Cecil Lee

Further to what I had mentioned, Does it matter how large the Free Space Is? Another case study of centerpoint with clear space..... Attached, please find another illustration showing "clear space" at the centrepoint or flux of the home: 1. Although the toilet is quite close to the centrepoint (fortunately) IT IS NOT at the centrepoint. The saying goes "a (fortunate) miss is as good as a mile". 2. The centrepoint is clear space. And if we look at the layout plan, it is thus advantages for this centrepoint to be clear space. Where, air-entry points from nearly any windows of the house can bring in or bring out air. Be it from the balcony, main entrance, kitchen, bedrooms etc... 3. Here, just like the earlier sample, we can close our eyes and imagine that air pockets flux at this centrepoint. 4. The advantages of a Partition between the main entrance and the balcony 4.1 Here, qi cannot flow directly out of the house: from either the main entrance or the balcony or vice versa. 4.2 The partition, strategically position under the RED marking, allows qi (red lines) to be "diverted" towards the centrepoint or flux of the home. 5. Thus, I hope by now, you have a good grounding as to why, it is advantages for the centrepoint to be of "clear space". And it does not matter how wide it is. This is not the main issue - or key success factor. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jessica, Apologies, can you elaborate further... I am trying to figure out what you meant. Do you mean that when I open the first closet door, there is a second closet door (behind the first) followed by the third closet door (behind the 2nd). Or do you mean that the single closet has three doors in a row? Really apologies, but I am really lost, here. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Much of what you had mentioned relates more towards "Human or man " luck factors. 2. Normally, as a human being, when young we were exposed or taught to live in a shared `community'. Perhaps for those who are priviledged, or have few siblings may tend to an "independent" loner. 3. In fact, all of us are born to different families. And each of us have different traits. 4. For example, even the type of games one play can roughly categorise the person. 4.1 For example a typical "loner" characteristics:- Perhaps, this person would prefer to play games such as badminton / squash or tennis. Or perhaps, this person would prefer swimming. Than other group activity games. 4.2 For those who are more extrovert, could perhaps would prefer games that require a team e.g. soccer, basket ball etc.. This type of game. 5. What you had written actually reminded me of my past! (When young, I was chaffeur driven until Pre-university). Imagine, my first public bus ride was when I reached 16 years old! 6. Most successful people are those who have good P.R, and good listening skills. For the Chinese, every parent would like to have their children get married. Looks like you are currently single. Many Chinese belief that by marrying, one may mellow down. But do becareful -- For some people, this can be the opposite! Nowadays, time pass very fast and many people, have lost opportunity to do so. There is a means to do this. E.g. in fact, we do have daily forecast. And even auspicious dates for every month/year. But, I strongly advise, looking at auspicious dates for major situations only e.g. when move-in to a new home or some major important function. Frankly, one should not go overboard or too obsessed with too many `rituals' or `taboos'. Here, it often means that (I do not like to sound crude) but, if we totally rely on predictions to manage our life, it is like, we cannot stand on our own feet! On the lighter side. What happens if there is a prediction for movement. For example, at 1.00pm -> avoid walking to the west. At 1.10pm, cannot go north? Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. the morale of the story: "Life MUST STILL GO ON"....

Dear Wasis, 1. I would agree that since Period 8 is round the corner, a few more months to go (Jan 2004); it is better to complete the home under Period 8. Since the mouth of the home east under Period 7 is not exactly too good. 2. Frankly, my attention spell reading too many text is not too good. Perhaps, getting too old or have a habit to read between the lines. So please take caution of what I say under this Paragraph. (Unless some pictures) are attached. It was a waste that I did not keep a copy of an original home with this type of layout. This was because, if I am not mistaken, 3 years ago, this person, wrote-in for help with this type of layout configuration (see attachment). He was plagued with lots (and lots of problems). One look at this type of layout plan and, one would get the picture (symboically - very inauspicious). I do hope that your brother is not going to stay in something like this. I hope not. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Felecia, Usually, the major cause of concern for a landed property is to avoid underground water or sewerage pipes running under the bed. Here, a German study has found that there are high incidence of cancer where beds are located immediately above these pipes running below ground. Frankly, for the Chinese (especially) many Chinese FS practitioners would often, recommend not to buy the site. (Me included). This is because, the graves are at the frontage of the home. It would be better if the graves are (at least) at the back of the home. Given that your husband has cancer, it would not be too favourable to have such a home. For those who are interested in building a building, here. It is best to retain e.g. natural red brick tiles at the frontage. Since, red is the most yang colour. And natural kiln dried red/orange bricks are the best natural choice. Hope that your husband has a speedy recovery. Will pray hard for him:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Adeline / All, 1. Coming to the question of the toilet. 2. For those who are aware of the Chinese tradition, in the past, Chinese homes (landed property) do not have a toilet inside their home. Toilets are always away from the home. 3. Frankly, and logically, for an apartment or flat, there is not much one can do to remove the toilet from the centrepoint of a home. As we all know the plumbing is fixed. And it moves down from one level to the other. 4. This is considered ONE leak. And more often, where possible, there should be or to avoid if possible, MORE leaks. One leak can often be negated by other positive qi. But, if a home has more than 1 usually 2 or 3 major leaks, than, often it translates to financial problems. 6. Therefore, I cannot offer any more solutions to this. 7. Many traditional Chinese FS practitioners may suggest a bottle gourd or `hulu' placed between the WC and the wall close to the centrepoint. Well, there is no harm doing this. Since, it is a documented authentic Feng Shui practise. The water feature is It is preferred if either you or your hubby is not a weak fire or strong water person. This may not be compatible to either one's ba zi. As a "rule of thumb" many Feng Shui practitioners would often suggest a water feature especially a fish tank (just after the main door) e.g. on the left side wall - a few metres away from this main door. For a fountain, it is often more practical to place it at the balcony area. (If one does not have a balcony? Well, have to look at individual layout plan already). Warmest Regards, Cecil As for plugging Looking through the The water feature is Thanks once again.

Dear Jen, Please refer to the attached illustration. This illustration gives a useful idea of how important "clear space" at the centre-area of the home. Clear space at the centre-area can help the movement of qi (during the entire day). Where during a day, air flow can sometimes come from "one side" e.g. in the day, it can come from the balcony, bedroom area, while the evenings it may come from other areas. It is very good to have a home that has air flow (please see the red lines) all over the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Frankly, this type of question is easy to write. But, never easy to reply to. 2. If you are truly interested in Flying Star Feng Shui, you should take up a course on it. 3. The saying goes " God help those who help themselves". 4. The next best option is to get Paid help from any competent Feng Shui practitioner. Often, here, you have to provide certain inputs to the practitioner. I often emphasied that, this forum is meant as: 1. A catalyst to help one understand Feng Shui 2. For good questions, one can often get a lengthy response. 3. If one goes thru some of the questions which although I had verified or approved but has to do with: My Gua Kua no is .... etc... You will often not see me replying these questions at all. Therefore, I appeal to all users to post constructive questions. And not questions that need me to analyse all the information ... etc... Frankly, in the forum, no one else cares about when a poster was born, select the best homes for them. These are TOO SPECIFC a question to be of any benefit for others. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lola, The good news is that this year, the location of Grand Duke is at South-South West direction and not South direction. If your house is going to be completed this year or early next year (before the next lunar new year); your home is considered a Period 7 home (born or renewed during this period). I personally think that there should not be an issue with `offending' the grand duke for your home. Often, the safest method is for some people is to: 1. Move out during the renovations. 2. If this is not practical or possible, try not to supervise the work done. (For example, don't stand there to watch the ongoing renovation work.) Also wanted Given a landed property, in most cases, water feature is often if done properly pleasing to the eye. In general, based on your description, and on Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, the water position looks ok. The only TWO caution are: 1. Do use a compass. Stand at the centre-point of the home. Hopefully, the water position is not located at West compass direction (270 degrees). Here, in many instances, we do not want to inadvertently open the `tiger's' mouth (hungry white tiger's mouth). 2. For a water position outside on the right side is still ok. But avoid having it inside the home. Here, the belief is that a spouse might have "wandering eyes - and may go into a extra-marital relationship." Hmmm.. your house sounds lovely! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The best option here is - not to cause more problems with the profile of the development. Here, try to as possible, have the shape of the building in a rectangular shape. Avoid odd shapes like U, circle shapes etc... Proper landscaping of the development can help. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Adeline, 1. Although you are a strong metal and husband is a weak water person - a water position is still acceptable. However, we found that 3. In a home, if there is a "leak" sometimes, we cannot go head-on to try to fix this leak. For some leaks, we may have to leave it alone or do something else - other than using a water position. 4. In your situation, and based on both your ba zi, I mentioned that it is still OK for you to use a water position. But, often, the best site should be chosen. And not just because, it has to be placed at a location - to plug a leak. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jen, 1. The key ingredient to understanding this is not so much as "how big" or "how wide" the free space is but rather the key word here is "THE FLOW OF QI (CHI)". 2. "Points-of-entry" Where possible a home should have as many as 3-4 points-of-entry. For example, in apartments; many good apartments e.g. Point-Block flats, have at least three facing directions or directions where air can flow into the home. For example, one area is the balcony area, the other is the main door area, the other is from the kitchen. The other is from the bedrooms etc... The more air entry and exit points, the better for a home. As it allows qi or air to circulate (healthy) in a home. 3. Coming back to the centrepoint. Frankly, I don't care whether or want to measure how big or wide the centre clear space is. BUT rather, with a clear space at the centrepoint; and depending on the time-of-day, air from various directions (windows) or openings can flow thru the home, passing thru / via centrepoint towards other areas; and vice-versa. This is truly, the meaning of a classic case of good air/qi flow. 4. Conclusion: When we look at a home, we should thus look at the bigger picture - and relate it to `qi flow'. For example, it is not about buying a vehicle. But rather, making sure that e.g. the vehicle is safe to ride in. Herein lies the difference.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bernard, 1. In the past, I had asked users here to apply a "Three-Step-Approach". Step 1: What is the purpose of the concept? (Or each concept) Step 2: What are it's strengths? Step 3: What are it's weakness? 2. It is best to note down, each concept with reference to these three questions (above). 3. For example, under the Eight House Theory, if one does not spent time at a specific sector, there is nothing else (nor magical) even if a sector is auspicious - based on this concept - one has to spent time at the sector. 4. Distinctively, we humans have our birth chart (Ba Zi or Pillars of Destiny). And homes also has it's specific birth chart based on Flying Star Feng Shui. Equally important considerations are: the Shapes and Forms - both internal and external of a home. As well as the need for qi to circulate within a home. 5. Thus, if one looks closely at the statements made under Para 4; on the surface, we can say to prioritize. But in actual fact; the key success has to do with the "integration of all these factors". Good Feng Shui is about scoring as much marks from all sectors - and also to fix-the-leaks (if any), first! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, such products has more to do with "Human factors", than Earth Luck. Many of the products sold on the market are too commercialised to be of any use. It has all to do with the `mind'. Often, many people would buy such products, place it for a while (see that it does not work), chuck them aside. Before all these takes place, it seems to collect dust (first). Warmest Regards, Cecil

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Dear Sanjay, 1. In my opinion, the most logical approach is based on the "reflective concept". 2. What this means is that in Feng Shui, we now often see buildings with highly reflective (sun-x) coated glass. These glass surface on these buildings are highly reflective. And in Feng Shui, this can become a sha qi to others. 3. Thus, like the idea of the ba gua mirror (reflecting back bad luck etc..) a shiny glass e.g. window mirror is one resort. 4. The other `last resort' situations are: 4.1 Often in Taiwanese Feng Shui, plants or trees are commonly used. Is there a possibility of planting plants to reduce the sha qi. As this is based on the concept: "If it is not seen, it is no longer a threat" 5. As a final resort, day curtains or blinds can be drawn at the window area (which allows light) but acts as a screen. 6. Sometimes in "Hong Kong Feng Shui" method, a water feature i.e. semi-circular shape radiating outwards of the home is used to reduce the sha qi. In some instances, this beneifits the home (if a water position is good at the location) as well as (hopefully) reduces the sha qi. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Tuck Shing, Frankly, this is communal living. But, as a last resort, try to check with your town council whether there are any recourse e.g. can the neighbour, hang the urn closer to their front door? If you are in speaking terms (for now) with your neighbour, and if it is possible for them to hang it closer to their door, try to do so. For example, do you have a religion yourself? For example, some Christians are against hanging of urns etc.. From a Feng Shui point of view, (in my opinion), where possible, the mouth of your house e.g. main door should not be `cut' e.g. by the length of the string / wire as it would seem to `cut' or slice your main door into two. Since the urn is often copper material (representing metal) as a last resort, you may like to hang a red cloth over your main door (if you are a free thinker or taoist or buddhist). The red cloth representing fire element to us Chinese is firstly auspicious colour. Secondly, fire element helps to control metal. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. As a REALLY LAST RESORT, never take on the IDEA of "making the urn" suddenly disappear! Sometimes; how we wish a neighbour's poison arrow can disappear HINT: stolen. Once or twice, they will often give up. But, for such things as URNS - it is unthinkable of doing such things.. Thus, must totally ERASE this idea!

Dear Veronica, In my opinion, the location of an air-conditioner has more to do with the "commonsense approach" to Feng Shui than, rather Feng Shui itself. Here are my pointers: 1. No matter (what); an aircon needs to have the shortest (most feasible) route to two areas:- 1.1 the compressor landing / balcony housing the compressor 1.2 a means to funnel evaborated water (drainage) to the nearest toilet. 2. The `shortest' route is good because; often after 2 or more years (depending on the location and usage) some aircon water (condensation) drainage piping often gets clogged by dusts - much like our heart's artery. 3. Often, the `shortest' route means lesser length of piping both for the gas and drainage. Here, if one subscribe to a specialised maintenace company, they often have vacuum pumps to blow dirt / water drainage - at set intervals to make sure that it does not get clogged. 4. The commonsense approach in Feng Shui is never have the aircon fan coil above one's head for two reasons:- 4.1 Often the aircon unit protrudes out - and for some of us may seem uncomfortable as it is symbolic of a beam above our head / bed (if our bed is placed close to the wall). No issue, just pull the bed further - not ideal but hey! no choice! 4.2 Often, after a few hours of turning the aircon, and with it blowing down (cold air sinks), the air will fall towards our face. Not very comfortable for most of us. As our face will feel very cold - especially at 1.00am etc... Maybe perhaps, this may work for Eskimos or those staying in Siberia. 5. Ideally, if possible the aircon blows sideways and where possible, should not blow into our face (since our face contains sensitive organs like nose and mouth.) 6. If it is not possible to place it at the side of the bed, then, the next best choice is the location opposite our bed (especially, if the walls are far and wide). 7. Under commonsense approach, some people, would place the aircon above the doors of the room. Most condominiums (in the past) does this. As, it saves on limited wall space. 8. For example, above the bedroom door, does not take up any more "real estate space". 9. This is especially true for the newly built condos of two or more rooms. This is because of the compulsory "Household hold" (bomb shelter); much of this bomb shelter "eats-into" the rest of the home. In fact, some 2 room condos, looks more like a "prison" camp or detention cell. Just maybe, some of these cells, could even be bigger! (by Silence of the Lamb's standard!) 10. One last point is that where possible, it should not be placed immediately above the toilet door e.g. in the master bedroom. Again, in my opinion, this is based on "Commonsense approach". Even if we do close the toilet door, often, cold air will sink to the floor. And many toilet doors have gaps (below). And often, this air, may leak (into the toilet) creating a "low pressure zone" just outside the door. And this will bring in the toilet air into the room. 11. On the use of the aircon. Well, for those well to do, can use the aircon. As, it does help to circulate air within a home. For those who have a limited budget, may consider a ceiling fan or floor fan. For those who are on a very tight budget can get a paper or cloth handheld fan and use one's stored energy to do the fanning. For those without a budget, may well consider (hoping) some banks will open a branch nearby (with automated machines). Here, if their cctv cameras are not working, why not try sleeping in these lobbies:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, In my opinion, Housing Development Board (HDB) Executive Apartments similar to Executive Units 44 and Unit 56 is "inauspicious". If one looks carefully in the illustration, the edge of the master bedroom toilet (external wall) of Executive Unit 48 is aimed at the frontage area of Unit 44. While Executive unit 52's external wall is aimed at the frontage of Unit 56. Warmest Regards, Cecil Although it is not directly aimed at the main door, it the bulk of the flow is concentrated within the main door area. It will affect the main door since the `cutting' sha qi is wide and "penetrating". Erh.. good luck to those staying at Unit 44 or Unit 56 of Block 502A (12 storeys). A neighbouring Block 503A (13 storeys) also has exactly this configuration. For 503A Executive unit 01 and 13 also face this "situation".

Dear Kath, In fact, having a house number with a `4' in it very common, throughout the world. Given this situation, it boils down to our own personal `thinking'. Frankly don't think too much about it. A house number is hardest if not nearly impossible to change. However, if you live in a landed property, many people, have symbolically `raised' the lettering of their house number e.g. at the main gate pillar etc.. For example, the number raised looks like: 4 6 Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, Please see my comments on this slide. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Can you guess, what I have to say for next Year's Metal Monkey in a Wood Year? By default, next year is a Metal Monkey (Weak Metal Monkey) in a Wood Year. Please look carefully what "shape" the long axe has become after chopping a tree. Cheers! Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. Hey! You made a lucky GUESS! AND IT IS RIGHT!

Dear Anon, 1. Frankly, this question should not be posted in this forum. Since, in my opinion, there is no such cure under Feng Shui. 2. But, seriously, lets hope your neighbour moves away. 3. These are some of the `hints' which has nothing to do with ME or with Feng Shui. So, here goes: 3.1 Wish for more rain. Heavy rain would make sure that your neighour cannot get a puff outside the home. 3.2 Pay a Feng Shui practitioner to "feng shui" your neighbour's home. Make sure, you choose a very Lousy Feng Shui practitioner. One who will cause more harm than good:) 3.3 If all else fails, seriously, get your home air cleaners such as hepa cleaners ...e.g. Honeywell, Sharp plasma etc... 4. Unfortunately, the last resort? Erh? Move-Out. *CLUE* You do not need to be the one who moves out.. Get the idea? Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Esther, Knocking the door The idea here is to seek the "spirits" permission to enter the home. But, frankly, not many people does this sort of thing. In fact, it is better not to do so, based on symbolism. Knocking could alternatively seem to "knock" away one's luck even before entering the home. Well, I hope, that by now, you should have a good idea of what to do. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Esther, Firstly, Congratulations! On getting your new keys! If we analyse all the various customs, it is symbolic of "throwing wealth" into the home. For example, Singapore has one of the largest population of Hokkiens (from Fujian Province, China). THE PINEAPPLE Thus, pineapple in Hokkien sounds like " Ong Lye " or "Ong" prosperity. In general, many Hokkiens were told to roll in a pineapple into the home. Thus rolling in of a pineapple or "Ong" (Prosperity) sounds like rolling in LUCK into the home! Depending on one's dialect group, there are various other "Jumping in" or "throwing in" process. As mentioned above, all these have to do with the idea of throwing in "luck" into one's home. Thus, if you were advised to "throw" in a pineapple, *JOKE* you may perhaps, try your luck or make some practises at the bowling alley, first! Just remember that the idea, here is to "roll" not "fly-in" the pineapple. It would be considered very inauspicious if one throws it too hard; where the pineapple simply rolls to the balcony and flys off the home. Here, one's wealth just fly-out of the window. Hows this for bad luck? Therefore, if possible, try to roll it into the home gently. It would be great if it rolls to the "centre" area of the home. Here, wealth will spread to all other rooms. RICE Yes, as mentioned above, since the stable food of the Chinese is rice, than it is natural to go into the home and sprinkle (scatter) rice all around the various rooms of the home. (REMEMBER AGAIN: Don't spill it out of the window). The morale of the story? Erh.. Don't open the window when you do such things. GREEN BEANS Green symbolise the East or rising sun. And again scattering green beans in the home is symbolic of seeding the home (with children). Just imagine - the hope is that green beans sprout in the home .. and this symbolic gesture has to do with this. Erh.. Don't purposely, water them to germinate them. SALT Especially if the house is a second-hand one, often, salt is sprinkled around the home to supposely cleanse away bad qi or old qi. And also sprinkled in the toilet. "Huat Quay" or Rising Cake Some Hokkiens like to bring in this cake. As the Hokkien term "Huat" suggests, it means "prosper". And bringing in this item is symbolic of rise or raise. (Most often, this is brought in during the selection of the move-in date.) I have attached a brief description of what to do during an actual move-in. As opposed to this "getting" the key stage. Some of the procedures mentioned under the attached doc file is often performed during the actual move-in. But, some Chinese prefer to do it during the "getting the key" or first day. While others do it during the actual move-in date. Since your parent suggested "pineapple", I believe, that one of your parents must be a Hokkien. Anyway Hokkiens are more "Ching Chye" or more easy going. Frankly, one do not need to perform this ritual so often. E.g. getting the key stage, move-in stage. As it would seem quite repetitive and not so meaningful. Anyway, if one is the "Kiasu" (scared to lose type) or the "Kiasee" (or die, cannot lose type). there is no harm if one does this all over again and again. THE CANTONESE DIALECT GROUP Some Cantonese like to bring in all a combination of 5 fruits e.g. Mandarin Oranges (which to the Cantonese "KUM" means gold), banana, etc... The Cantonese like to buy a new charcoal stove, light it up, and boil water; (prior before, this, many would go to the sports stadium to practise some high-jump *JUMP). Actually, this is often done DURING THE MOVE-IN DATE. Where, they would jump over the stove (without getting hurt) into the house. THE RELIGIOUS INCLINED Many of those who are taoists, often pray to all the gods at the four corners of their new home. And they offer, incense, burn joss paper etc... This therefore depends on your religious inclinations. If one is a free thinker etc... skip this step. VARIOUS CHINESE DIALECT GROUP As mentioned above, there are so many separate Chinese dialect groups. But as I had mentioned earlier, if we can focus on the "process" they are: 1. Each dialect group likes to bring in something that "sounds-like" - prosperity, bring them good luck, raise, promotion or "gold" into their home. 2. The throwing-in is symbolic of throwing wealth into the home. OTHER RACES? *JOKE* Well, just maybe, the Americans could perhaps throw in "potatoes" or sprinkle "potato chips"; " hot dogs" etc.. For vegetarians, could bring in 5 different types of beans, etc... When to remove or spring clean after sprinkling. It is best not to spring clean on the same day as one sprinkle or spread such things into the home. Some Chinese simply leave the pineapple to "split open" and then throw them away. There were several cases, where this seems to be a very expensive excercise! As these owners owned marble floors. And the juice of the pineapple litterally soak into the floor. KNOCKING THE DOOR BEFORE ENTERING! To be continued .. in the next message....