Cecil Lee

Yes, using the term "shotgun" is indeed an excellent way to describe the situation! As we are not aware of the exact layout; however; Frankly, the most common or sensible approach(es) are: 1. Placing a partition somewhere between the two direct openings; 2. Closing a specific door/opening such that NO two doors or openings lead to your the "shotgun" effect. 3. Or a screen (need not be air-tight). In essence; so long as there is a "barrier" between the two openings; this will have achieved the desired effect.

In my opinion; frankly; there are so many other information that needs to be "digested". The Gua/ Kua number or East or West Group shows a "trend" but often; individual bazi is compared together and the ba zi chart is studied andlooked at closely. Thus;basedpurely on different Gua(kua) numbers is too premature.

1. Frankly, in my opinion; if we think-out-of the box; I personally feel that in many situations; the Holy Trinity of Luck applies. 2. Here, as many of us know:- Heaven Luck = born with Earth Luck = Feng Shui Human or Man Luck = feelings and psychology 3. My observations are that often if one applies the Eight Mansions; it is a clear-cut case. This theory is so simple; not rocket science; and in my opinion is like or similiar to those "smart-weapons" of today. 3.1. "Press" and forget about it. 3.2. Thus, after one apply it; one don't have to constantly search our minds or seek further advice; to check if it is ok to do so.. 3.3. Thus majority of this "simpleton" go on with their daily lifes. 4. Unlike the caricature which I had posted in the first message. While the man "rest" easy afterwards; that woman would often think "for this year; must I? should I? make any changes... 5. Thus... if we are unsettled; then it can often affect our Human or Man Luck factor. Which also accounts for as much or even more than 33.3333 percent of the total marks! 6. Never ever discount one's feelings : be it good; bad; being unsettled; etc... 7. Alternatively; just forget about this think called : FUNG SWAY.. and go on with our regular lifes... 8. For example; I remember a recent "lady" user her was so enthusiastic in sending in many questions some considered as "first time ever posted into this forum". 9. I was correct; after a while; many go on with their lifes... and take the Feng Shui fad as a passing phase.. perhaps... like some sort of "infatuation". 10. We are all humans.. and there are many out there that; take up a hobby and then give it up for some reason or other... it is natural... 11. Unfortunately or fortunately, you can't say the same for me. My passion is and will always be the Fung Suay curosity! I love it.. (full stop)

In my opinion; actually, both belong to the same Compass School of Feng Shui. Yes, Flying staris suppose to yield faster results;especially if oneis "spot-on" withthe timely analysis + implementation of cures or enhancement i.e.it was DONE in a TIMELY manner i.e. time dimension. 1. For most people; once a Flying star analysis has been completed; how often e.g. yearly adjusts the fine tuning. Thus, if one does not regularly "update" it; 2. Thus; just imagine any vehicle. In a hot humid; start-stop traffic city especially Singapore; it is always recommended to change engine oil at a specific interval e.g. say every 10-15,000 KM OR 6 months whichever comes first. 3. I am not implying that Flying star must be done reguarly; the gist of it is based on "timely stars". And it is like a modern car with lots of electronics and more complicated to "fix" and "fine tune". 4. While the Eight Mansions is based purely on one's Year of birth. And is static. 5. Thus; on a moving average; therefore in the long term; perhaps the Eight Mansions will get more "hits". 6. We can compare to history. For example in the 2nd World War: Germany produced their tanks: Panzer III and IV tanks. These tanks were of engineering marvel (kinda like the Flying Star); but harder to produce in mass. While Russia produced a cheap and robust tank T-34. (sounds similar to Eight Mansions). 7. Here, Germany could not produce more and during winter; the tanks were not as robust as Russia's. And Russia; simply produce so many that even the superior Germany tigers were OUTNUMBERED. 8. Some say: "Keep it simple, stupid!" applies OR K.I.S.S. is true; here? Note: How to get a person's 8 Mansions wrong? It is based purely on one's Year of Birth! While for the Flying Star; as many of us know; many Geomancers can't even agree on the basic thing like the facing direction. Not withstanding how to properly interpret or even how to apply a cure or enhancement!

APPLICATION OF THE GUA / EIGHT HOUSE CONCEPT 1. Frankly, I have always mentioned: about the concept of The Three-Step-Approach 2. If one is applying the Eight House / Four Good and Four Bad directions: under this concept: either you work within a good sector and equally nice to have work facing a good direction OR ELSE..... look up the above link....... (FULL STOP). COMPASS SCHOOL OF FENG SHUI: TWO CONCEPTS 3. Please note that both the Eight House / 4 Good-bad directions belong to the Compass School of Feng Shui. The other concept is the Flying Star Feng Shui. 4. The later (Flying Star)is more flexible as it suppose to have a "cure" for each sector. The downside is one has to do the homework to work out a "CORRECT" chart.. analyse and propose a solution (if any).

1. If you are strictly thinking of it in modern times: look at it this way: the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty abdicated his throne in 1911. 2. Nowadays; where got "Emperors". 3. Of course, in the past; any artists or artisan/craftsman that produce anything with the Five claw is taboo.. unless for official reasons. 4. Today, again in modern times; there will be those who no longer are scared of emperors and dare to produce 4 or 5 claw dragons... 5. So what is stopping these people from the "Feng Shui emporium" sellers to sell such things. 6. Look at it this way: If there are ready buyers (like yourself); there are also ready sellers. 7. It takes TWO hands to clap! Of course the seller will end up clapping lounder than the buyer.. 8. Therefore; the morale of the story is: When the buying STOPS; the selling CAN! In conclusion: 9. Buyers drive the demand. And since one has purchased it; and it is not against MODERN laws to display it; the saying goes: "be thick skin and go ahead to display it". No longer a capital crime. This is not China in the Qing Dynasty of 1644 to 1911 = last emperor.

You wrote: I have three dates the gynae gave to me for the delivery of my son. I will need your help in identifying which is the better one. The dates given are 1/5/11 (0900-1300), 2/5/11 (0900-1100 or 1500-1700 hrs). Hi Cecil,Thank you for your prompt and professional advice.I was in fact very grateful that you had put in sincere efforts to answer my enquirieswhich was not common in other websites. I have three dates the gynae gave to me for the delivery of my son. I will need your help in identifying which is the better one. The dates given are 1/5/11 (0900-1300), 2/5/11 (0900-1100 or 1500-1700 hrs).In addition, is it true that a self earth or metal element born in Spring season is generally weak regardless of the chart. (This was quoted in one of the books I read).Awaiting a favourable reply from you.RegardsDesmondOn 4/22/2011 7:18:06 PM, Cecil Lee wrote: Further to what I had mentioned; this is a sample of what a SIX (6) PILLAR Chart looks like.On 4/22/2011 5:08:55 PM, Cecil Lee wrote: These are some considerations:1. The standard ba zi calculations or commonly known as Four pillars:Year Month Day Hour = Four pillars (made up of 4 Heavenly stems and 4Earthly branches).2. Here, you are correct.3. However, YangBaZi or ba zi for the living; there are TWO more pillars:-3.1. House of Life and3.2. House of Conception.Again, these two variables each have their Heavenly stems and earthly branches.4. Long time ago; thereare even more such "pillars" for the dead.5. Thus saying that bazi is 4 Pillars is too smplistic approach. For Yang Feng Shui; it can even be called"SIX pillars!" etc...5.1. In general House of Life; can "tell" whether one has an "easy" or"hard life".5.2. While House of Conception can be used to look at a husband and/or wife on the matter of conceiving a child...6. In general ifone charts a SUPER-FULL Ba zi chart it can even be called "EIGHT PILLARS". Where I had already mentioned the common six. And the other two more pillars is associated with the dead or YIN Bazi.On 4/22/2011 4:05:34 PM, Desmond Loh wrote: Hi,I am beginner in Bazi calculation. May I check the following:From the 4 pillars eight characters, it seems to me that the total number of elements are only eight (4 Heavenly stems and 4 earthly Branches). However, most of the geomancers' calculation has more than 8 elements (i.e. 4 Wood, 3 Metal, 2 Fire etc.).Have I missed out anything that I comprehend wrongly from the book?Desmond

Yes; simply put: "an imbalanced" chart.

These are some considerations: 1. Some geomancers strictly define the main entrance as "standing inside the main door looking outwards". 2. If so, then this answers yourquestion. 3. Why we need to take a compass reading? 4. Taking a compass reading is not merely to do it for the sake that it has to be done! 5. The true reason is to find where the most "Yang Qi" be it: especially wind enter the home most of the time and a plus if there is yang qi (brightness). 6. Why? 7. As the clue is based on Para 3, above: compass. The main purpose is to use this to try and figure out where is the most yang qi ; thus where is the FACING direction of a home. In doing so, we can then accurately plot a flying star Feng Shui. 8. The crucial thing about the Flying Star is to try to get where possible the "facing direction" right. If so, it is said that the more accurate the Flying Star chart. 9. As all of us know; there ain't no high rise in the past. And all traditional books on compass school Feng Shui says that we must take a compass reading e.g. standing inside the main door looking outwards. 10. Therefore, these group of hardcore geomancers have the (ANCIENT) books to prove it! And many geomancers today, still SWEAR that if you use other methods e.g. taking a reading standing inside the balcony facing outwards or standing in an apartment (where the main door is to suit the structre of the block rather than this may could be the "facing direction".) 11. However, you and I know that; times have changed. Can you say that just because the older the book; one must rely on it. Or to say that anything that does not follow it is not true? 11.1 Nowdays, there are some or many who slam shut their main door. If so, since relatively little or no qi can come thru this; does it fit the criteria of Para 8? 12. Thus your question has throw up alot of skeletons in the closet sort of thing. Thus, for some; what is the difference if one has purchased a recessed area; and say slam shut the main door most of the time. Ask yourself: not only the main door may not necessarily be the entrance; yet.. further from the truth.. how can the recessed area. 12.1 Nowdays many professional geomancers would try to "observe" or understand better the type of opening(s) in a home; 12.2 And if one has been living in the home for sometime; try to check with the owners their habit(s); some say : Oh I never open the main door or I close my bedroom windows all the time and turn on the air-con .. sort of thing. 13. I have provided you a rough journey of the different methods and thoughts: that even us geomancers are at odds with each other on this subject. 14. There are some, who would prefer their main door as the "facing direction" as to them; this is a good facing direction e.g. North favourable to an east group. And if the flying star numbers are equally good; some even try to leave the door partially opened the "wish" is to allow the good qi from this frontage to meander into the home. 15. You have to piece together what I had mentioned, above.

These are some considerations: 1. Just imagine a duck: we often see a duck gliding gracefully in a pond. 2. But, many of us never realise that the duck has to paddle (furiously) to look graceful. 3. Furthermore, this is a Free General Advice Forum. 4. Attached is a sample of the amount of work e.g. take many hours to come up with an analysis taking into consideration many factors. 5. Hope you understand, it is so easy to post a few lines of text and a layout plan. And PRESTO! everything is done for you FOC.

These are some considerations: 1. The standard ba zi calculations or commonly known as Four pillars: Year Month Day Hour = Four pillars (made up of 4 Heavenly stems and 4Earthly branches). 2. Here, you are correct. 3. However, YangBaZi or ba zi for the living; there are TWO more pillars:- 3.1. House of Life and 3.2. House of Conception. Again, these two variables each have their Heavenly stems and earthly branches. 4. Long time ago; thereare even more such "pillars" for the dead. 5. Thus saying that bazi is 4 Pillars is too smplistic approach. For Yang Feng Shui; it can even be called"SIX pillars!" etc... 5.1. In general House of Life; can "tell" whether one has an "easy" or"hard life". 5.2. While House of Conception can be used to look at a husband and/or wife on the matter of conceiving a child... 6. In general ifone charts a SUPER-FULL Ba zi chart it can even be called "EIGHT PILLARS". Where I had already mentioned the common six. And the other two more pillars is associated with the dead or YIN Bazi.

Further to what I had mentioned; this is a sample of what a SIX (6) PILLAR Chart looks like.

1. Please see attached, photo. 2. Markings in RED: A, B, C, D may be considered as a Sha Qi (poison arrows). 3. When we look at the "item"; it should seem "threating". Especially distinctive TRIANGULAR or pointed "items". 4. However, Marking in BLUE E; could be considered a poison arrow. As this photo was taken from the side; it is harder to recognise this poison arrow. Thus, we say that; it should be further investigated upon. 5. And oh! if it any of the poison arrow(s) are not aimed towards the opposite home's main entrance; an opening such as a window; then it is most probably not a direct threat.

Further to what I had mentioned; you can check out this reference material:- http://forum.geomancy.net/phpforum/article.php?bid=2&fid=19&mid=23837&new= This resource even discuss the proper dimension(s) of an altar. You can always do a SEARCH on the TOP LEFT frame of this forum e.g. "Ancestor Tablet" and there are many other resources on such a topic.

These are some considerations:- 1. Traditionally, when one stands looking at an altar; ancestor tablet or photo is on the LEFT side of the altar. 2. While if a deity is placed on the same table; the deity is to the RIGHT side of the altar. 3. Here, are ready (customed made) altars; where the standard height is always in the range of 49 3/4 inches (plus minus a few cms if one wants to add a piece of glass) so that the table top is easier to clean. 4. On many of such altars; if it is meant for both the ancestor tablet (or photo) the table is not exactly flat. Where the right side is higher while the left side is slightly lower. 5. Here, for example; if one has a deity to the right side of the ancestor tablet (or photo) the deity must be seen to be higher than the "ancestor". Hey, symbolically; deities are suppose to be "higher" (level) than "ordinary deceased persons. You wrote: 1) Is it ok to put pictures of both deceased and living persons on an altar or should they be separated? Reply: For the Chinese; no; we consider this a taboo. Again; if one is not a Chinese; then really up to you. 2) My kung fu school has given a new direction to my life and my highest personal aspiration lies there. Is it ok to put a large frame (40 cm x 80 cm) the depiction of my kung fu style on the altar? Reply: Have not heard of this in the Chinese culture. But it does not mean that you can't do so. If you do feel comfortable doing so, then go ahead. 3) If I put a bowl fruit on the altar, can I eat the fruit afterwards? Reply: For us Chinese; yes, why waste perfectly "good fruits". For example, oranges have tough skin and even for those who pray with this fruit or red apples; they can easily be washed; kept refrigerated and eaten, later. Reply: Traditionally, the Cantonese Dialect group set the "standard"; here. Many other dialect groups follow their tradition of placing countable fruits: FIVE each. Here, it symbolises the Five areas or "deities" or "spirits": North, South, East, West and the Central or 5 "ghosts"; not the type of ghosts but in the Catholic religion; one often says "the holy ghost" sort of nice thing.. not that "evil" ghosts. 4) Is it ok to put the Buddha statue on the lower shelf or should it always be placed on the upper shelf? Reply: Please refer to Para 5. above. It should always be higher than the "ancestor" and to the right side. (Standing looking at the altar). 5) Can I lay down the pictures or should they be placed upwards? Reply: Our common method is to place it "upwards" never lying down. In Conclusion: I must emphaise that there is no right or wrong answers. The purpose of some of the information; provided above is to give a better understanding to NON-Chinese of our common practises. IT DOES NOT MEAN that you should follow everything I said. This is especially true when there is no precedence of this in other cultures; like yours. What is more important is that you feel GOOD about it (psychologically speaking). Neither am I trying to push the Chinese culture to anyone. Use this as a discourse in having a better understanding of our culture. In addition; for our altar(s) we follow specifically to the Feng Shui ruler measurements. And many standard altar tables are readily purchased with all the "fine" measurements and ornate decorations. You don't need to buy one of these, also.

1. This is a rare sight nowadays; as many of the fire escape staircases are tucked away without good views. 2. Nowadays, such "valuable" estate is taken over by corner units of apartments. 2. The picture shows a block 491, Admiralty Link. 3. This type of staircase (reminds me) was formerly found on one of the earliest Singapore slab flats and also on the old Singapore Orchid $1 notes. 4. The only difference is that the cluster of flats around Admiarlity Link such as Block 491; are much, much taller than the "concrete slab look" this is why it is commonly called a "slab"- rectanguarlish flats: popularof the governments public housing in the 1960's: consisting usually of one and three room flats. All uniform in height. 4.1 In the currency note; you can see that this estate has a cluster of similar type of blocks. One estate today is that of the Eunos estate in Singapore. While it is a pity many of such flats in Tiong Bahru were demolished; residents relocated to resettled newer and higher levels! There are some of these left in Old Airport Road / Dakota Road, Singapore. 4.2 The three rooms flat usually denote: two bedrooms and a living room. Thus simply called: THREE rooms. 4.3 Frankly, I find this naming convention odd; but it still sticks to this type of description, today.

These are the actual edible "seeds". Some even have partial "brown skin" still not peeled off...

These are some considerations: 1. In my opinion; the facing direction may not be Flying Star South 3 (195 degrees) but rather it seems to belong to South 2 facing: 182.9 degrees. 2. Fortunately, both S2 and S3 share similar Flying stars. Else in a senario that it falls into S1; then S1 is not equal to S2/S3. 3. Seems that you have done good due diligence; in terms of homework to try to relate the major compass schools. 4. There is one major concern: as from an "eye-ball" look; the kitchen (and perhaps stove area) is close-to (or even at North-West) sector = inauspicious Fire at Heaven's gate. If not sure what this is; then do a SEARCH for this term in the forum. 4.1. Of course; if there are other layouts with the interior (mirrored) i.e. the kitchen now falls within NE; the better! Otherwise; it is a pity that the interior layout generally seems OK expect for this thing " Fire at Heaven's gate ": which simply means: career concerns for the male of the house and "luck from Heaven" = poorer luck when staying in this home. 5. Other than that; I have attached my findings of the compass bearings: as all map conventions use North or 0/360 degrees on top. And I had superimposed a protractor; which resulted in the compass bearing as close to or equal to 182.9 degrees = South 2 facing. 6. Other factors include external factors like lamp posts / poison arrows of neighbour's roofing; investigating how the drainage (rain falls towards the drain and out of the home). 7. In conclusion; investigate further into Point 4; 4.1. As I mentioned; I use my "eye-balls" to guage that the kitchen MAY be in NW. You may have to plot a Flying Star chart to futher analyse it.

Thanks for the layout plan. No, this staircase which is at the side of the main door is not inauspicious.

Thanks for the sketch. 1. In my opinion, the house you mentioned does not seem to belong to that group called house at a "T-junction". Thus this is a plus point. 2. Like any other homes; due diligence is required. 3. From a Feng Shui point of view; there are lots more consideration: 3.1. As you had mentioned; any water flow that can be seen from the home leading out towards the exterior especially if they are not covered; 3.2. How the rainfall drains out of the home. 3.3. External threats if any from sharp pointed roofs of neighbouring homes and other threats such as lamp posts etc.. etc.. 3.4. The gradiency and many other factors include the interior layout of the home....

You wrote: "I have one last question, regarding my bed positioning in my master bedroom, is it ok to face the window or next to the toilet door? " It depends! Nowadays, some windows extend to below the actual window. There instead of a wall; the entire frame has a upper: window area and below the waist area; there is the windows. This is commonsense. If the entire area is made up of windows; under Shapes and Forms, if one's legs face the lower window area; this is also considered like the 'coffin" position. Where legs face an "opening". From a commonsense approach; just imagine having an opened window area with clear glass; if one is on say the 2nd storey, someone may peer into our "body" on the bed. And if we were to wear undies only then ... some may look at it. Many apartments now have an attached bathroom; if one feels uncomfortable; then close the bedroom door when not in use. Please check out past forum messages where I stated about some information of the difference of having the toilet seat "closed" or opened.. and micro-droplets... etc.... Thus, you are not alone. Many master bedrooms of condominiums have toilets next to the bed. Furthermore, under Shapes and Forms, if one feels uncomfortable; can place a pedestal with a table lamp to symbolise a "partition" IF ONE wants to do so - optional. And if I have a baby cot, where should I placed it next to my bed? Definitely away from direct air-con (IF possible). Most likely when we look at how our master bed has been placed; the amount of walkway; the fixed wardrope; windows; instictively; many use commonsense to place it. Also away from "direct" sunlight of certain windows etc... 99.99 percent of the time; as mentioned; insticts will guide us in the placement: with or without Feng Shui help.

Thanks for sharing with us your plight in searching for a home. You wrote:- Case 3 (current): Building between two busy streets The project is going to have 4 identical buildings. The apartment is more than just acceptable, we like it, the contract is clear and gives us confidence for the first time but it has these major issues: Two busy streets at both sides (please see the image attached), not sure which one is the mountain side. My b/f is used to the noise and i guess i can get used to it too (as it suffer from low pressure may be it would not harm me to rise my blood pressure a bit with the noise )

Good Luck in your new venture! Just to clarify number "4" is subjective. As mentioned earlier; this number does not appeal especially to the Cantonese dialect group of the Chinese. In China, today especially in Beijing and/or Shanghai; where there are few Cantonese and for the communist period till now; they don't seem to have any adverse thinking towards the number "4". This is why; I call the number "4" pretty subjective number. However, in the Far East; where supersititions strive and there is a large pool of Cantonese speaking Chinese; even in your country, Singapore, Malaysia; number "4" ain't so good a number. Hope you know what I mean...

1. If your Birth Element is a Strong Earth Your Favourable Elements/Colours are: Metal (white/gold), Wood (green/brown), Water (blue/black/gray) Unfavourable Element/Colour: Fire (red), Earth (yellow) Wealth Element/Colour: Water (blue/black/gray) Reference:http://talk.geomancy.net Since you are a strong earth person, thentransport comes under wood element: which is considered as a suitable element toyou. 2. There are previousresouces on why many Chinese avoid or select certain numbers:-2.1 Don't like number "4". As under the Cantonese dialect 4phonetically sounds like "die" or "death".This is why your Chinese partner never likes to have numbers with 4 in them. 2.2. Number "8" in Cantonese dialect phonetically sounds like "prosperity". 2.3. Number "6" in the Hokkien dialect phonetically sounds like "Luck" 2.4. Number "1"; Usually this number inMandarin slang means "yao". Thus it often is added to other numbers especially before number "8". 2.4.1. For example, whenone of theSingaporeCasios chose a time to open for business, they chose 1118HRS which phonetically sounds like: Yao, Yao, Yao Fa = Will, Will, Will Prosper! 2.4.2. When choosinga timeto openthe door of a new home for the first time; some choose timings like8.18 am which meansProsper;will Prosper! Note: The largest community of Cantonese outside of mainland China is in Hong Kong; which is close to Guandong province. Favourite number is "8". And they hate number "4's". While the largest community of Hokkiens outside of mainland China is in Singapore. They migrated from Fujian province. Which is famous for the "Iron Buddha tea". Their favourite number is "6'. (Unlike Christians who fear 666 = devil's number. Hokkiens like 6, 66, 666 or 6666 also can. Phonetically; other favourable Mandarin numbers include "9" = longevity. "3" sounds like "mountain and up" or progress. "1" in Mandarin slang is "will" or "going to" or "sure".. sort of thing.. Hope that helps; one understand the significance of these numbers.

Many seems to think that the Ba Gua mirror is the do it, done it, get it, got it, cure it, THING!