How do you Feng Shui a home? Use the front door? Who are the Conservatives & the Modernist?

[skt1]

Hi Master Cecil,

Good Day! I would humbly like to ask for you advice regarding my house facing.

My property is facing NE2 - 46 degrees, but my main door is angled towards NE1 - 35 degrees. (only 11 degrees difference)

Would my house be considered an NE1 house or NE2 house?

Thank you.

 

[Cecil Lee]

Here are some considerations:

1. It depends on whom you consult or seek advice from, as there are two main opinions based on different Feng Shui schools of thought regarding this issue:

1.1. The Conservatives  
1.2. The Modernists

2. The Conservatives

2.1. Conservatives base their beliefs on traditional practices, focusing mainly on one key aspect: the main door. They believe all Feng Shui readings should be taken from the main door.

2.2. Generally, Conservatives use the method known as "standing inside the main door looking outwards." For example, they may refer to the orientation as NE1 or 35 degrees.

2.3. Most Conservatives feel confident that they are following the rules closely and by the book. This approach is rooted in ancient references that emphasize the importance of the main door.

2.4. Another point to consider is the saying, “Old habits die hard.” Many Feng Shui Masters (FSM) repeat the same methods over and over, turning their practice into a routine.

2.5. Some FSM are inflexible and unwilling to accept new ideas. Because of this attitude, there will always be groups of Conservative practitioners to take their place when they retire.

3.The Modernists

3.1 I hesitate to use the term "Modernists," as it can create the impression that this group recently introduced new concepts or theories. That is not the case, as I will explain below. However, for those who are open-minded, it is acceptable to refer to this group as Modernists.

3.2 In general, this group of Feng Shui Masters considers how the ancient practitioners might have explained things differently, especially now that high-rise buildings are becoming more common.

3.3 Many of these Masters understand what the ancients meant, even when they simply referred to "THE MAIN DOOR." What the ancients were actually describing was a time when the main door and the frontage of a home were essentially the same.

3.3.1 The lack of specific instruction from ancient sources does not mean that those who do not strictly use only the main door are at fault.

3.4 In the past, when approaching a property, the main door or frontage was usually very prominent and easy to identify. Most were grand and welcoming entryways.

3.5. What the Conservatives overlook is that in the past, aside from pagodas or temples, most homes were single-story or, at most, two stories. These houses were similar to today’s landed properties, such as terrace homes, semi-detached houses, or bungalows.

3.6. In Singapore, most of these homes are built back-to-back with each other. It’s highly unlikely that the rear of the house would be considered the facing direction, since the back often faces someone else’s wet kitchen, laundry area, or yard.

3.6.1. In addition, many air-conditioning compressors are often located at the rear of the house.

3.6.2. Therefore, in about 90% of these cases, the facing direction of such homes is the side where you would drive up to the gate, which is also where the main door is located.

3.7. Modernists would generally consider your property to face NE2 or 46 degrees.
 

4. So, who is right or wrong? 

4.1. It is safe to say that in the past, when the ancients advised taking a reading by standing inside the main door facing outwards, they were referring to the main door.

4.2. Their reasoning was that these instructions were simpler to understand than using the term “frontage.”

4.3. Although the ancients provided the general guideline to “stand inside the main door looking outwards,”

5. I believe that if they were aware of today’s modern world, with high-rise apartments and different housing layouts, they would have expanded their explanations to clarify that the frontage is not always the same as the main door.

6. Are there any differences between hiring a Feng Shui Master from Taiwan or Malaysia compared to those from Hong Kong or Singapore?

6.1. From the 1970s onwards, most FSMs from Taiwan or Malaysia used the “Conservative” method, focusing on the main door.

6.2. The reason was simple: up to the 1990s, most homes in Taiwan and Malaysia were landed properties, so these FSMs were very accustomed to taking readings from the main door.

6.3. As a result, if you invited a Master from Taiwan or Malaysia to Singapore to assess an HDB flat, they would instinctively take readings from the main door.

6.4. Even today, some FSMs in Singapore and Hong Kong still follow this tradition. They feel confident in their approach, believing it aligns with the ancient practice of using the main door for readings.

6.5. These conservatives believe they have solid “proof” for their method and take comfort in following what they see as the “Bible” or holy grail of compass readings.

7. Most Modernist Feng Shui masters have emerged mainly from Hong Kong and Singapore.

7.1. Yes, you guessed it! Both countries have experienced rapid growth in high-rise buildings.

7.2. The logical, forward-thinking Modernist FSMs began to realize something important.

7.3. Sometimes, the passageway leading to the main door of certain apartments is dim and dark. Should I consider areas with the most yang qi—such as those with more light and openings—as the true frontage? What if the main door is usually kept closed? The main door is often a relatively small opening compared to the living room side, which may have larger windows along the same frontage.

8. These Modernist FSMs sensibly separate the concept of the main door from the frontage, unlike the Conservatives. The key is to determine the actual frontage, understanding that it is not always the main door.

9. Apologies for the lengthy digression. I will now address your main point.

10. Here, the main door is not treated as the same as the frontage. Modernists suggest using the side of the property that faces NE 2, or 46 degrees. I agree with this view, based on careful thinking and logic.

10.1. If someone still strongly prefers the main door, I don't wish to keep debating the point endlessly.

11. What is the key success factor in Flying Star Feng Shui?

11.1 If the correct frontage is identified, Flying Star Feng Shui can be applied effectively.

12. Other considerations:

12.1. How accurate is the compass readings?

12.1.1. The reading for NE1 at 35 degrees must be precise, because just one degree off will make the home face NE2 instead.

12.1.2. With NE2, there is a wider margin for error, so even if the readings are not perfect, there is more flexibility. However, it is still possible to get the readings wrong, just not as easily as with the narrow margin of 35 degrees.

12.2. Sha Qi or Poison Arrows and Castle Gate Theory

12.2.1 Castle Gate Theory (if got time can read up on this)

12.2.2. In general, a practical reason for tilting door has more to do with avoiding some kind of poison arrow(s).

12.2.3. For example, in America today, many homes still do not have fences or main gates. If the main door directly faces an obstacle, such as a lamp post, it is common for a Feng Shui Master to recommend tilting the door.

13. Overview of ancient times, when there were no high-rise buildings, compared to modern times, which have many high-rise homes

13.1 Please note that this write-up focuses on the Feng Shui of high-rise buildings.

13.2 Conservatives will be pleased to know that, especially in Singapore where landed properties are often back-to-back, standing inside the main door and looking out is generally considered the most logical method.

13.3 In these situations, both Conservative and Modernist Feng Shui practitioners tend to agree.

14. Case Study 1: "Flaws of taking reading from the main door: Same unit why is there so many possible different directions?"

14.1 As one is at the mercy of how the architect or planner joins the unit to the entire block"

14.2 Below: These four unit's living room all faces North. But if we apply the Conservative's method, it would mean that:
Unit 1 faces South;
Unit 2 faces SW;
Unit 3 faces East & lastly
Unit 4 faces West

14.3 Below: The Conservative's method depends on the mercy of the architect:-

14.4 Below: The Modernists will consider all four Units as facing North irregardless of the main door facing:-

15. Case Study 2: "Just imagine if the unit is at the ground floor much like a landed property home."

In this illustration, entry to the home is from the balcony side.

This example shows that the frontage of the home can be considered as the side facing the living room.

16. In conclusion, the main entrance door is not always considered the frontage in modern times.

16.1. The goal of finding the frontage is to identify the area with the most yang qi. For apartments, this is usually the larger open areas, such as the stretch of the living room that connects to most of the bedrooms.

16.2. The main door in an apartment is usually just a single door, and it is not kept open all the time.

17. For high-rise living, another way to understand the layout is by considering the "face" of the apartment, which is another term for the frontage of the home.

17.1. In high-rise buildings, the face of a unit is usually the side with the living room, similar to what we see in landed properties.

17.2. For example, in most landed homes, the main entrance door typically faces the gate, not the rear of the house where the kitchen is usually located.

17.3. In fact, in landed homes, the kitchen is almost always found at the back of the house.

17.4. Drawing a parallel with apartments, one might question why the main door should be considered the frontage, since it is only a single opening.

17.4.1 Additionally, the main door is not open all the time.

17.4.2 As the main door is a solid structure without windows, it does not let in any light; once closed, there is no Yang Qi flowing through it.

17.4.3 Instead, Yang Qi and natural light come from the side of the house with the living room windows.

18. Another userful concept to understand is that of Ming Tang or Bright Hall or simply based on the concept of "Clear space":-

 

18.1 For a home to attract good luck, there should be some open space in front of it. For apartments, this is usually the living room side.

18.2 The Ming Tang concept does not require a specific amount of clear space; having open space in front of the house is usually enough.

18.3 It is best if this space is open, flat, and has no obstacles or sharp corners pointing toward the unit, as these can block good energy.

19. Are you asking if a high-rise unit should face a pool or if you should put a water feature on the balcony?

19.1 Many people have heard that having water in front of the home brings good fortune. This is why it is ideal for high-rise units to face a swimming pool.

19.2 Facing a water position is important for this reason.

19.3 If a home faces a swimming pool or water position, it is generally seen as good.

19.4 Nothing can be built over a pool, so the unit will at least have an open space up to the other side of the pool.

19.5 Even if there is no real water, having clear space at the front of your home is also good. (Unless you are using Flying Star Feng Shui to check for special positions.)

19.6 This means that the unit has a good "Bright Hall" at its front and "virtual water." Virtual water means open space where birds can fly freely without anything blocking them.

19.7 Are you asking if you should not place a water feature?

19.7.1 Unless Flying Star Feng Shui shows that a water feature would be helpful, it is not always needed.

19.8 Remember, water features like pools, fountains, or fish tanks often have dirty water.

19.9 No one can buy a perfect water feature like a natural waterfall. Most pools or water features need constant cleaning, refill, and can get dirty or grow algae.

19.10 Natural waterfalls like Niagara Falls give off negative ions, which are good. These negative ions cannot be bought, except by using an air purifier at home.

 

[skt1]

Thank you  Master Cecil for your comprehensive and insightful answer.

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 1: For high-rise units, the frontage does not automatically means standing inside the main door looking outwards.

Example 1: A typical Can or Cannot Buy review that I have done. 

1. Although standing at main door looking outwards is NW. 

2. But in this instance, we should be standing inside the living room looking outwards. Which is the opposite direction or SE:-

3. Note Part 2 attachment is not included, here. Since it is not relevant in this example. 

4. Here the frontage need not always be the main door. But rather, the frontage = standing inside the living room looking outwards....

4. For privacy, all personal info, are always masked-out by me.

5. In this Can or Cannot Buy review: External and Internal Feng Shui are looked at. As External Feng Shui accounts for as much as 70% of the total Feng Shui of a home. While the internal comes to 30%.

 

Example 2: House very lucky under Period 8. But very unlucky during the years 2022 to 2024. Afterwards just Pass mark!

House was very lucky from 1st Owner's key collection till 2020. But especially years 2022, 2023 and 2024 the inauspicious impact is greatest.
But once passed Year 2025, luck climbed up to 43%:-

Note: Depending on the Flying Star numbers, magnitude of luck change varies between the years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Thus in some reviews, these dates may differ by 1 or 2 years from the other reports.

Example 3: House is very lucky till 2021. Luck drops from 2024 till 2043. Luckily unit is a good fit for him!

Unit enjoys good Feng Shui from 1st owner's key collection in year 2010 until year 2020. Luckily this unit was suitable to the potential breadwinner, the score from 2024 till 2043 brings this house to a Grade B. But if the house is totally unsuitable, then the total score may be 39 marks or a D score.

Note: Depending on the Flying Star numbers, magnitude of luck change varies between the years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Thus in some reviews, these dates may differ by 1 or 2 years from the other reports.

Example 4: House luck is still the same under both Period 8 and 9 Feng Shui

Note: Depending on the Flying Star numbers, magnitude of luck change varies between the years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Thus in some reviews, these dates may differ by 1 or 2 years from the other reports.

[Cecil Lee]

Interlude:

The Differences between Conservatives vs The Modernists at a glance...

It makes more logical sense to consider the most Yang Qi by considering the use the frontage of the unit vs the main entrance door:

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 2: Have you just won a lottery after key collection?

1. Nowadays I noticed many new clients on the day of key collection were either surprised to learn that their block common bin is away from their unit or "their expression change" after seeing the common bin either beside their unit main door or directly facing their unit".

1.1. This is like “winning” the lottery for the wrong reasons! 

1.2.  Be wise (if possible). Demand from your Agent to get the block plan! For example, a sample is shown under the forum thread on "Hillion" condo.

1.3. If no? Go find another Agent who appreciates your potential commission $K.

1.4. With or without Feng Shui; there is always a stigma attached to it... as shown in this WhatsApp chat...

2. In addition, if one encounters a Feng Shui Master (FSM) who lives and breathes as a "Conservative". 

2.1 There are often two ways one can encounter such a Conservative FSM:

[1.] One hires one to do the Feng Shui of their home.
[2.] When it is time to sell; and the potential buyer [PB] brings one to advice the buyer: To buy or not to buy!  In so, kiss this PB goodbye! LOL

3. Similarly units especially with a WC close to the main door is another nightmare when one encounters a Conservative FSM....

4. Morale of the story? Ask your potential FSM: "Do you take your readings from the main door or from the living room towards the balcony"-:)

5. Good or bad.. leave you to decide...cause ultimately, You are the BOSS-:) And the rule is: The BOSS is always RIGHT!

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 3: How nice if the majority of Singaporeans live in landed properties. This is also because the frontage of such homes would often match those of The Conservatives most of the time i.e. standing inside the main door looking outwards.

1. In the sample illustration: for a landed property such as a terrace house, stand inside the main door looking outwards is often the frontage of the properity:

2. However for a corner Terrace plot, one has to study carefully where are the most openings with the most yang qi:-

[Cecil Lee]

Related resources:

1. An old thread on this subject matter:-

3. A second resource link...

 

[Cecil Lee]

Others:

Case Study 4: Frontage for Landed properties

1. The more open sides the greater is the consideration on which do I consider as the Frontage or the Mouth of the House.

2. Do take note that for landed properties it is also not about automatically using the main entrance door direction.

3. For instance, a bungalow has 4 Open sides. Since it is a standalone house:-

3.1 For a bungalow, it is best to be physically present to take in both the sights and qi of the premises.

4. For a semi-detached home, do also do follow the method mentioned above:

5. For a terrace house or a cluster house (with the exception of a corner unit) or a break between terrace compounds, there are two open sides.

5.1. Especially in Singapore, many terrace houses are back-to-back of each other. Thus often the frontage is the direction where one drives through the main gate of the house towards the main entrance area:-

Below: Showing homes in Singapore commonly are back-to-back. And the rear of the house is usually where the washing machine/wet kitchen/laundry yard are...

[Cecil Lee]

Geomancy.net is the oldest verifable Feng Shui Forum @ http://www.wayback.com

[Madz168]

On 6/16/2019 at 12:55 PM, Cecil Lee said:

Case Study 3: How nice if the majority of Singaporeans live in landed properties. This is also because the frontage of such homes would often match those of The Conservatives most of the time i.e. standing inside the main door looking outwards.

1. In the sample illustration: for a landed property such as a terrace house, stand inside the main door looking outwards is often the frontage of the properity:

2. However for a corner Terrace plot, one has to study carefully where are the most openings with the most yang qi:-

Dear Master Lee, 

I have stayed in Nw1 house ( main door angled) on a Nw2 lot. (Following the conservatives before i saw your very informative website)

I need your advise for the following : 

1) I would like to change the Main door Angle in Period 9, does this affect the water exit? ( since i followed the Nw1 water exit) Or should I also change the water exit when i change my door angle to Nw2 ? ( wc is the facing property of the Lot)

My water exit plumbing is under ground unseen. Except for one street drain on the right side of the house. Though I still followed it dueing house construction a decade ago  

2) I wanted Nw2 because of the Sum of Ten in Period 9, am i correct that this is a good direction for period 9? 

3) I am a Metal Dog 1970 wife breadwinner  

Looking forward to your valuable advise. 

Respectfully

Madz 168

 

[Cecil Lee]

4 hours ago, Madz168 said:

Dear Master Lee, 

I have stayed in Nw1 house ( main door angled) on a Nw2 lot. (Following the conservatives before i saw your very informative website)

I need your advise for the following : 

1) I would like to change the Main door Angle in Period 9, does this affect the water exit? ( since i followed the Nw1 water exit) Or should I also change the water exit when i change my door angle to Nw2 ? ( wc is the facing property of the Lot)

My water exit plumbing is under ground unseen. Except for one street drain on the right side of the house. Though I still followed it dueing house construction a decade ago  

2) I wanted Nw2 because of the Sum of Ten in Period 9, am i correct that this is a good direction for period 9? 

3) I am a Metal Dog 1970 wife breadwinner  

Looking forward to your valuable advise. 

Respectfully

Madz 168

 

1. Best to also change the water exit if revert to NW2.

2. Please note that to enjoy the Sum of Ten, one has to activate it. 

2.1. Notably the greatest effect is at the frontage of the house. 

2.2. Next significant advantage is the sitting position of the house.

2.3. Feng Shui even via Flying Stars is not always enhance, enhance. 

2.3.1. Sectors with bad Flying Star numbers also need to be properly disarmed.

 

[Cecil Lee]

Related:

 

[Cecil Lee]

Need Help?

Off-site Can or cannot buy Re-sale:
https://www.geomancy.net/forums/blogs/entry/10-off-site-local-international-house-hunting-can-or-cannot-buy-eyeing-a-few-homes-which-home-is-better-for-me/

On-site Can or cannot buy Re-sale:
https://www.geomancy.net/forums/blogs/entry/11-on-site-house-hunting-can-or-cannot-buy-review-of-a-re-sale-home/

Off-site Brand New:
https://www.geomancy.net/forums/blogs/entry/12-off-site-house-hunting-can-or-cannot-buy-by-ranking-of-bedroom-type-brand-new-and-my-selection-depends-on-my-queueballot-number-let-me-identify-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-for-you/

D.I.Y. House hunting kit:
https://www.geomancy.net/forums/blogs/entry/20-do-it-yourself-diy-house-hunting-can-or-cannot-buy-finding-a-good-home-kit/

Comprehensive Feng Shui Review of a Resale home:
https://www.geomancy.net/forums/blogs/entry/8-on-site-covid-19-off-site-comprehensive-home-feng-shui-for-hdb-condo-ec-landed-properties-for-new-house-or-facing-financial-marriage-relationship-health-issues/

Success starts with good Feng Shui

  Cecil Lee, +65 9785-3171 / support@geomancy.net

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study: What happens to my wealth luck from 2024 till 2043? (This resource - must have some knowledge of Flying Star Feng Shui)

Actually, by today (2021) the change over has already began...

Period 8 House. What happens to my unit after year 2024? 

 

Period 7 House What happens to my unit after year 2024? 

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study of an apartment with a Private Lift/ Lift Lobby

How can you tell what "frontage" approach a Feng Shui Master (FSM) uses?

If the FSM determines frontage by standing inside the front door (point A) and looking out toward point B, this indicates an ultra-conservative style.

If the FSM suggests standing inside the living room (point C) and looking toward point D, that’s a modernist approach.

If the FSM insists on the A to B method, he or she is strictly textbook and set in old habits—a sign that their understanding of Qi and its flow may be limited. I strongly recommend thinking twice before hiring such an FSM.

[Cecil Lee]

[Cecil Lee]

Related:

The KEY to understanding Flying Star Feng Shui - Feng Shui Tips & Guidelines - FengShui.Geomancy.Net

[Cecil Lee]

Our New e-Book

12 Practical Tips for Choosing a new BTO Flat with External Feng Shui Considerations

[Cecil Lee]

Let’s clarify the concepts around **frontage**, **Conservatives**, and **Modernists** in the context of Feng Shui and home design, and examine why certain misunderstandings arose.

1. Who are the Conservatives and the Modernists?

**Conservatives** and **Modernists** are terms used to describe two approaches to interpreting and applying traditional Feng Shui principles in home design:

- Conservatives
  This group strictly adheres to commonly accepted or popularized methods in Feng Shui, often relying on simplified rules passed down through generations. They emphasize tradition and tend to see ancient teachings through a narrower lens, sometimes interpreting guidelines or rituals in a literal or surface way.

- Modernists
  Modernists seek a deeper, contextual, or even scientific understanding of Feng Shui principles. They are open to reinterpretation, adaptation to current living conditions, and are willing to question or update traditional ideas based on new information, research, or architectural innovation.

2. Is the Frontage Always the Main Door?

**Frontage** refers to the portion of the home that faces the most open, active, or “Yang” side—typically toward the street or main access. In Feng Shui, the **frontage** is crucial for determining aspects such as energy flow (“Qi”), orientation, and how the occupants interact with external environments.

Main Door as Frontage?
  In *many* homes, especially traditional ones, the main door aligns with the frontage, serving as the primary point of entry for energy, people, and opportunity. **However, frontage is not always the main door.**  
  - In some modern homes or complex dwellings, the main energy flow might enter from large windows, a balcony, or another architectural feature. For example, a house that faces a sweeping view but has its main door on the side may have its “frontage” defined by the windows facing the view, not necessarily the main door.
  - Frontage should be understood as the functional “face” of the home, which interacts most directly with outside activity, airflow, and light.

3. Why Did Conservatives Use Main Door as Frontage, and What Was Misunderstood?

Ancient Knowledge:
- Ancient Feng Shui texts emphasize the **interaction of the home with its environment**, including sunlight, landscape, airflow, and activity patterns. The “face” of the house should be determined by where life and energy gather or interact, not just by the position of the door.

Modernist Approach:
- Modernists revisit classical texts and environmental observation, understanding that frontage is situational and dynamic, not fixed. They analyze the actual sources of Qi based on design, surroundings, and even lifestyle changes.

 

4. In Conclusion:  
The frontage of a home is not always the main door—it is the primary interface with external energy and life, which can shift based on design and environment. **Conservatives** misunderstood the ancients’ teachings by equating the main door with the only possible frontage, missing the deeper, context-driven principles of true Feng Shui, whereas **Modernists** seek to restore those nuanced insights for contemporary living.

[Cecil Lee]

Compass readings differ based on the spot from which they are taken.

Compass readings vary by location due to magnetic declination, which is the angle difference between magnetic north and true north. Understanding how to take accurate readings is essential for effective application of Flying Star Feng Shui 

EXTRACT / SAMPLE

+++

Source & Credit: Facebook

Various iPhone models produce distinct compass readings.

 

Just because you took some readings and appear to be that reading time and time again....

Go ahead!  LOL

Understand Why?

[Cecil Lee]

More

Here’s an in-depth explanation addressing your questions about the concept of frontage in Feng Shui, focusing on whether it is always the main door, the definitions of Conservatives and Modernists, and why some have misunderstood traditional teachings:

1. Who are the Conservatives and Modernists in Feng Shui?

Conservatives:
- The Conservatives in Feng Shui are practitioners who adhere strongly to traditional interpretations and methods, often relying on simplified formulas and customary practices passed down through generations.
- They typically focus on the **main door** as the sole determinant of a home's orientation and energy flow, regardless of other site-specific considerations. Their philosophy is rooted in the idea that entering and exiting through the main door ultimately shapes how Qi (energy) enters the living space.

Modernists:
- Modernists are generally more open to contextual and functional interpretations of Feng Shui, updating practices to suit contemporary living environments.
- They consider a broader range of factors, such as **windows, balconies, and overall building architecture**—especially relevant for high-rise or apartment dwellings.
- Modernists argue that the space where inhabitants spend the most time, and the actual flow of light and air, plays a crucial role in determining the true “frontage” or facing direction of a home.
- This approach arises from a deeper effort to interpret ancient teachings within the realities of modern life, especially as residential layouts have changed dramatically from historical single-family dwellings.

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2. Is the Frontage Always the Main Door?

Historical Perspective:
- Ancient Feng Shui texts refer to “frontage” (sometimes called “facing” or “orientation”) as the part of the dwelling that receives the most Qi, typically through light, airflow, and outlook.
- In traditional low-rise village homes, the main door did usually function as both the entry point and the primary source of light and air, making it a natural choice for the compass reading.

Modern Context:
- In high-rise buildings and apartments, the living room windows or balcony usually serve as the main interface with the external environment, receiving the majority of natural light and airflow.
- Modernists believe that for these homes, the true “frontage” should be identified where the energy actually comes in—meaning the compass reading should be taken from the living room looking out through the windows or balcony, not necessarily from the main door.
- This matches the advice found on more contemporary Feng Shui forums and expert resources, reflecting how living patterns and architectural designs have evolved.

Conservative View:
- Conservatives continue to promote the main door as the primary reference for frontage, often out of respect for ancient methods but sometimes without full consideration of how homes and lifestyles have changed.
- In some cases, this results in readings that do not truly reflect how Qi flows into the actual living space of modern homes.

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3. Why Did Conservatives Misunderstand Ancient Knowledge?

Misinterpretation Issues:
- Single-minded focus Over time, the process of passing down knowledge sometimes resulted in a rigid attachment to the main door as the universal “frontage,” losing sight of the original rationale: to find where **Qi enters and accumulates** the most.
- Changing environments: Many ancient teachings were developed for single-story, standalone dwellings. Modern residential buildings differ significantly, with multiple stories, shared corridors, and windows/balconies that may outstrip the main door in importance for light and airflow.
- Loss of nuance: Simplification for the sake of tradition led to a “one-size-fits-all” mentality. Ancients often meant the part of the home most exposed to the environment—not necessarily just the entryway.

How Modernists Address This:
- Modernists revisit the context and logic behind traditional teachings, reinterpreting “frontage” to mean the **most active portal for Qi**, adapting readings to suit high-rise and apartment living.
- Their approach returns to the root principle: *where does life and energy flow?*—not merely where people physically enter the space.

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4. Practical Recommendation for High-Rise Homes

- For high-rise apartments or condominiums, the recommended practice is to take the **compass reading from the living room, looking outward through the windows or balcony**. This best captures the actual source of Qi (light and airflow) entering the main living area.
- This method reflects a more authentic and functional interpretation of ancient Feng Shui principles, respecting both their spirit and the realities of modern architecture.

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References & Further Reading

For further discussion and detail, refer to topics like [Geomancy.net: An In-depth Understanding of the Frontage of a Home](https://www.geomancy.net/forums/topic/16637-an-in-depth-understanding-of-the-frontage-of-a-home-is-it-always-the-main-door-who-are-the-conservatives-the-modernist-what-lead-to-the-conservatives-use-of-the-main-door-only/)**, which delve into real cases and expert debates on this issue.

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Summary Table: