Dear Master Lee, In your responses, you advise us to keep the 3 stars (base-water-mountain) in balance and also to keep in mind the strength of each star based on the 9 cycles. But when stars are considered "dead", do their elements still exist to be used for balance? For example, in period 8, our central palace has 6B-8M-4W. The 8 is ruling so it is alive and strong. But I believe 4 and 6 are considered "dead" for period 8. Is it correct for us to think that only the single energy of the #8 is present in the central palace? With the base star and water star dead, we don't have to worry about the three star combination M-W, M-B, W-B? We will be very grateful for your time and help. Warmest Regards, Nhan