< previous page page_126 next page >

Page 126
The southwest quadrant is never a good place for the kitchen. Because of the heavy-duty appliances associated with the kitchen and the heat produced by the stove, the kitchen is related to fire. The southwest quadrant bears the sun's intensity. Heat naturally collects in this part of the house. When the kitchen is also in this quadrant, it creates an example of like increasing like. There is too much fire in the southwest quadrant.
If your kitchen ends up in a quadrant other than the southeast, restore the harmony between the elements with a symbolic appeasement. See Chapter 9, Appeasing the GodsAppeasing Your Soul.
Preparing Food
The food preparation area of your kitchen should allow you to face east. Facing east and letting the sun shine on our ingredients makes for healthier food. Without the sun, life on earth would come to an end. Spiritually, when we prepare food while we face the east, we are also paying tribute to Surya, the sun god and sustainer of life.
Appliance Placement
The oven, microwave, and drier, which radiate heat, should be near the southeast corner on the south wall or east wall. The dishwasher and washing machine, which create heat and use water, should be on the east wall in between the northeast and southeast quadrants, so that these appliances receive the benefit of the elements of water in the northeast and the element of fire in the southeast.
The sink should be against the east wall or north wall, near the northeast quadrant, which belongs to the element of water. The refrigerator, which is typically heavy and can trap energy inside the room and home, should be placed against a wall in the south or west. If it is placed in the west, the door also opens to the east, which is good for food.
Furniture Placement
If your kitchen is large enough to accommodate an eating table, try not to place it in the direct center of the room or kitchen space. The center

 
< previous page page_126 next page >