Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. First of all, try not to be alarmed as often, such happens are `very rare'. 2. You can say that in the practise of Geomancy, it is part and parcel of a Geomaner's `job hazard'. Since, we often, perform audits all over. And many on a rare occassions encounter such situations. 3. In some cultures, we hear of `black magic'. And as I had mentioned previously; the Japanese has theirs, the Chinese and even the Malays or the Bugis (in the Malay peninsula) do have them. However, as mentioned above, these are pretty rare unless, one actively seeks them. 4. For most of us the best precaution we should take are:- 4.1 Do not purchase any old antique furniture in particular wardropes - if the origin is suspect. Even if we are told of it's origin, we should try to avoid buying them. This is because, (again I must stress - rarely) sometimes, if we inadvertenly purchase a `suspect' antique furniture, a `spirit' which has attached itself to it, may come-in to `live' with us. 4.2 As mentioned in my previous postings, avoid a large lone tree at the frontage of the home (especially if it is usually located at the right side of the compound (if we were to stand at the main door facing outwards). But, please don't take it literally that all trees at this location msut be chopped-off. This is just of the more common situations with regards to `spirits'. 4.3 Hanging windchimes. If we are not too sure, try not to hang windchimes. As it may inadvertently attract a `playful imp' into the home. 5. I like to assure that (again) that rarely, many of us will not meet such things in our life time. Only those who actively seek them out (or unlucky) have such an encounter. 6. Basically, life is short so, try to put such fears out of your mind. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. Earlier, prior to your posting, I had the impression that you were mentioning an "evil line" relating to the `devil's gate'. But, in this posting, you have mentioned; the True cardinal points in relation to compas directions. 2. I have let this message pass thru, but in the future, I appreciate if you do not extract out message postings from other sites or vice versa. 3. As I am always not comfortable with the way many other sites are run, and often; heated arguments arise out of huge egos of people trying to prove themselves or either that they have hidden agendas. 4. In fact, all postings in this forum must not be extracted out. I hope all users respect our wishes. I hope all users in this forum, please help us to look out and report any of such activities to me. 5. In my electronic book "Applied Feng Shui Made Easy" Chapter 11, Para 11.7, I have mentioned that toilets exactally at North 0 degrees, NE 45 degrees, E 90 degrees, SE 135 degrees, 180 degrees, SW 225 degrees, West 270 degrees and NW 315 degrees are the `worst' positions in a home. 6. Quite sometime back, in several past forum messages, I had mentioned a simple rationale is that since these are `True cardinal' points; it is aways best not to place say a toilet bowl exactly at this location since it happens to be directly at one of the trigram sectors. 7. Under the same chapter, Chapter 11.9, the kitchen, favourable positions of stove are between a range of 345 degrees to 120 debrees. And some of these locations do happen to fall on e.g. N 0 degres, NE 45 degrees and East 90 degrees. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. Yes, the land, it is very vital to `control' water below us. 2. This is why, often a pagado was built along water channels below ground to try and neutralise it. 3. It is said that wells contain `spirts' and we have to control it. 4. We have to look at Feng Shui from may facets and angles. 5. In many fields, there are their specialisations. In Feng Shui also, many of us have our specific specialisation - that represents our location. 6. For example, in a vast relatively undeveloped regions, most of the Feng Shui work is related to the land, the `water' on this land such as wells and underground water movements. 7. In built-up regions, we see more double-triple storey landed homes, apartments, of concrete and high-rise buildings. 8. Therefore, a Feng Shui practitioner in a rural setting would see more and thru time, understand more of settings such as what you had mentioned. 9. The key success is therefore: that we (humans) and our dwelling must harmonize with our surroundings. This is the key essence or the fundamentals universal to all who want to apply Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. From a Feng Shui perspective, it is more important to understand the flow of qi within this house. 2. This is where, a layout plan is important. A layout plan can help us to `visualise' the flow of qi within the home. Instead of relying totally on the idea of three windows in a straight. 3. Questions asked (or posed) are: 3.1 Are the windows spaced quite far from each other. Usually, the distance between all three windows in a straight line can be quite far. And in theory, it may seem that qi can flow straight in and out. But, in reality qi often meander and perhaps only a small percent is `leak' out if any. 3.2 It is good to look at the furniture in each room to see if this may or may not pose a threat. Therefore, it is best to take alook at the layout and see if qi can properly circulate or `flux' centrally in the home from all directions. I have to reserve caution - in such a situation with such limited information. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is said that our luck is made up of three components: 1. Heaven Luck (can be examined by Ba Zi or Eight Characters / Pillars of destiny). 2. Earth Luck (Feng Shui) 3. Human (Man) Luck - (Relations with family ...) What you had mentioned is specific only to Para 1 (Heaven Luck). Traditionally, it is thru the use of colour assocations or best colours. In addition, for a strong water person; Fire is his/her wealth element. Yes, individually, colours can be used. But a metal - water wood combination is not favourable for a strong water person. (Specifically, metal element is not favourable as it helps fuel water element. (If one takes a simplistic view of JUST using the three). A more balanced approach but difficult to apply in the practical world is the use of all five elements. This is because, the three element you had proposed does not include Fire element (your wealth element). A better refinement would be all Five elements. Often, clothing is but just one of the many things that need to be done. For example, our Ba Zi should also harmonize with our earth luck. When we consider our earth luck we must also consider the `birth-chart' of each home. For example, for a strong water person, sleeping in say a room with bad earth elements; one can take advantage of wood element e.g. green in this room to `crush' the bad earth. However, although fire (pink, purple or red) is our wealth element, it would not be favourable to use `fire element' in this room. As fire can further fuel bad earth. (Reference: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm ) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Please do not be unduly alarmed. 2. This is because, in the earlier case study; I specifically mentioned that there were instances of an `unclean' temple. 3. Since, you had clearly indicated that a temple or place of worship does not exits; you should not be worried about the situation, 4. If the is no temple, just look out for an additional situation i.e. a lone tall tree (trunk) at the NE or right side of the home. 5. Another senario of the above case study is that the set of Flying Stars at NE of the home that I had mentioned were `too yin' or had many yin stars that flew into that sector. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Meei Jinn, 1. As mentioned earlier, the key success factors esentially is: location, location and location. 2. Overall, in the past, I have elaborated that we should consider the heat source on our home. Often if the home is east to west direction (with the sun rise and sun set); And if the house is facing east (sitting west) or vice versa; and on a sunny day (assuming there are no trees to shade the frontage or the back; this type of house can be pretty hot all day. A hot home; is not ideal unless one is prepared to either withstand the heat or have the luxury to turn on the aircon. 3. Besides this, drainage such as a drain or canal behind the home is another consideration. 4. Overall, each home has to be taken on a case-by-case basis. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, You should consider it as north facing. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. In the past, prosperity was tied to physical accessibility. 2. In China, this is like following the `veins' which are the equivalent of the rivers that flow from the interior to the sea. 3. Usually, this water course is thus considered something like the `dragon veins' where activity most likely thrive. And thus people residing along or close to the river area (transportation in the form of cheaper - boat transport). 4. In America, trains are like the dragon vein, where, whenever, the train passes-by, counties thrive. 5. There are few clients who ask silly question. But, there was this rather, "china-born" client who asked me this question: Which part of the Singapore island must my business be? 6. Look at it this way: In Singapore, many Singaporeans are literally `crazy' about good food. "So long as your food is good, the clients will find you anywhere in the island". 7. The next question this client asked was: Since I am a West house person, should I be living in the West? 8. Personally, I feel, one should get their basics right. Like the example of good food, if one's business is sound one should not care where one lives. 9. The rationale is simple: " I stay here, you (the practitioner) DON'T ". Don't be swayed with ideas from practitioners, since they are not the ones that has to `live-with-it'. 10. Yes, the practitioner can give advise. But, ultimately, YOU (US) will have to live with it. 11. What happens if one was told that the Sahara desert is the most suitable - based on our ba zi? Should we believe this and endure, the sandstorms and heat? 12. With globalisation and the internet, in my opinion, it does not matter. Unless, one is currently staying on-top a pile of rubbish. Then, lets move. 13. Else, like the electronic highway of today, we often like to stay at a specific location either because we have close ties around or for necessity e.g. we work for an MNC (multi-national company) and need to travel or relocate. 14. Imagine working for an MNC. And if we were told to relocate; it would be `silly' to say that: " Sorry, going East is no good for me. " 15. Perhaps, with some imagination, the boss, will say, Yeah, going east may be bad for you, TOMMORROW. But, TODAY, you are fired!. (FULL-STOP end of story). 16. Another reasoning is: If west is bad, does it mean that, when we drive a car, we must always travel East? 17. In a country like Singapore, it takes only 45 minutes to travel east to west or west to east until we run out of roads. So, what next, drive off a cliff or drive into the sea. This is like committing suicide. It would be great if all our East group family members don't follow us in this same car! 18. Ultimately, the person, least affected is the rogue practitioner who had provided this advise, and his/her toes may be `laughing' loudly at our `silly antics:)' 19. There are already so many fools in this world and we do not want to be counted as one:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned, this is a graphical illustration of a home in a bad location. The idea behind this is: 1. NE (devil's gate) 2. SW (devil's back door) 3. "The actor" - Rogue or `dirty' (unclean) temple 4. The idea that `spirits' travel in a straight line. This is why, often, it was suggested that if the main door is facing NE, the should should be `tilted'. By doing so, as the spirit, cannot negotiate turns, it would `stop' them from entering the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. In the past, I often encounter situations where a temple is close-by to a housing development. 2. Is this temple clean? Often, if the temple is meant soley for worship, and often if it is relatively new, there is often no issue with `evil lines'. 3. But somehow, "bad things" had been done at the temple e.g. a bad priest had performed say ... black magic, or in some cases.. had played with bad spirits or any of these, then the temple is not clean. 4. For example, let me relate an incident. This temple is located somewhere in Bishan, Singapore. 5. One day, I was invited to Feng Shui a 5 room housing board apartment. This house happens to be along the NW to SW alignment of the compass direction of this temple. 6. To elaborate; if we draw a line, the house runs smack on a straight line NE towards SW (the temple). This temple had kept urns of the dead. 7. When I used my luopan inside the home, the compass needle rotates irratically. When I went outside in the open air facing the temple (the temple is approximately) 800 metres away, the needle seems to move irratically. 8. After this incident, I immediately felt sick afterwards and had to throw away the luopan as it has been unfortunately contaminated by this bad event. 9. In my opinion, this is my personal definition of the evil line. 10. In another case, this home in Tampines, Singapore is on a North-East to South-West alignment. The main door is at NE while a specific bedroom is at SW. This bedroom happens to be the bedroom of the two young children who coincidentally happen to be of `weak' wood persons. 11. During my Feng Shui, I could feel my hair stand in this SW room. When I went back to calculate the flying star, indeed, this room and the main entrance had in particular VERY YIN stars. And this is confirmation that things are not that correct. 12. On my audit assessment with the family members. I had asked the parents, whether did anyone see something in the room? The mum cried out: YES!, she in fact is also belonging to the `weak' element. And she told me that she and her children had seen `something' in the room. 13. This apartment (by coincidence) is also along the NE to SW alignment or one can say the evil line of sight. Fortunately, this time round, my luopan did not `detect' anything. But instead, in particular, as I am a weak wood person, I could feel such presence during that stage. 14. Just two months ago, I went to this vacant home. My compass also gave very strange readings and literally, the hair on my body `stood-up'. Fortunately, I believe, the `spirit' had momentarily left the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. Thanks for posting a very interesting question:) 2. In the past, a butcher is a butcher; a merchant is a merchant; an accountant is an accountant. 3. You are correct to say that nowadays; every industry has it's specific specialisation. 4. For many of us, even say, we are an accountant, an accountant may peform various task - not necessarily accounting alone. 5. This term is commonly known as `multi-skilling'. Many years back, in country, many people who had joined American/European multinationals often do not practise multi-skilling as much as the Japanese firms. 6. Many Japanese firms practise multi-skilling early in their business. This is where an employee, not only does their job but also learn to perform other tasks. For the ladies, it may not be `lucky' as some Japanese companies also require the ladies to make tea! 7. As you had mentioned correctly, an industry like Finance does seem to fit the "metal" element. But wait... 8. Within every business, there are various functions. Therefore, today, it is better to look at jobs with regards to the function. 9. One key method is to look at our Job specifications or Job description. 9.1. For example, within the banking industry, say if one is a Credit analyst; which requires to do marketing, then, this can be considered as a " fire element " job. Similar jobs in the `fire element' of finance industry includes: Private banking relationship officers or anyone that does marketing. Therefore, it is best to first determine the - main component of one's job. For example: for the above credit analysis, if his main job is to assess the credit worthiness of his clients and to make recommendations for loans, then, this is more of a marketing job. (Even if this employee has to perform some admin job e.g. paperwork or take part in joint-committees. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. The key success factor in a home is: location, location and location. 2. There is a difference between a "good house" and and "excellent house". 3. An excellent house is overall a `good house' plus it takes advantage of it's environment - to give it better Feng Shui. 4. An excellent house often makes use of it's external surroundings to give it a greater advantage i.e. it `sucks' or `soak' in wealth. 4.1 For example, it's main door is posited at a specific location that `collects' wealth from other developments or houses. Much like water draining (wealth) into the house. 4.2 Often, if the above is rare or cannot be physically achieved; the next best thing is to look at the surrounding homes for a `clue'. 4.3 What is this clue? Look at your neighourhood. And determine the element of the homes. For example if most of the homes have flat roof e.g. earth element, then, one can take advantage of the exterior design of colour to create wealth for one's home i.e. either the home can be designed to e.g. wood element, then one's home is a wood home, much like the roots of a tree, go into the ground to `crush' the earth thus creating wealth. 5. One consideration for your case is to see if the main door can be tilted to fit the breadwinner (if possible). 6. Often, I elaborated that a North-South or South-North house is the most favourable for several reasons:- 6.1 Such a house is often much `cooler' than a East-West or West-East facing house. 6.2 Often, there should be sufficent lighting filtering into such a home. 6.3 A East-West or West-East house is often not ideal because of `heat' built-up. For example, imagine that you are west house persons, if your bedrooms are in the west and many of the walls/windows face this direction plus if there are no other building to screen the afternoon sun; and on a hot day; the walls get heated up and it can even be unbearable as the heat is still retained on the walls right up to 6 or 7 pm. 7. Feng Shui of such homes is no longer a `wealth' issue. But rather more of a health issue. What is the use if the house seems to fit the East/West group but, we personally have to live in a misery (cooked) up home which may be quite warm throughout the day (where one side is faced with morning sun and the other side, faced with afternoon sun. Thus too much radiated light falling into the homes thru the windows and heating the walls of our homes is in my opinion, not an ideal home. 8. What happens if family members constantly fall sick. Sickness, often bring more problems e.g. productivity for both adult and child. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Often, it is preferred not to have a mirror facing an open window or at the side of an open window - (based on "commonsense" approach to Feng Shui. 2. The main reason is "reflected light". Often, an external light source may inadvertenly shine into the home and is `captured' by say the mirror. If the light intensity is high, it may reflect `glare'. If we are `unfortunate' enough, we may be sitting down with the direct glare into our eyes and it feels so, uncomfortable. 3. Especially so, if there are shiny objects such as the profile of a vehicle. Light from it's body panel or windows may provide such a `glare'. 4. If you are confident that either reflected light or direct sunlight does not cause such a situation, then, overall, I personally find that there is not an issue. 5. The other issue, may of course be rain. And rain may seep into the back of the mirror and in the long term, causing the shiny particles to peel. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carlos, 1. For an irregular shaped house, it is best to visualise, the flux of qi moving within the home. 2. Often, such a home (distorts) qi i.e. not smooth flowing or there are `substantial leaks' causing imbalances. 3. To find the centrepoint, one `crude' method is to place a copy of the layout on a cardboard. And `cut' out the profile of the house. Try to balance it with a pin or nail. (this is the centre of gravity). 4. Alternatively, try to `break' the profile of the home into two rectangles each with it's centrepoint. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, No, what I meant was, after one has bathed, then the last step is to pour the contents over the head (from the front to the back). Often, it is applied to the person, who is facing a hard time. There is no harm to do so for the rest of the family members. It is best not to use the toilet afterwards, say immediately or around 3 hours. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Danny, Please see below:- It is preferred that the master bedroom is a rectangular shape (without odd corners or extension). This is especially so for a newly married couple. Since you have a son, there could be other underlining reasons. Often, the Flying Star Feng Shui is used to diagnose sectors that have bad #3 and #4 wood elements which are associated with quarrels and disputes. This is one direction, that you may consider pursuing. Most probably, some of the bad stars had flew into especially the fish (tank) location. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Often, when coins are used, it is based on the number of coins. 2. I am not sure if there is any `commercial' agenda; but majority of the coins that we buy are often imitation coins or newly minted coins that seem to look like `antique' coins. (Don't be fooled by the greenish colour on these copper coins as it is very easy to `age' the coins) 3. The usual number for a big metal cure are a set of 6 emperor coins each. 3.1. Previously before the internet age, many shops were selling 5 coins. Perhaps their knowledge was essentially that of the popular Five Elements concept of Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. 3.2. But today, many are exposed to proper Feng Shui, less of such mistakes. Given that #5 represents misfortune/sickness under Flying Star Feng Shui. 3.3. 7 coins were often used in the past. But nowadays unpopular. As 7 represents “weak metal”. Less effective on it’s own if encounter a #5 etc... 4. A true test of commercialisation is: How much does the `special' set of coins costs? 5. In Singapore, mass produced `imitation' coins costs only S$0.30 cents each. (US $0.15cents). 5.1. However, a reasonable purchase price today should be between US 5 cents to US 20 cents per piece for imitation coins. 5.2. Many bought in the internet at 10 cents each is possible. Especially at Chinese online delivery platforms. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, based on your description, I personally, do not find it a `threat'. In Asia, many homes (landed property) has much higher fence(s). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. From my personal experience, often, problems occur when one has several major leaks in a home. 2. For example: 2.1. The house is very unsuitable to the breadwinner e.g. death or disaster sector (main entrance); 2.2. Toilet at the centrepoint 2.3. Ba Zi Luck periods in an inauspicious period for the breadwinner; 2.4 Perhaps, there can be other hosts of problems such as imbalances within the home such as a house under Period 7 - where the breadwinner sleeps in the east or south or for this year North. As there are imbalanced stars here. 2.5 Other leaks may include Shapes and Forms problems like qi passing thru a straight line from the main door towards a balcony. 3. Often, such leaks range from the equivalent of e.g. a "fractured arm" to an "amputated arm or leg". 4. Thus, 1 major leak alone, often can be considered as a `trigger' point. But not necessarily, the sole concern. 5. Just recently, a user asked " If I chopped off the tree .... will my problems disappear? ". If a full audit has been done to determine all these; and if most of the problems can be fixed, there is a high chance that `problems' will be reduced or disappear (depending on each individual case). 6. It is quite worrysome that some of us; perhaps, without much understanding.. are taking `too simplistic' steps to `chase away' our problem. (But problem should actually be replaced by problemS - not just one problem.) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, If there is a WC in there, then, it should be considered as a toilet at the center-point. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, 1. Our quest to learn or apply Feng Shui is based on this premise: " Try to learn and apply as much as we can : those concepts and princples that work for MOST PEOPLE, MOST OF THE TIME ". This is the only Guarantee Feng Shui can provide us. 2. We often hear "I was told, this FIGURINE is good for me." Or buy this ... figurine.. " It works wonders!" Working "wonders" can mean different things for different people. It certainly works " Wonders " for the seller, who will profit from the sale. Have we ever wondered... why is it that a product can do us wonder BUT, there is no guarantee attached to it. For example, a price tag could say " Buy me, and you will be guaranteed to win $20,000/-.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sarah, 1. In the Far East (Asia), rattan or bamboo furniture were particularly popular in the 1970's. Especially with the cheap labour and raw materials. All that is needed is to sew cushions and presto! Many homes have them. 2. In recent years especially in 1990's till today, because labour costs had risen, many have opted for other various combinations of steel/wood ; wood / cushions etc.. as they can be manufactured cheaply. The slightly more expensive go for half-cow leather etc... 3. In my opinion, I do not think so that your bamboo furniture can be considered as dead wood. 4. The only basis of calling `dead wood' is if one keeps too many `antique' furniture. This is where some believe that those who surround themselves fully or clutter themselves fully with `antique' furniture, could be said to be rather `conservative' etc... 5. But, this is just people's comments. Personally, I feel that our up bringing has been shaped and formed once we reach 18 or 21 years i.e. our character (is this) and harder to change - unless, we encounter `bitterness' e.g. failures or life issues such as the demise of a love one etc.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. A reasonable question asked is: ?Is this the only leak found in your home?" 2. Often, from my past experience, there is not just one leak (major) but several major leaks. Thus, in my opinion, taking this approach alone is too `simplistic' method. For example, if we try to `cover-our-backside'; it does not mean that our woes or problem may go away. In fact, we have protected our front-part which can be very vulnerable. Thus, we can still continue to be a " Virtual Eunuch "; even if we chopped down a tree. But it is an important step, nevertheless, if it poses or act as a poison arrow. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Hoa Luong, The report you generated is for the 20 year Flying Star for period 7. However, the Year 2003 report is based on this year, thus the difference. One should look at the 20 year Flying Star numbers first and relate it to (any additional adverse stars of the Year 2003) which may make the sector worse-off. For example, for a South-West house at 240 degrees, the 20 year Flying Star for Period 7 are as follows:- #3 mountain #2 water with base #5 and Year 4 while for North is #5 mountain with #9 water and base #3. And Year 2. In such a situation, for such a house; Year 2 flew into the North and made the sector worse-off! This is how, we relate the Year i.e. 2003 to the 20 Year Flying Star chart of say Period 7 house. Warmest Regards, Cecil