, think about them in depth, or consider how each might apply according to the circumstances of the native, the context of the time, and the native's particular background.

Some students would simply skip over them and refer back to the materials when a relevant combination arose. When the signification given in the reference did not seem to correspond closely enough to the actual circumstances, they might conclude that the description was too general or incomplete, give up on it, or turn to other sources in search of an explanation. The reference had become a substitute for thinking rather than an aid to thinking.

There is a familiar human tendency here. What is difficult to obtain is often valued and investigated more carefully. What is immediately available can easily be overlooked or taken for granted.

There is therefore a difference between 'being given an answer' and 'learning how to arrive at an answer'.

The former may save time. The latter develops judgment. This became particularly apparent when I was teaching the Proficiency Course.

The above chart, for example, was used during the course to demonstrate certain advanced techniques of chart judgment. By this stage, the basic meanings of signs, planets, houses, and aspects should already have been established, along with the fundamental skills of reading and judging a natal chart. The purpose of the Proficiency Course is to teach advanced methods of judgment and, ultimately, to make delineation richer and more precise. Yet I found that some of the questions arising from the chart were more concerned with the foundations of astrology than with the advanced techniques being taught. This did not particularly surprise me. Advanced techniques are often not difficult in themselves. Once they are properly explained, they can be quite straightforward to understand. What becomes apparent in applying them, however, is just how much they depend upon a sound foundation. 

The prerequisite for the Proficiency Course is that students have read my introductory book. That prerequisite is not arbitrary, nor is it simply a matter of self-promotion. The course is focus on more advanced techniques of chart judgment and topical delineation. It should not be the situation where a student is still trying to understand what the basic combinations of planets, houses and aspects might signify.

I am sure most students had indeed read the book, but had likely passed rather quickly over the sections dealing with combinations and their significations. Perhaps this is understandable, as foundational material can seem less engaging than more advanced techniques. For example, the significations listed for planetary configurations such as “Ruler of the 3rd House in the 1st House” can appear direct, simple and straightforward. One may be inclined to think: it is merely the combination of the meanings of the 3rd and 1st Houses, it is simple and readily understood. But reading through a reference once and understanding what it says is not the same as carefully studying why the signification is described in that way, what it may represent in actual life, and how it may be extended to other configurations. There is a difference between quickly reading through a list of significations and slowly considering what those significations can actually represent in life, how they may combine with one another, and how the same principle may manifest differently according to the circumstances of the chart.

This is why the prerequisite matters. The significations of the planets and houses, their links, combinations, their qualitative conditions, and the way these indications reinforce one another are not advanced techniques. They are the foundations upon which more advanced judgment is built. Yet I suspect some may regard such foundational knowledge as merely preparatory, too basic to even begin a chart judgment. Since the individual significations and combinations may appear simple, they may feel that it is enough to understand some of the basics before moving on to what they regard as the more substantive methods of chart judgment. This is precisely where the difficulty begins. 

Advanced techniques do not compensate for an insecure grasp of basic significations. They depend upon it.

One may even spend considerable money simply to learn the basics of astrology, something I do not believe should require an expensive course. One may also spend considerable money on courses presented as advanced astrology, only to find that what is taught remains largely foundational, or that learning more techniques does not necessarily result in stronger chart judgment. Worse still, the more techniques one learns, the more complicated astrology may appear to become. I have always maintained that traditional astrology does not need to be made unnecessarily complicated.

Astrology, like many other metaphysical systems, fundamentally involves 取象, the recognition of significations, and 解象, the interpretation of those significations. The techniques may become more sophisticated, but the underlying principles do not need to become obscure. Advanced techniques do not replace the foundations; they give you more ways to work with them.

Consider again the above example chart.

One should first ask: 

What is the central focus of this chart? What is the 局眼, the principal focus of the chart from which its overall emphasis can quickly be recognized? 

I have taught before that planets in the 1st house deserve particular attention. Why?

In this chart, Jupiter and Saturn are both in the 1st house, and both are in their Domiciles. Someone with a basic knowledge of astrology may immediately say that this is a good condition, with both planets in their dignities.

But is it necessarily good in every respect? And if it is good, good in what respect? 

Dignity is not the conclusion of a judgment. It is one of the factors from which a judgment is made. Even then, dignity itself may be understood at more than one layer. I have also discussed the principle that 吉凶并肩，各自应验: benefic and malefic indications may coexist together, with each finding its own expression.

Jupiter is the ruler of the 1st and 3rd Houses. The ruler of the 1st is in the 1st. The ruler of the 3rd is also in the 1st. 

What might these combinations suggest? Are the indications benefic or malefic? In what ways might these indications manifest in the native's life?

Jupiter is in square with the Moon and Mercury, both of which are in the 3rd House. From another perspective, the Moon and Mercury in the 3rd House are in square with Jupiter. At this point, one should remember the principle of Reinforcement discussed in the book. 

How many overlapping indications are present? What indications are being emphasized?

Furthermore, what are the general significations of the Moon, Mercury, and Jupiter? Do the Moon and Mercury themselves carry significations that overlap with those of the 3rd House? And with the Moon and Mercury in conjunction, what additional associations might this combination suggest?

It is in considering questions such as these that familiarity with significations becomes important. And these are indeed foundational knowledge.

Now consider Mercury in its Detriment.

What does a debilitated Mercury signify in general? And how does that condition affect what the Moon signifies? The Moon is ruler of the 8th House. What might the ruler of the 8th in the 3rd signify?

Mercury is ruler of the 7th and 9th Houses. 

What are the significations of these houses? What might the ruler of the 7th and 9th in the 3rd signify?

We then find the Sun, ruler of the 8th House in the 3rd. Sun is in opposition to Pluto in the 9th. Jupiter in the 1st also squares the North Node in the 9th while the Mercury-Moon conjunction opposes the North Node, creating a dynamic pattern of planetary tension between them.

Looking at the configuration as a whole, one should begin to see the importance of the 1st, 3rd, 8th and 9th Houses. Multiple indications of reinforcement are present.

At the same time, one must also consider whether the indications are constructive, difficult, or both and how they could manifest for the native. All these terms and questions belong to the technical language of astrology. It is not enough to understand what they signify within astrological terminology; one must also understand how those indications translate into concrete circumstances and affairs in the world.

Even before undertaking a detailed delineation, a sound grasp of foundational natal astrology should already allow one to form a preliminary idea of how matters concerning the native's mind, and the affairs signified by the 3rd, 8th and 9th Houses, may bear upon the native, while also providing many of the answers to the questions raised above. Jupiter would also naturally deserve particular attention. Its condition provides further considerations that are not explored here.

The native of this chart is Richard Ramirez. (Wikipedia link)

Those unfamiliar with him can look into his life and the circumstances surrounding it. Once the relevant facts are known, it should not be difficult to see how the answers to the questions above, solely based on foundational astrological principles and knowledge, correspond to what actually occurred in his life. For example, one can see the influence that the native's older cousin had on him and how such a relationship may be reflected in the chart. For those who have learned predictive techniques, Jupiter's time periods would also be worth noting.

If you have followed the discussion this far and are already familiar with natal astrology, you may already be wondering:

What about the 12th House? Is it involved and how? You may also be asking: What influence do Mars and Venus have on the native, and how might that influence manifest?

If these questions arise naturally, that is good.

Learning astrology involves learning to reason in both directions. In astrological judgment, we can begin with the chart, drawing upon our familiarity with the significations of its planets, houses, and configurations to infer possible manifestations in the native's life. This is 取象.

But we can also begin with known realities in a person's life and work backwards towards the chart, asking: What combinations in the chart could signify these circumstances? This is also 取象.

When one becomes familiar with 取象, 解象 becomes considerably easier.

The natal chart can also be understood as a microcosm, in which the entire configuration of the chart may pertain to the native internally, including character, disposition and psychological makeup. At the same time, it can be understood as a representation of the universe outside the person and the circumstances in which the native lives. This can be understood as a principle of duality, which may take several forms:

One is Yin, the other Yang.

One is Internal, the other External.

One is Static, the other Dynamic.

One is Universal, the other Specific.

For example, it is important to distinguish whether one is reading a planetary configuration from an internal or an external perspective. A configuration may be meaningful from both perspectives, but what may describe the native at the psychological level is not necessarily sufficient on its own to explain an external event. One should not simply take planetary configurations, such as Mars conjunct Venus in Aquarius, the Sun in Pisces opposing Pluto in Virgo, or a debilitated Mercury, as explanations for certain characteristics or behaviors, and then use these to explain why certain events occurred in the native's life.

Traditional astrology asks us to look more deeply at the actual significations and interplay contained in the chart.

There are, of course, other basic planetary configurations in this chart that I have not discussed here. Those who have carefully studied an introductory astrology book or course should already be able to work through them. This is precisely why I wrote my introductory book. An expensive course should not be necessary simply to learn the foundations of birth chart interpretation.

Foundational knowledge may appear simple and straightforward. But did you read it carefully? The simpler something appears, the more easily it is overlooked. Yet the Great Way is simple (大道至简). The myriad manifestations are contained in the Eight Trigrams; the Eight Trigrams, in turn, ultimately reduce to Yin and Yang.

Jupiter and Venus are traditionally regarded as the Greater and Lesser Benefics, while Saturn and Mars are known as the Greater and Lesser Malefics respectively. These inherent planetary qualities are well established in traditional Western astrology, and many astrologers regard the placement and overall condition of Jupiter and Saturn as one of several useful starting points in chart interpretation.

But does Traditional Chinese Natal Astrology (七政四余) distinguish between benefic and malefic planets in the same way? Are Jupiter and Venus always treated as benefic, while Saturn and Mars are always treated as malefic?

Not quite. 

Although the nature and significations of the planets in Chinese Natal Astrology bear many similarities to their counterparts in traditional Western astrology, the approach to judging their benefic or malefic influence differs in an important respect. Before determining whether a planet benefits or harms the native, one must first understand the First House Ruler (命主星) in relation to the Five Elements. It is from this that the concept of the Benefactor Star (恩星) and the Adversity Star (难星) are established.

In Chinese Metaphysics, the Five Elements and their dynamic relationships of generation, control, strength, and decline (生、克、旺、衰) play a fundamental role. This applies not only to Traditional Chinese Natal Astrology, but also to virtually every branch of Chinese Metaphysics, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Let us consider the following chart.

The First House (命宫) falls in Chou (丑), corresponding to Capricorn. Although translated here as the "First House," readers familiar with Western astrology should note that the 命宫 in Traditional Chinese Natal Astrology is determined differently and should not be assumed to correspond with the First House based on the Ascendant. Chou 丑 belongs to the Earth element and is governed by Saturn. Hence, Saturn becomes the First House Ruler.

Before proceeding further, it is worth making an observation. To truly appreciate Chinese Metaphysics, studying exclusively through English-language materials often means missing much of its underlying richness. This is especially true of those branches of Chinese Metaphysics whose technical vocabulary is deeply intertwined with the Chinese language, such as Qi Men Dun Jia. Chinese characters carry sound, form, and meaning (音、形、意), and many technical concepts are inseparable from the natural imagery embedded within the language.

For example, when an English-speaking student encounters Jupiter, it is natural to think simply of the planet. In Chinese astrology, however, Jupiter is known as 木星 (the Wood Star), corresponding to 木, the Wood element. The moment one encounters the character 木, the mind is no longer confined to an astronomical body, but is naturally led to the wider imagery and qualities associated with wood in the natural world. Wood immediately evokes the image of trees in nature. Trees take root, grow upward, branch outward, and flourish over time. From these observable qualities arise broader associations, including growth and expansion, that are naturally connected with the Wood element.

Likewise, Saturn is known as 土星 (the Earth Star), corresponding to 土, the Earth element. 土 immediately evokes the image of soil and land. Once viewed through this lens, the controlling relationship of Wood overcoming Earth (木克土) is no longer merely an abstract theory, but something readily understood from the natural world itself.

Returning to the chart, the First House Ruler belongs to the Earth element. Earth evokes the image of soil and land. What naturally restrains or overcomes the earth? Trees. Their roots penetrate the soil, while their continual growth gradually spreads across the land. Trees belong to the Wood element, and Jupiter corresponds to this element. Thus, for a native whose First House Ruler belongs to the Earth element, Jupiter becomes the native's Adversity (难) Star.

Conversely, what benefits Earth? Fire. In nature, fire ultimately returns what it consumes to the earth. Fire corresponds to Mars, making Mars the native's Benefactor (恩) Star.

恩 (ēn): That which nourishes, supports, protects, or bestows benefit.

难 (nàn): That which restrains, challenges, afflicts, or brings adversity.

At its most fundamental level, identifying the First House Ruler and applying the relationships of the Five Elements allows us to distinguish what is generally favorable and unfavorable to the native. The discussion here introduces only the basic principle. In actual chart interpretation, determining one's Benefactor and Adversity Stars may involve additional considerations beyond the basic elemental relationships, requiring a more nuanced assessment in practice. Nevertheless, understanding this foundational principle remains one of the essential first steps in chart interpretation.

Where is Jupiter placed in this chart? It is located in the Eighth House (疾厄宫), which falls in Wu 午 (Leo). Is this placement favorable?

The ruler of Wu 午 is the Sun, and the Sun does not favor Wood Star. The Wood Star is also the native's Adversity Star. Consequently, matters signified by the Eighth House tend to bring difficulties or harm to the native. The Sun and Leo govern the heart, spine, and back. The First House Ruler, Saturn, is placed in the Second House (Zi 子 Aquarius) and directly faces the Adversity Star Jupiter in the Eighth House. Saturn also signifies the bones.

Jupiter also rules the Twelfth House (Yin 寅 Sagittarius) and the Third House (Hai 亥 Pisces). With only a few exceptions, the meanings of the houses in Chinese Natal Astrology broadly correspond to those in Western astrology. The relationship between the Eighth, Twelfth, and Third Houses in this configuration should not be difficult to interpret for readers already familiar with basic astrology.

However, that is not the point I wish to highlight here.

We know that the Moon occupies a central role in astrology, and this is equally true in Chinese Natal Astrology. In this chart, the Moon falls in Di Mansion (氐宿) of the Twenty-Eight Mansions, a mansion that is itself not favorable for the Moon. It also shares the same Jing 经 (同经) as Jupiter, meaning they belong to Mansions of the same Element. This closely links the Moon with Jupiter.

The Moon rules the Seventh House. In other words, the ruler of marriage is closely associated with the native's Adversity Star. The Moon is likewise an important significator of the physical body, while also serving as a key indicator of one's happiness and emotional fulfilment. What, then, might this suggest about the native's marriage?

Having considered the Adversity Star, let us now examine the Benefactor Star.

The Moon in Scorpio (卯, Mao) sees Mars, the native's Benefactor Star, in Pisces (亥, Hai) by a trine. This indicates that the native is able to derive benefit, support, and happiness through marriage. One should not, however, interpret this according to the conventional Western doctrine that a trine is automatically a benefic aspect. The underlying reasoning here is entirely different.

Does this contradict the earlier indication between the Moon and Jupiter?

Not at all. Different testimonies need not contradict one another. Each may manifest according to its own indication.

This is the natal chart of Elizabeth Taylor. I have previously discussed her nativity from the perspective of traditional Western astrology. Here, we examine the very same nativity through the lens of Traditional Chinese Natal Astrology.

Different civilizations have all looked upon the same heavens and the same stars. Rather than competing truths, their astrological traditions simply represent different ways of understanding the same celestial reality.

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).