Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, In traditional Feng Shui practise: 1. The number of claws on the dragon is important. The `highest' order is a Five Claw Dragon. Usually, in a home one should not use more than a four claw dragon. 2. The Dragon is the most Yang of all the `animals'. The traditional advise is that a dragon should only be placed "looking out" of a house e.g. facing a main door entrance or through a window. Personally, I use a dragon in my house overlooking a sha qi. I will try to take a picture of it and a brief description and show in under the new conference for picture attachments when I have the time. 3. As a bedroom should be a yin location, it is advised not to place one in the bedroom. However, it is only a small decorative dragon, you can let it face out a window. Do assess the situation especially if it affects one's sleep. (If not, then, I find it `no harm'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear LB, Here are the following points to note: 1. The burial place should not be a place of massacre or some terrible acts carried out at the location e.g. a battle ground. 2. I know of many successful business that are facing burial sites. This is despite warnings that is it not auspicious to face burial sites. For example, Tangs Hotel (now renamed to another name Hotel) located at Scotts and Orchard Road in Singapore, was previously facing a burial site. It was said that the piece of land was no good but now, this intersection is a very popular site i.e. tourist belt. 3. In land scarce Singapore, there are many government housing estates that were built on burial sites all over the island: some parts of Simpang Tampines, Bishan etc... However, in my country, the burial sites are usually less than 60 years old and the lesser the age of the site the better. 4. I believe, sites that are more than 150 or more years may have lingering Yin energy and it takes time for such energy to break down. 5. Usually, once a site has been `completely' exhumed and cleared, and with relatively new grave sites where the remandants are properly cremated should not pose a `problem' to anyone buying the new land. Here, you should not be too worried about it. 6. For older burial sites which can be considered sacred i.e. over 150 years old, ideally best not to disturb the site if one can. Under Chinese customs, there is a special order in which the grave digger exhumes the grave and pick the bones in a specific order. 7. Once these are `claimed' and cremated, the effects are neutral on the land. Let a few years for the Qi to dissipate. 8. It is best to built on the plot without any remanants of any unmarked graves or bones i.e. the new house and compound must not have any of these as it is considered inauspicious for a house (include the compound) to have unmarked graves). Off-hand, you mentioned that the property is on a hill overlooking the sea. In a broad sense, this is considered a good location. Many good sites I know is based on this concept. Even a few temples in Singapore were purposely built on a hill overlooking the sea. One of the local temples even mentioned in their temple plaque that the site which the temple is considered auspicious based on this concept. However, as I mentioned, you need a trained eye to look at every detail. A professional Feng Shui Master will even look at the type of sand on the site and analyse it with other Shapes and form techniques. Initially, if your house is on such a site, it is good to keep the house bright and keep it more Yang to slowly dissipate the Yin energy. For the garden, make sure that there is no large tree(s) or wells. One should remove them from such property. In such homes, avoid collecting antique furniture also. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ber, (This is not based on Feng Shui). It is best that you should not bring your 8 month old baby to the wake or funeral. As you have mentioned, there are cases where the baby will cry non-stop after coming home from such occasions. There are a few situations that may help: One is to buy flowers and lime and bring it to a temple to pray. Then use a clean bowl and fill the bowl with water. Add the flowers and lime and pour it over the childs head and the rest of the body. Remove the `waste' flowers and lime and discard it immediately. ----- My personal experience ---- Well, this is not entirely based on the same situation but I recalled when my younger brother was a child, my mother brought him to exhume my grandfather's grave as the site is due for construction of Government Housing Board flat. I am sure what is the reason, maybe the grave diggers were not happy with the `Red packet' or money given to the grave diggers. One of the grave diggers gave put a black button (most probably from my grandfather's burial suite on my younger brother's hand). I think he was only 2 years old. After that, he cried non-stop. My mum had to go to the `Kuan Yim' or Goddess of Mercy Temple located at Waterloo Street/Queens Streen i.e. purchased some flowers and lemon/lime from those selling flowers outside the temple and followed the above to cleanse my brother. For information, there is a picture of the " Goddess of Mercy " under Photo Tours of Interest (with Picture attachments) in this forum. If you explain to your relatives properly, I think they would understand why you should not bring your child to the funeral. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Hi Everyone, The enclosed logo is made up of the following:- a. Background : Purple representing the Fire element. b. Logo : An ancient Chinese coin representing Metal element. Under the destructive cycle: Fire destroys Metal. Under the Five Elements concept: When Fire destroys Metal, this is considered creating wealth i.e. one way of creating wealth is to look at the destructive cycle and the element that destroys the next element on the destructive cycle can be considered to produce wealth. However, one must take not that for individuals, for example, if you are a Strong fire person, it is no problem for you to destroy Metal to produce wealth. But if you are a Weak fire person, you may not have the `resources' to destroy metal which results in producing wealth.

Hi Everyone, I recalled a user had asked what a Kei Loon is. I had taken some pictures the `Kei Loon' (guarding at four different directions) at a memorial site for a war hero. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It me elaborate that the reason some book authors or Feng Shui practioners advise not to place plants or flowers (especially real flowers) that these are considered Yang especially growing plants. Bedrooms normally should be more Yin location. Based on the little information provided, you can either: As for whether it is bad for marriage, in my opinion, this is a question mark. What I mean here is that we have not much information to go on. Usually, for an accurate picture, it should be looked into after considering both partners element and the strength plus what is the Flying Star at the location. This should provide a deeper analysis. All I can say for now is... hmmmm... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Frankly, this has more to do with superstitious belief than Feng Shui. In my honest opinion, I have not heard of having two or more double happiness symbol equates to more than one marriage. Hmm.. anyone care to try and say... provide us feedback in six months, a year time? *JOKE* Seriously, I am not sure that a symbol can have such a significant impact. Maybe I am wrong. Lets wait for a feedback. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jim, There are two ways at looking at having a fish tank: 1. For enjoyment. 2. `Reading' from somewhere and buying a fish tank and hoping for something auspicious to happen. Jokingly, I remembered seeing the title of a book " What they don't teach you in Harvard Here it is the same thing with fish tank. " You may end up with more than one can bargain for with fish tanks ". Is it better off not knowing FS? Usually, when one purchase a fish tank, we normally would have visualised a location in our home to place the fish tank. In most instances, it is usually at one side of the wall and not the centre of the house. In fact, intution plays an important part especially if one owns a fish tank for enjoyment. 2. Frankly for those who are always looking for the elusive location may be in for a surprise. The more, we want to look for the `elusive' ausicious location, some may be lucky while others may not. 3. I have mentioned in a few mails that it would not be advisable for those who are of Strong Water or Weak Fire element to own a fish tank. Other things to note include:- 1. The type of fish tank to use. The most neutral fish tank are those that are rectangular or round. For more advanced knowledge, the following shapes represent a certain element: Shape of Fish Tank/Element Square/Earth - OK Rectangular/Wood - OK Octagonal/Water - OK Round/Metal - OK Do avoid a triangle fish tank representing the fire element. (As fire is incompatible with water). 2. For the leg stand of the fish tank, one advise is to paint them in the colour of the location. For example, if the fish tank is at the East wall, it can be green/dark green. If it is at the North, the stand can be black/grey/blue. If it is at the west, it can be white or gold. 3. Traditional Feng Shui practioners may sometimes advice you on the number of fishes based on your element: Earth = 5 or 10 fishes Metal = 4 or 9 fishes Water = 1 or 6 fishes (for weak water person) Wood = 3 or 8 fishes Fire = 2 or 7 fishes 4. When you stand at the main entrance facing out, the fish tank should preferably not be placed on the right side of the house (interior) or one of the spouse may have an illicit affair. 5. Never place a fish tank in a bedroom. 6. Avoid placing the fish tank in the study room of a child as it may affect his concentration. 7. Although, Para 3 recommends the number of fish, you can if you like not follow the advise especially for those who keep a fish tank as a hobby. For those who do it intentional i.e. wanting a fish tank not for the `hobby' purpose, may want to follow the above (based on element concept). The above are some of the considerations based on Feng Shui. In an earlier message on Fish Tank in the forum, Robert had provided the number of fishes to replenish if a fish tank is used as a cure for a bad " Flying Star ". I also emphasised that in many occasions, it is never wise to place fish tank in the centre of the house. This will cause sickness especially to the spouse and financial problems for the breadwinner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jennifer, Thanks for your description. Presently, what you are using is based on "intuitive" Feng Shui. Although it is one way of looking at Feng Shui, at the current moment, without much details about yourself, it is very difficult for me to provide advise on this information. This is because, in traditional FS, analysis must be done with the proper tools of analysis such as the Flying Star and Pillars of Destiny. You can still map out your house using a more general Eight House Theory. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is not so important to find out foods belonging to the earth element but rather: 1. Overall, for food, it is more important to understand the Yin and Yang concept. "Food" under the Yin concept implies that they are boiled, steamed etc... Yang Food usually can be salty, fried foods, baked food etc... 2. We usually do not go lower to the Five elements concept: Top of the Hierarchy: Yin and Yang concept Lower Hierarchy : The Five elements concept. 3. Commonly, it is difficult to `practise' food based on the five elements. The major reason is because, we cannot simply eat only one category of food. As food nutritionist will tell us to eat a balanced meal. Here, under the Five elements concept, you will notice that this practise is similar. All of us, under the Five Element concept must have a balance of all five elements. This is the reason why Pillars of Destiny tries to map out all our components. For example, under the tradtional Pillars of Destiny report, and samples on this website you will see that each of our element and quantity is mapped out. Such as 1 Fire, 5 Wood, 0 Water etc... We therefore need to seek a balance of the five elements in our life. For food, it is best at the moment to classify them under Yin and Yang. Here, we also need to have a balance. For example, when we take salty food (Yang), we must have water (Yin) to quench our thirst. This subject will not be gone indepth at the moment as it is another considered another field. But we can look further into it in the near future. If you know what Yin and Yang means, it is easy for anyone to make a calculated opinion of what food belongs to yin and yang. This subject is also `complex' because, only the end result matters. For example, a food can be classified as Yin but due to the nature of cooking e.g. fry it, the end result is no longer Yin but Yang food. For example, if food is Yang, and you remove the skin, boil it. It turns soft or you only collect the soup to drink, this then becomes Yin. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is hard to associate electrical problems to Feng Shui. However, as Feng Shui uses the "commonsense approach", in a broad sense, such things can be associated with or co-related with Feng Shui. Basically, there is no past written information of the effects of electricity on Feng Shui as it has only been invented by Edison in our century. Based on "commonse", I believe, most of us feel strongly that this may be a potential for a fire if the problem is not resolved. The closest to this is that it is considered inauspicious to have the bedroom above a kitchen. The reason is because although incidents such as a fire in a kitchen is uncommon, this would be the most likely place (if ever) for a fire to be started. Of course, for a non-smoking (cigarette/cigar) family. But here again, the concept of " Priority " takes precedence over this. Since such `accidents' are rare and even if there is, the effects may be reduced by using smoke detectors etc... it would be better if say this room (above the kitchen) is auspicious for a family member to sleep in. He/she should sleep in this room rather than a room which is less/inaspicous for them (under the Eight house / Flying Star.) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jennifer, Please see below:- - Where is the bedroom door and avoid placing the bed where it can be seen when you open the door. - Avoid placing the bed with the headrest towards a window. - Avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the toilet. - Avoid letting any part of the bed face the toilet door. (Remedies can be applied thou). 2. Only after you have considered the above and check to see if the bed can be placed e.g. where you mentioned at the "parallel". If not, you really cannot do much with a slopping ceiling unless:- a. Hopefully the ceiling is high. The higher the better as this will reduce the `sloping' sha. b. Get a poster bed with four `pillars' on each side. Here, you can place e.g. a lace cloth material above it. c. I guess false ceiling is out. But this is one remedy. Other than the above, there is nothing much you can do. Better the two sha positions, it is a better choice to place the bed like you mention under the window running lenghtwse into the room. This is because there is no top down influence e.g. a sloping ceiling with sha qi supressing down. The only reason why both Feng Shui and (commonsense) suggest not to do so is more for privacy i.e. a thief or a peeping tomm. But look at it this way, if your house is of reasonable height e.g. two storeys, such things are rare. I believe that the windows above are opaque and thus should be fine. If it is not, you can easily get a contractor to install an opaque film over the windows. Under the concept, if you cannot see through the glass, it no longer becomes a threat. The opaque film is symbolic of a wall. Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. Suntec.jpg - Is a huge "city" complex in Singapore in the shape of a hand. The concept of symbolism is used in building this complex. This concept uses a hand with the fingers (representing 5 office tower blocks pointing towards the sky) and the palm with the fountain captures wealth i.e. with water flowing into the palm: 1.1 Blue squares - represent Five tower blocks representing a person's five fingers. (In the actual building layout, the fingers bend and point towards the sky - Unlike the one shown in the illustration. At the end of this message, you can visit the actual website if you want to view the image of the entire building. 1.2 The palm of the hand has currently the world's largest Fountain. The complex owners named it as "The Fountain of Wealth". 1.3 This city development is partially owned by tycoons from Hong Kong which includes a shopping complex and a convention centre. 2. Fount1.jpg, fount2.jpg, fount3.jpg and fleg.jpg are different views of the fountain. The unique Feng Shui concept about this city complex is this special Fountain of Wealth at the palm of the hand representing the collection of wealth for the entire complex at it's palm. 3. This huge fountain is called " The fountain of wealth ". The external ring of this fountain has a total of 12 Chinese Animal signs `circulating' around it. 4. Water falls down to the centre of the fountain representing wealth coming `in'. In the centre of the fountain, there is a small circular fountain spouting a small gust of water upwards also. This is also done on purpose to accumulate wealth. This is a unique example of symbolism in Feng Shui at work. Here you understand why Feng Shui practioners use symbolism at great lengths. The actual URL of this site is at: http://www.suntec.com.sg Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: 1. I sincerely apologise that the pictures are taken by a non-professional photographer (Cecil) using a simple Sony DSC-F1 camera. The only advantage is that this camera I bought a few years back is small and handy. Best of all I use the "infra-red" to sent to my PC. Sometimes I may take pictures in the evening as in this case. Thanks for your understanding:) 2. It is never my intention to promote the use of figurines. These figurines as I mentioned are quite commonly found in some Chinese homes. 3. It is for purpose of " education " only especially for non-Chinese to understand more about Chinese beliefs and legends. Some of these figures appear in Chinese historical shows e.g. Journey to the West etc... More Chinese figurines: 1. Pagoda.jpg - A Chinese figurine holding a `gold' pagoda 2. Joyous.jpg - A joyous "prosperous" Chinese figurine with lots of children climbing over him. This signifies plentiful children. Many Chinese figurines of Buddha has a face similar to " Joyous " although Joyous is I believe not a Buddha. 3. Boy.jpg - Chinese `fire' boy holding a ring weapon with a four claw `fire breathing' dragon. 4. Mercy.jpg - Goddess of Mercy: A legendary Chinese Goddess who is merciful and "takes pity on people." Sitting on a lotus leave. Note: This is not Feng Shui. But do take note that such porcelain figurines are not supposed to be placed in the bedroom. This includes the Fu Lu Shou figurines shown in the next picture.

Enclosed please find the pictures of three very popular Chinese decorative figurines found in many Chinese homes and even placed in coffee shops run by many Chinese: 1, Fu - Prosperity 2. Lu - Luck (Apologies, Lu usually has two side jade `fans' on his hat. I took the picture without it as I am afraid of `breaking' it.) 3. Shou - Longevity These figurines as shown above symbolises Prosperity, Luck and Longevity. Shou - Longevity is holding a peach. Here a peach signifies longevity for the Chinese. During birthday celebrations for the elderly, peach bread or bread shaped to look like a peach is often eaten during the birthday occassion. Note: This is not Feng Shui. I do mention that such figurines should not be placed in the bedroom. The reason is because it is considered `disrespectful' to these Chinese Gods as bedrooms are considered `dirty' locations i.e. a place of intimacy. It is the belief that Gods should not allowed to look at such `acts'. It is considered "demeaning" to them. Even if you stay alone in the room as one may sometimes change our clothings in the privacy of our rooms. It is again considered disrespectful to these Gods to look at "such things". Furthermore, do not place these figurines: 1. They must not be placed facing a toilet door. 2. Share the same wall as a toilet.

Dear Anon, Sorry for the confusion. The Chinese belief of the 7th Month is based on Chinese practises rather than on Feng Shui. Predominantly, you will find most Chinese Feng Shui practioners (in countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Far East) following this practise. Thus you will understand that this practise is not based on Feng Shui. Some Feng Shui practioners e.g. those migrated to Canada or the US may consider this `superstition'. One reason is because their clients may not be Chinese and therefore feel that this is not a `taboo'. Let me elaborate how most of us follow this practise: It is because, most of the time, our clients would not move in to a new house or do renovations and have asked us to find auspicious dates before or after this month. You will see that this is "driven" mostly by the client. The FS practioner do not even need to prompt them of it. I believe, if you were to discuss with some Western Feng Shui practioners they may say that this is all `rubbish'. I agree that this is not based Feng Shui but rather Chinese traditional beliefs. However, it is always best to leave it to the client to decide on it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Click this url: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/four.htm There is a picture of a "carved" pagoda in the above and a brief description of it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: Apologies, my camera does not have a zoom lens so the image is small. This new building has two `boomerang' roofs that is unfriendly to other buildings at the same level.

Dear Anon, Thanks for your words of encouragements. I will continue to add more pictures. Warmest Regards, Cecil

To add life to this forum, you not only get to read and participate in messages but also get to understand Feng Shui and Chinese practises through pictures! I have started to carry a digital camera and will bring you more pictures. The new conference is called " Photo Tours of Interest (with Picture attachments) " Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Most practioners do not take into consideration the covered porch as it is not a `living quarters'. A few persons I understand took it wrongly to mean that this is a `missing' corner or a `protrusion.'. Since you are using a pie chart, you should usually consider up to the Main entrance door area. I agree that using a pie chart, is much easier than using the 9 squares method. What matters most is to be able to know what influences is at each of the sector. From here, you can then better place your furniture etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Where possible, avoid having the toilet bowl directly face the toilet door as shown in Picture: Toilet1.jpg and Toilet2.jpg. It is equally not auspicious for the toilet bowl to face the dining table. Under this situation, it is best to close the toilet door when not in use. (Picture: Toilet3.jpg)

Chinese believe that the gates of hell is opened up during the Lunar 7th Month and ghosts are allowed to wonder on the earth. To ward of bad luck, this is an inauspicious month for marriage, moving house, travelling etc... I took a few pictures of a group of taxi drivers celebrating the Chinese 7th month Hungry Ghost Festival. In 1999, the 7th month started on 11 August and ends on 9th September 1999

This picture shows circular steps radiating outwards to ward of poision arrows or sha. This is similar to the Ming Tang or a circular pool of water outside a building radiating outwards. Similarly, one can cut a piece of carpet to be placed at the Main Entrance door to ward of a poision arrow. Warmest Regards Cecil

I believe there are a few viewpoints: 1. I am not here to create a religious " row " between Christians and Catholics but let me elaborate what Catholics `believe' and how some Protestants see differently. Catholics mentioned that they have statues of e.g. Mary, mother of Jesus not because of idol worship but as a respect and `inspiration' to them. By the way, I am a free thinker. However, I attended Primary, Secondary and Pre University in a Catholic School. When I was in Secondary School, I always come across a few teachers who passed by the statue of Mary outside our school hall. They would stand there and pause to collect their taughts. They do not use jost sticks to `pray' etc... Some Protestants, felt that the above is considered idol worship. Each has its own opinion. I am not here to debate about it. 2. The above is just to elaborate a point that there are many Feng Shui School. The Compass School of Feng Shui do not use statutes at all. 3. In fact, some traditional Shapes and Form School do not use statutes. What they use is `landscaping'. For example, the Ming Tang or a semi-cicular pool of water radiation out of the frontage of a building is one good example of how Feng Shui is practised. Many traditional Shapes and Form School do not use statues but `methods' such as tilting of the door to an auspicious direction etc... 4. Contrary to popular belief, it is the `mix' of religion with Feng Shui is where, you get people using statues in their homes. Feng Shui practioners usually do not object to these statues in the homes of e.g. Buddist, Toaist etc... This does not mean that these objects are `placed' by them or recommended by them. As I mentioned above, some FS practioners themselves are buddists, toaist etc.. and because of this, they may `promote' such use. Some "black sheep" practioners may even have their own hidden agenda such as wanting to make more out of their clients by recommending or even selling them such objects. For example, quite recently, there were a few messages in this forum where users asked whether it is auspicious to purchase a `three legged toad ' as they were informed that this bring them luck. But these are commercial objects without relevance to FS. Warmest Regards, Cecil