Cecil Lee

Quote: LEE JOHN wrote: I would like to seek your advise on the feng shui at Regentville condo. Dear John, In my opinion, there is nothing "fanastic" about the Regentville condo. However, each unit / apartment has to be looked at on it's own merits and also whether how well it fits the breadwinner. Overall, it was TOP in 1999. (99 years lease)And todate, it is already 6 years old. When some of the units were put on resale in 2000, price per sq foot (psf) was at a high of $621 to $528 psf. (crazy price) But now, prices have dropped to as low as $390to $450 psf. If we look at resale value alone, most owners would have made a book loss and even worse off! after paying off their loan! In terms of Feng Shui, which is also based on commonsense, existing owners -- in my opinion, will certainly curse and swear at the low value. And in my opinion, the development looks so crammed and cluttered and looks like any other common condo. The only plus point is that it is opposite the Hougang Point and close to a good school. Otherwise, in my opinion,as the years go by, its value will only be around$320 to $340 psf or lower

Dear Anon, In my opinion, the question asked, may have more dimensions than what you had mentioned, below. For example, other major considerations like: 1. Is the stove facing a good direction (often should face a good direction suitable to the woman "head" of the home.) 2. Best to avoid placing the stove directly at the NW compass direction. This is known as "fire at heaven's gate" - considered by many FS practitioners as a very inauspicious location. For the stove as well as an oven or even a toaster oven, here. 3. If the kitchen is located at the South (fire element) compass direction of a home; it is OK to have the stove facing a water position. But if the kitchen is located at the North part of the home, then it would not be good to have the stove face e.g. a washing machine. One could place a mirror or a reflective piece on the washing machine exactly at the point facing the stove's flame outlet is a consideration. A microwave oven should be considered as a metal element. This is because of the way microwave molecules "enters" into the food to be cooked. And thus, shows the characteristics of a metal element. While an oven, especially if it is a convection oven will often "glow" red at it's filament. Thus should be considered as a fire element. Warmest Regards, Cecil Anonymous wrote: In my house kitchen, the washing machineis facing directly opposite the stove. Is this bad as it is the fire & water element in feng shui? Does that mean my family will quarrel quite often?because we all always get into a quarrel easily when discussing things. What should I do other than moving the washing machine

Dear Anon, This also has to depend on the regulations of individual countries. For example, in Singapore, today, all apartment especially those next to or in-close proximity to either the lifts or emergency staircase must use at least a half-hour fire rated main entrance door. Thus doors with such glass designs are out -- as it is against government building regulations. For other countries e.g. Malaysia, you may have to confirm whether it can be used. Locally in Singapore, most people -- even those living in the landed property avoid having partial glass doors because more of "custom" i.e. not quite used to the IDEA (in our minds) as it invokes "danger" real or unreal that someone could "smash the glass pieces" like some of those shows you see, the villian smashing them and placing their hands to unlock the door. True or untrue, this gives a not too good feeling for most of us. In addition, it is quite common for many Feng Shui practioners to ask their clients to avoid using these doors as it does not symbolically give a "solid" feel. Else, leak wealth. Thus, if one were to drive to any part of Singapore's landed property areas, more often, all the doors are "solid" wood doors without such glass pieces. I believe, this type of doors would appeal more with "westerners" than those staying in Asia. Thus it is somewhat a matter of culture.... Under the Holy trinity of Luck: Heaven luck - what is given to us Earth luck - Feng Shui of our home/office Human/man luck - e.g. our feelings. If we do install the door, but keep on "questioning" is it OK? This could affect our Human or man luck and it could invariably affect us. Warmest Regards, Cecil Anonymous wrote: Can I install the new door design with glass in centre of thewooden doors for Wood Element? Thank you

Sophia Chia wrote: Where is the ideallocation to place theimage of the Kuan Kong orhang an image of Kuan Kong? Is it ok to place at the entrance of the house or at the living room. Understand it is symbols of protection in the home or office. Dear Sophia, This is not Feng Shui but rather, it is a common practise by many Chinese to place the Kuan Kong (holding a Chinese long sword) facing a main entrance. Since he is holding a sword, he should not be facing into or "looking" at us in the living room. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Sophia Chia wrote: I read from one off the forum regarding the air-conditioner is bestplace above the bedroom entrance. We intend to fix system 2air-con to the other bedroom butthe pipe fromthe otherbedroom cut throughto themaster bedroom and the pipe running at floor levelfrom other room wall where the master bedroom bed was place (master bedroom sharing the same wall with other room). Is it a good location or where other location can I place the air-conditioner. Your advice will be appreciated. Dear Sophia, In my opinion, these are key considerations when fixing air-conditioners:- 1. Based on technical aspects (not Feng Shui) 1.1 Every air-conditioner fan or blower, needs to run two tubes: a. the gas or refrigeration pipe and the drainage pipes. 1.2 Thus, in every case,especially HDB apartments, there is already a "fixed" location for us to install the air-con compressor (outside the apartment). Often ina typical HDB layout, isquite commonly found e.g. outside the masterbedroom (close to the master bedroom toilet). 1.3 Here, whenever we do,the air-con installer would have to consider this. 1.4 In addition, every air-con blower or unithas to drain off water towardsthe toilet (sothat unlike in the past) the aircondrainage water does not drip in the open. 1.5 These two are the primary considerations or the technical considerations for installation of an air-con unit (blower). 2. Feng Shui and Commonsense approach 2.1 The main considerations under Feng Shui are:- 2.1.1 Avoid placing the air-con above one's head. This is not so much of the air-con as a "beam" above the head but rather, often if an air-con is above our head; and when it is turned on, thecool air coming from the air con would invariably flow downwards towards our face. And many would feel uncomfortableespecially if ithas to be turned on, very cold. Notexactly healthy. 2.1.2 Ideally, airconshould not flow directly towards us. If possible, it would be good if the airflow can flow from side to side or away from us. 2.1.3 If possible, the aircon should not be above the toilet door. For two reasons: a. cold air flows downwards and often, the toilet door has gaps so, when cold air flows down it may enter into the toilet. And causing the toilet air to be "compressed" or become high pressure. And more likely, air from the toilet would in-exchange flow out. b. at some point of time, one may have to enter the toilet e.g. brush teeth or use the wc, and when we open the toilet door, cool air would rush in and the toilet air (qi) would flow out). 2.2 Under common senseapproach to Feng Shui Many condominium developers have placed the aircon above the bedroom door. The rationale is simple, this to ensure that space is maximised to allow owners to freely place things like cabinet / book cabinet/ tv cabinets as an aircon above the door will not take much precious bedroom "utility" space since no one can ever place cabinets blocking the bedroom door. In addtion, unfortunately, some HDB apartments e.g. older 3 room apartments have weak wooden vents above the door or the gap between it has a beam that does not allow for an aircon to be installed above the door. Under such circumstances, do install the air-con at a "commonsense" area, on the advise on the installed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sophia, It all depends on the interior layout plan. Actually, for those living in a landed property, often, the frontage of the home would be the living room area and "behind" it is the diningarea. Thus for landed properties, more often, the diningarea is higher than the living room. And not the other way as mentioned, below. This is quite common because, most of the time, "clear-space" should be at the"frontage" and the back of the home should be higher. Thus,generally, without taking intoother considerations,for landed properties, there may be a concern if theliving room is higher than the dining area. This would suggest that there is a "mountain" at the frontage (living room area), instead. If it is an apartment,generally especially HDB (Housing board apartments),often these units aresmalli.e.most of the units are now less than 1,500 sq feet. And under commonsense approach to Feng Shui, it does not make sense to raise e.g. the dining area or the living room area. If so, there may bedeep concern for family members such as the elderly or children walking to and fro the living room to the dining to the bedrooms etc... Having elevated flooring may inadvertently cause family members to fall or hurt themselves in many instances. Furthermore, also under commonsense approach to Feng Shui, considerations like unable to clean and wash floors if wood is used to raise the flooring. Household mites, ants etc.. could invade these areas .... Warmest Regards, Cecil Sophia Chia wrote: Need your advice, asliving room have to be heigher then dining area but I intend to place the dining area in the kitchen so that the hall can be place as study area for kids.Can the living area be the same level with the dining area if I were to make the flooring in the kitchen. Flooring build up wood. Is it ok. Or should living roomflooring heigher then the dining area and the kitchen flooring lower.

Dear Robert, Thank you for answering my question re saltwater cure. I think that this site is great,one of the best I have come across. Keep up the good work. Henrietta J Smith New Zealand March 10, 2004 I would like to thank you guys did a great job posting so many helpful information on web. I cannot find a better source. Thank you Gloria Boston, USA July 15, 2005 Dear Mr Lee, I have previously consulted your service to for a feng shui audit for my entire family. There has been tremendous improvements in our family situation after your audit. Dr Frank Tay Eunos, Singapore July 14, 2005 I like to express my sincere appreciation on your excellent web-site. Dimitrios Voskopoulos Russia July 14, 2005

Dear Hoa Luong, This is often quite a "rare" shape. As the back pointed edge would mean that both sides-of-the-fence have quite an odd backyard. Most properties would not be divided with such "backyard". As it would often be level with the property. Is this land for real? Generally, so long as the front is smaller and the back is wider, it can still be of good-Feng Shui. One can always do landscaping such that from top down, the home, if possible should be as rectangular in shape. Hope that the next round, you don't post a circular plot of land. Else, it will be one of the kind that no reasonable, government would sell such a plot..... Warmest Regards, Cecil Hoa Luong wrote: Attached is the picture of the shape of the plot of land, please tell me if the shape of this plot of land is bad fengshui?

Chong Wee Wei wrote: Thank for your reply. I wish to know why a dinning room is not suitable to be near to main door. What is there are no others choice it must be near to main door, how we going to solve it? Wil it affect our career as me and my husband is doing sales related to food business? Dear Chong Wee Wei, There are two senarios, here: 1. Symbolism in Feng Shui Under symbolism in Feng Shui, it is best to avoid having items such as fork or occasional scissors on the dining table if it can be seen from the main entrance. As this could suggest : issues like quarrels in the home. In addition, the idea of having a empty rice bowl with a set of chopsticks on the dining table is inauspicious in Feng Shui as it suggest emptiness. I understand that the above may not be permanent situations or happen all the time. 2. Commonsense approach Usually, family members may return home at different times of the day, the dinning table is usually cluttered with food and other items. Furthermore, our dining table or food can be seen by "strangers" e.g. or neighours walking past especially for those staying in apartments at common corridor areas. In some homes one can literally see piles of not only food e.g. bread, newspapers and in some homes, the dining table can look very untidy. The above are two of the common reasons for not having a dining table facing the main door. But of course, if one's home does not have any of these issues, then, it is still OK. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Dragana, Yes, I do agree with you. It is not wise to convert it to a sewerage tank especially if it is at the front of the home even if it is underground. More importantly, it is also best not to have sewerage pipes running under "living areas" such as under the bed. One can view this article that I had written many years back on the dangers ...http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/art-under.htm In my opinion, keeping it as a water tank would definitely be a better choice Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ellen, There is often no issue in hanging a personal portait. Often, it can be hung along the staircase landing area or in the living room area or a prominent wall within the living or study room. Only avoid hanging the portait against the same wall as the toilet bowl. Or facing a toilet or facing the kitchen entrance area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sophia, If there is a combination of #5 with #2 within a room even if it is at a sector or part of a room, a stronger cure than 6 coins would be more effective. a set of Six coins could be combined with either a hulu hung on the bedhead or a six rod windchime hung outside the window (but it is too noisy) then leave out the wind chime. And monitor the situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, To be truly honest, a sports center would need to serve a need for: 1. Easy entry and exits 2. if possible shelter (moveable roofs) to keep rain or harsh sunlight 3. Since there are lots of steps in a stadium, you could follow this guideline on the number of steps:- Introduction: 1. In Feng Shui, there are two traditional methods of determining the number of steps. 2. The first method is a 3 number combination. Where the first two steps are Auspicious but the last step is inauspicious. METHOD 1 - THE THREE-STEP CYCLE ======== 3. Thus under the `Three-steps formula' step No. 1 (Auspicious), Step No. 2 (Inauspicious) while Step No. 3 is considered inauspicious. Usually this 3rd step is known as the `death' step. 3.1 Thus:- Following this method, one should be able to work out the number of steps:- 3.2 Auspicious steps are:- 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 3.3 Inauspicious steps:- No. 3 is the third step No. 6 is the following third step No. 9 is again the following third step No. 12 is again the following third step...etc... METHOD 2 - THE FOUR-STEP CYCLE =============================== 4. However, Method 1 should be used in combination with Method 2 below:- 4.1 What is the four-step cycle:- Step 1: Auspicious Step 2: Auspicious Step 3: Inauspicious Step 4: Inauspicious 4.2 How to calculate under this method: Step 1 is Auspicious Step 2 is Auspicious Step 3 is inauspicious Step 4 is also inauspicious 4.3 Next 4 steps:- ================= Step 5 is auspicious Step 6 is auspicious Step 7 is inauspicous Step 8 is inauspicious 4.4 Next 4 steps:- ================= Step 9 is auspicious Step 10 is auspicious Step 11 is inauspicous Step 12 is inauspicious 4.5 Next 4 steps:- ================= Step 13 is auspicious Step 14 is auspicious Step 16 is inauspicous Step 17 is inauspicious etc... 4.6 One can do similar calculations for 17 or more steps..... 5. After finding out the numbers for both Methods (1 and 2) we now derive the following sets of steps:- 5.1 Under Method 1: The Three-Step Method:- 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26 5.2 Under Method 2: The Four-Step Method:- 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26 Thus we have to eliminate the following numbers which are considered inauspicious in either one of the above methods:- Number 4 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 6 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 8 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 11 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 16 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 18 - inauspicious under method 1 Number 19 - inauspicous under method 2 Number 20 - inauspicous under method 2 5.3 Thus the final result are the following numbers:- 1,2, 5, 10, 13, 14, 17, 22, 25, 26 etc... 6. Steps Landing Yes, the number of steps is important. Each step including the steps at landing is included as a count. Other than the above, honestly, there are not that many FS principles governing the stadium Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, If one has both a wet and dry kitchen: 1. Where possible, in both instances, the stove should not also "clash" especially with the wash-basin. 2. Where possible, the stove in the dry kitchen should match the lady of the house's ba zi direction. 3. For the outside kitchen, it would be good if the stove match also Para 2. But not as crucial. 4. For the stove in the wet kitchen or usually "open air" area, it should be kept away from "gusts" of wind. Where possible, both stove must be supported by a solid wall or backing. 5. Avoid placing any of the stove along the NW compass direction of the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sable, For Qing Ming, the best time to offer prayers is 10 days before and 10 days after Qing Ming. Thus 27 Mar and 3 April would fall within the 10 days prior to Qing Ming. (Qing Ming is 5 April 2005). Thus the last day to offer Qing Ming prayers is 15 April 2005. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lionel, Part I - On Company Signages 1. Ideally, measure is also important for a signage. Thus a signage should both have Yin and Yang elements. Thus for example: If the length of the signage is 'odd numbers' than the breath of the signage should be 'even numbers". For example: Length is 89 cm while Breath is 40 cm or Length is 17 inches while breath is 12 inches etc... 2. Colors of a signage A signage should have three colors. As three stands for progress while two colors for a signage stands for "death". In Feng Shui also, some Masters will first determine the direction of the main entrance and recommend suitable color of signage to suit that sector. 3. Height of a signage in relation to a specific location In Feng Shui also, the height of a signage is also related to the direction of the main entrance area. Part II - Hanging Signages Please see my comments, below:- In fact, traditional companies will place their signage above their main entrance door. And they will also use two "qi ling" figurines on each side of the bottom of the signage to hold the signage "in place". Thus, many of the shops displaying them (wavy) signs often sell drinks in one form or other or provide music.

Dear Elena, In terms of Feng Shui, the main concern is also on "landslides". Homes that are too high on a hill may pose a concern especially either through erosion of surrounding slopes or heavy (or exceptionally heavy rainfall). Because of this, this is why homes that are on top of slopes should be looked at carefully when one is considering purchasing such a home. Often, of course, a site survey has to be done but generally, many rich people have purchased homes at the middle of the hill area i.e. they are not so steep but at a good level where even if there are some soil erosion, there is no fear of a landslide. Thus, in general, it is still ok to have a hope where the slope are not so steep for the above reason. From what you had written, it is difficult to sum-up all pieces of land to fit your description. Again, since each location is distinct from another, the word " It depends" has to be used, here. Frankly, we have to look at each situation bearing in mind: 1. remote possibility of a landslide?(Very heavy rain or soil erosion) 2. a home on a hill exposed to the elements is not exactly too good in Feng Shui. Are there sufficient vegetation around the home to avoid having parts of the home exposed to "cruel" winds etc... There are more considerations, but these two are one of the major considerations. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, usually, suggestion 2 and 3 are a better solution than suggestion 1. This is because actual water is harder to maintain e.g. algae growth and it could be a hive of baterial growth if water is not changed frequently. And furthermore, since the kitchen is a balance of "hot" (fire) and "cold" (water) such a water urn could also create an imbalance at that sector. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jill, Most importantly, if a new condo has been developed (and nearly ready) e.g. waiting for TOP and if we are allowed entry , it is best to bring all family members along to view the unit. Especially try to view the unit in the afternoon e.g. 3 or 4pm to check whether it is affected by the afternoon sun. Do note that because of the earth's axis tilt, there can be a slight shift in the sun's rays every six-months. Units that "soak" in lots of heat ... are practically "unliveable" as it may result in frequent quarrels and also it is not practical or cost effect to turn on the air-con unit all the time. The "rule-of-thumb" usually sets in. Often, needless to say, the more expensive units (with or without Feng Shui) are often the more expensive ones.. Such as those facing the pool or little or no obstruction. If possible avoid an apartment facing directly a temple etc... also... In most developments, there are always good and bad units. Strangely, often than not, even in a development's launch, we often can see a whole block that is taken up while literally, another block is left "unsold". Most likely, people go with their feel and many of these unsold blocks often in one way or another either has poor Feng Shui or "soaks" in the afternoon sun. In Singapore, never buy units facing or "soaking" in the afternoon sun, directly as it is the most unpopular "buys". Even if in the future, we want to sell it, it is a problem to market these units. Generally, units that are North-South facing tend to be better. But under Period 8, the best units are those facing NE or SW (but bearing in mind the afternoon sun - impact - if any) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, the consensus of many FS practitioners is that so long as the house or apartment has not been occupied even if it was constructed under Period 7 (1984 to 2003).. but when humans start occupying the home, one can easily consider the homes as under Period 8. As this is where yang activity takes place.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ed, Generally, this can still be done especially if you find that this is one of the better or best positions within the bedroom. From a commonsense approach to Feng Shui, so long as one draws the curtain (for privacy) or if one has young children, avoid letting it be opened as children may climb over it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, your office would have installed blinds. Simply draw the blinds and this is good enough : " if one cannot see it it no longer becomes a threat. As for the sharp corner of the pillar:- 1. from your illustration, it does not seem that the front pillar slices into the person. So should not be an issue. 2. furthermore, for a sharp corner in an office, usually after approximately 1 metre distance away from it, the sha qi is pretty weak. Even the two sha qi at the back of you should not be an issue. In addition, if one has a high chair, the two sha qi at the back is a non-issue. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for the sketch! The "overhead" beam that you had mentioned (illustrated) is very common situation. If one looks carefully, with a pillow, the head will (never) be under this beam. If so, there is no issue at all! It is not the same as having an overhead beam right across one's body or the overhead beam is in the middle of the bed. If so, this is a concern. But in your illustration, to be sure, one can even pull the bed head further out or leave a few inches gap between the bedhead and the wall. If so, there is no issue in neutralising it. Yes, you are correct, traditionally, all the methods you had mentioned are to neutralise a beam. While the red cloth is in my opinion, unconventional. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Cecil, WOW, i'm very impressed by yourpractical approach, patience and response. ;-)Regreted for not knowing your service earlier. ;-( Being so generous to our queries (which you are not obliged to reply, in fact), i'm very sure that you can give very detailed info to engaged services, as compared to the FS service i'd previously engaged (he just gave me some sketch on my floor plan). Now i understand that there is no "easyrectification" to my main door/ Qi issue... Zey Chang 5 November 2004 Dear Cecil & Robert Lee On behalf of the library, I would like to thank you for sharing with us your expertise and knowledge on Feng Shui trends & practices. The attendees have expressed their gratitude for the very informative talk. We are very pleased to have you both as our speakers in the library. We hope that we may have the opportunity to work together in another occasion. Thank you & Regards Yuhanis Yusoff (Ms) Reference Librarian Ngee Ann Poly, Singapore Dear Master Cecil: Remember several months ago, I told you that I lost my job and you replied to me in your E-mail that I have a career moving star this year(year 2004) and will meet a nobleman to help me(finding a job)? Guess what, what you said is proved. I did get help from someone and got a job offer at the beginning of this year(2005), thanks so much for your generous advice, encouragement and kind help. Wish you another prosperous year! Michelle, USA Sat, 05 Mar 2005, 21:56 PM

Dear May, It is good to avoid the "coffin position" where the legs should not face the bedroom door. If so, best to "change position"; at least with the head facing the bedroom door is (not ideal) but acceptable). If you need some privacy; it would be good if the bed has a bedhead. Else if not, then something like a clean bath towel placed on a "open-hole" bedhead is acceptable. For rooms that may have #5 or #2 avoid bright yellow or bright red in a bedroom. As a safeguard to avoid the sickness stars. Warmest Regards, Cecil