Most condos and many HDB flats are not perfect rectangles. Balconies, bay windows, service yards and lift lobbies cut into the shape. When part of the outline is cut away, that direction is called a missing corner (缺角).
A missing corner is not a disaster. It tells you which part of life needs a little more support, so you can balance it.
How to find a missing corner
- Use your floor plan. Use the main internal area. Leave out balconies, planter boxes and AC ledges unless they are fully enclosed and used as a room.
- Draw the outline as a rectangle. Draw the smallest rectangle that covers your home's shape.
- Divide it into nine squares. Split the rectangle into three by three. The centre is the heart of the home.
- Mark north. Stand in the centre of your home with a compass app and mark north on the plan.
- Look for gaps. If a large part of one of the outer squares is missing, that direction is a missing corner. A small notch usually does not count.
What each direction affects
| Direction | Family member | Life area |
|---|---|---|
| North | Middle son | Career, life path |
| Northeast | Youngest son | Learning, inner stability |
| East | Eldest son | Health, family growth |
| Southeast | Eldest daughter | Wealth, steady income |
| South | Middle daughter | Reputation, recognition |
| Southwest | Mother | Relationships, marriage |
| West | Youngest daughter | Children, joy, creativity |
| Northwest | Father | Mentors, helpful people |
If the missing direction matches someone in your family, that person may feel it most.
How to balance a missing corner
The traditional approach adds the element that feeds the missing direction. It goes in the part of the home closest to the missing area, or at the edge where the corner would have been.
| Missing direction | Element that feeds it | Traditional placement |
|---|---|---|
| North | Metal | 9 gold coins |
| Northwest | Earth | 8 yellow jade stones |
| West | Earth | 7 yellow jade stones |
| East and Southeast | Water | 6 small bottles of water |
| South | Wood | 5 wood sticks |
| Southwest and Northeast | Fire | 3 red packets, red triangles or candles |
A few general rules help whatever the direction:
- Light it. Keep the area near the missing corner bright. A lamp left on in the evening helps
- Keep it tidy. Clutter next to a missing corner makes it weaker
- Use it. A missing corner next to an empty, unused room is worse than one next to a room you use every day
When to get help
Check your floor plan first if:
- You are buying a home and can still choose the unit. A missing Southwest or Northwest affects the whole household
- The missing direction matches a family member who is going through a hard time
- Your home has more than one missing corner, or an irregular shape that is hard to divide
Every home is different. The right placement depends on your floor plan, the year's stars and who lives there. Send me your floor plan and I'll show you exactly where to put it.