Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. In a major `leak' senario, such as a leak in wealth, based on many past observations; usually one major leak may not necessarily be a `downfall'. 2. For example, a toilet at the centrepoint or centre of gravity of a house is considered one major leak. But, on it's own, usually, and depending on the individual's ba zi (heaven luck), if it is reasonable or if the house is still an acceptable fit, one major leak such as a toilet can be considered as an irritation. 3. Usually, a major downfall occurs when there are at least 2 or more major leaks. When this happens, it is difficult to fix-the-leak. Thus, it is not good to have a toilet at the centrepoint. As it is like when are trying to start a 100 metre run, we are already handicapped. Which is not ideal. 4. Frankly, I am not too keen if an apartment is in close proximity to any apartment. Especially, no matter how, units next to or near to it, would be affected by metallic Sha Qi (friction of the wheels on the rails. And, there is a low frequency, disturbance. 5. Just a few days ago, I visited a new apartment which next to another block close-by. Some how, at floors above the level of the MRT track, one seems to hear quite a disturbance. For new HDB flats such as those parallel to the MRT track e.g. Woodlands Drive 75 and older Drive 73 flats. 6. Prior to your question on Yishun Emerald Condo, I had two clients who bought the flats as first buyers. They subsequently sold it in 2000 at a reasonable price. 7. I believe, many Singaporeans are discerning. And with or without Feng Shui aid, many go for good sites. 8. We cannot draw the parallel of Yishun Emerald Condo with Centrepointhomes recent release of Cote d'Azur. Since Cote d'Azur is in the prime district 15 area. http://www.Centrepointhomes.com 9. But we can compare Cote d'Azur with Costa Del Sol (which is along the east coast area). 10. Cote d'Azur sold like hot cakes and nearly sold out. While Costa Del Sol (at the last press release had sold no more than 30 percent. And yet, is almost - there closer to TOP). 11. Cote d'Azur has veru good Feng Shui. Development equal to The Tropica of Hong Leong. 12. While Costa Del Sol reminds me of Mandarin Gardens: which is in my opinion, more like two snakes because each major blocks are glued together. In my opinion, not too FS friendly to allow dragon qi from closer inland to `flow thru'. Sometimes creating compressed qi. 13. In this case, imagine the swimming pool area, the qi circulates in a vortex in many occasions and may make swimming uncomfortable due to high winds just above it's surface. 14. In my opinion, the Yishun Emerald will continue to be passed on for sale, first hand from the developer since, many would wise up and not take up the units. Much like, the Regency, which had TOP for a few years yet, still hoping to be sold. 15. If you can, try to do some pre-empative work like either place your name with developers or check out their website for new or upcoming developments. 16. In my opinion, in the past, I personally seen may Far East developments which, perhaps by coincidence, but left me with an impression of quality defects. 17. So far, I personally liked MCL land's quality control on many of their developments. Maybe, they do not develop as much but it is worth while looking at their development if new ones should come up. Often, very reasonably priced. Therefore, I have a good impression of them. Wishing you a fruitful House Hunting! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ling Tien, Thank you for attaching your layout plan. Within Flying Star Feng Shui, there are indeed many schools. Ultimately, when we super-impose the luo shu grid either the pie chart or the 9 grid, it should match the compass directions. Therefore, in all authentic schools, the centrepoint is determined. For a relatively small place like a house of 1,200 sq ft or even a house of 5,000 sq ft, usually, the centrepoint or centre of gravity is found. Here, the luo shu grid is laid on the layout plan. Actually, if we use the Flying Star (Xuan Kong Feng Shui), if the house was born in period 7, most likely even if the main door has been interpreted diferently, the characteristics of a Period 7 house will still usually show i.e. East (often not less than #5 x 2 (because, especially for this year, #5 flies to East. While #2 files to South. And often South may have #2 x 2 or more. Which is not ideal. Like different schools, quite often, using the loupan, some schools basically see where your main door is. And as you had mentioned, take an exact reading inside the house looking out. But if the main door is facing another direction, like what you had mentioned, this may not be practical. Some other schools looks at the location where there is most light coming into the home. For example, imagine if one's apartment is on the ground level. Given this idea, most of the time, the frontage is the location is where if this is a landed property, this frontage is the main door. In such a situation, usually, three readings are taken facing the frontage. One reading is at e.g. the right side, the middle and the left side. All these three readings are added and divided by three to get an average reading. This reading is then the `facing' or the main door reading. While the `sitting' is directly behind the facing. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daphne, Please see below:- Usually, for a condo, it is mostly `move-in' condition. And normally, few if any major renovations are done. Usually, Yishun Sapphire, will continue to be under Period 7. The main concern for a period 7 house is the East compass direction. Especially if it is a bedroom. As many of houses under Period 7, have at least #5 (misfortune/sickness) stars x 2 at this location. 2002, is worse-off because the year star also #5 at this sector. South also has #2 but not as bad as the East. Although, some homes (depending) on the main door, has #2 x 2 for the 20 year period. Frankly, this will bring down the Feng Shui luck tremendously. There is no cure here. However, the best one can do here is to maximize the home based on breadwinners ba zi. And fix any other major leaks if any. I believe, many of the first hand owners had paid a high price for it for a 99 year tenure apartment. Two years ago, the approximate price per sq ft was around $500/- to $550 depending on the level. Based on new developments of similar type, the price is very competitive and many new first hand condos can be purchased at much lower than this i.e. $395 to $460psf 99 year tenure. Personally, unless, there is a strategic reason for choosing the location e.g. upgrading/familiarity, within child's school, workplace etc... if it is me, I would try to source for other developments. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ling Tien, You can do it but, in my opinion, it may not be as effective. In addition, nowadays, a modern office table, has a monitor and for some even a PC cpu on it. And quite heavy. If it is not stable, it may topple down. not too good, thou. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daphne, In a tropical country such as ours, there is a quirk with the application of the East/West group of persons or known as Eight House. This is especially so, if the living room; several bedrooms and even the master bedroom is `bathe' by the afternoon sun (West facing) or even the morning sun (East facing). One significant concern is if these rooms face another block of flats. The direct sun light and reflected (sha qi) from other close-by buildings will totally reduce the advantage of having a house face our good direction. I feel that such cosmic `radiation' (especially with the ozone layer hole) may be detrimental to many of us in the long run. Especially if our apartment is exposed to it (directly or reflected from the walls of other unit). Here, the alternative is to install thick curtains etc... and by doing so, the house can become darken. In general, a North to South or close to this alignment is always a much better choice, overall. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Danil, The purpose of using Feng Shui, Ba Zi and other Chinese divinity methods is to try to boost our overall luck. The wrong way to approch this is to simply focus at one sector and cover it with gold etc... Let us not forget that there are more sectors than just this sector. The most promising way to enhance luck are: 1. Try to fix any leaks in the home, first. 2. Only after one has fixed these leaks, should one look at enhancements. Overall, Feng Shui should be practised in a holistic way. And, this involves many theories and concepts. And each theory or concept has a specific aim, strength and weakness. Frankly, if one were to do it on your own, then, there is a long way to go. But the most sound way is to understand this statement: do it right the first time round. If one needs to learn, try to start by getting fundamentals correct. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daphne, 1. Usually, the better units have been sold earlier if you are buying the property first hand. As Yishun Sapphire has been on the market for quite some time. 2. Generally, Yishun Sapphire sits on a good `earth' shape plot of land. My major complaint is some of the units may be affected by the MRT track running parallel to one side of it. I can draw a parallel to this with the Tropical Spring condominium in Simei. Some of the units in this condo and in one case, the sound of the moving MRT trains can be heard (loudly) within the master bedroom. 2. However, there units that face Yishun Avenue 2 which is very close to the MRT tracks which runs parallel to it. Some of these units cannot run away from the noise level generated by the friction of daily MRT cabins. Which may account for some of the units not sold. On a Feng Shui level, such units close to the MRT tracks may have quite alot of noise: metal element noise/vibration or sha qi. 3. If the unit which you intend to purchase does not have this noise and in general, it suits your budget and if you and your family members feel comfortable within it, this is usually a good step. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. In Singapore, another way of looking at a property is to see the take-up response of the public despite the property glut. The reasonably good ones have at least 70-80 percent take up after 6 months, placed on sale. Many of the not so desirable one's seems never to be sold. Recently in the local newspapers, there are a few condominiums that despite being on the market for more than 6 or more months had only a take up rate of 20 percent or less. It is interesting to note this article. Because, when one moves in, one may be moving into a `ghost' town. Imagine, staying on a unit where our unit is the only occupied unit. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Judith, 1. In my opinion, I feel that if the aloe vera is a `soft' (short) plant. And although it has some thorns, these are equally soft. 2. I personally do have several aloe vera plants and I also do not have an issue. 3. In fact, if they grow well and healthy, this is indeed a very good sign. 4. We can draw a parallel to having a TV set in the bedroom. Many of us grew up at an age where each room in the house has a personal TV set. There is no issue for many of us. This is about tolerance level: How thick is our skin? Some of us thrive on pressure. The key point here is that: we have a short life span on this earth. And, what better way to truly enjoy ourselves while we can. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Donna, 1. Yes, based on your description, this is indeed a threat to your home. The test is to stand inside the house looking out of the main door. If you can see the threat coming, then it is a threat or poison arrow. 2. If there is a small roof or rain shelter at the frontage of your house you can use a 6 rod metal wind chime to neutralise it. Since most roofs are constructed with wood. And under the five elements concept: Metal can destroy wealth. 3. Alternatively, in the east or Far East, Ba Gua mirror is often placed above the main door to serve as a protection from these. You can do a SEARCH for the various types. Or go to the conference: Photo Tours of Interest (with pictures) and locate a few postings on the Type of Ba Gua available. This is a traditional method. But I often find or hear many Western Feng Shui practitioners especially some of those practising in the west `cursing' or worse `swearing' at others for recommending this. I feel this is one of the difference that some non-Chinese practitioners may differ in their thinking. Frankly, I still feel that even in modern times, this practise will never die: in my life time or for the next several generations. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Josephine, Yes, usually, it is best to check for `leaks' in the house, first. It would be nice if we can enhance but often, we forget that we must first fix-the-leaks. From a Shapes and Forms point, there are several leaks in your home. (Frankly, I have not used other tools, it it involves more anlysis - due to a busy schedule). But from a Shapes and Forms and forms view, there are several leaks:- 1. Narrow hallway, which is on one side of the house. 2. Markings A to B:- The back patio sliding door. The path of qi from A to B is a direct path. And not auspicious. (Especially if the door is opened). In addition, because of this long corridor, there is supressed Qi. And it can also leak the other way thru the door towards the garage area. 3. Markings C to D:- Based on your diagram, it looks like there are widows at C or D. If so, there is a potential leak of qi especially if the windows are opened. Try to open alternative windows in this case. 4. Marking X:- The entrance into the house is close to the centrepoint of the house at Marking X. There is compressed qi (narrowing) at this area. Upstairs also has similar compressed Qi at markings E and F. 5. In your home, it seems that qi flow cannot properly meander from the living room area to the other side i.e. garage facing side and vice-versa. This has an impact or strifle your luck. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, If you have a sketch of the layout, I can help take a look at it for you. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Chuan Ho, Further to what I had mentioned, your Type B layout plan is acceptable. Attached please find the picture of the roof design of Dahlia Park. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chuan Ho, Congratulations on your new home. Attached please find a scanned image of the sales brochure of Dahila Park. It is a partial (not complete landscape plan). But it will show some of the significant information that I will be providing:- Source and Credit of the Brochure: Hong Leong Holdings Ltd, Tripartite Developers Pte Ltd. 1. For Blocks 17 (Type G) and 18 (Type Ga): On a top-plan view, one can notice the outline of the swimming pool, which I had drawn an outline in red. Symbolically, it looks like a knife slicing Blocks 17 and 18. In my opinion, these two blocks are considered the most inauspicious for this development. 2. Highlighted in Pink: Blk 24 and Blk 25 (Type L) and also Blk 26 (Type A) and Blk 27 (Type L). There is a certain element of wealth leak from these two units towards units opposite it. This especially favours Blk 5 and 8. But, water positions within some of these units can help to retain wealth instead of it being drained away. Frankly, I am not infavour of the shape of the roof. Nevertheless, I first visited the site early on in the beginning of the year and in my opinion is considered an average condominium. As compared to some of the better built ones by Hong Leong Group. This are some of my initial comments. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 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. Warmest Regards, Cecil

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Dear Ramdev, Firstly, this is a modern commercial invention. However, I personally do not see any harm in hanging it. Usually, (more of a privacy issue); one may hang it inside the door. In general, the significance of three coins is as follows:- 1. the number 3 represents : Wood element 2. 3 coins is made of metal: Metal element Under the destructive cycle of Five Elements Concept: Metal destroys Wood = Wealth. Bell? anyone's guess. Perhaps, to create more metal to destroy wood. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Donna, Please see below:- Based on your description, it does not seem that your main door is in any direct threat unless:- 1. there are supporting posts or struts or lone lamp posts that slices thru your main door. 2. I believe, there is usually a personal compound at the frontage of your house or main door. Para 1 is the main concern. Otherwise, small driveways e.g. neighbour's car porch is in my opinion, no threat to your home. Best of Luck:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned, 1. Authentic Feng Shui, Chinese divinity methods and Chinese medicine, food etc.. revolves around the Five elements concept. 2. Earlier, we have seen that Ba Zi makes use of an element and it's strength. E.g. weak wood or strong wood person? There is a total difference between the two. 3. Each day can be classified into strong or weak element. E.g. strong water element. 4. Under this new resource, please go thru the reply to Question 2:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/arowanafish.htm For example, under Shapes and Forms, even the material and the design of a fountain conforms to the Five Elements concept. In some of the replies under this resource, one can clearly see that authentic Flying Star or Xuan Kong Feng Shui also uses the Five elements concept. 5. When an authentic Feng Shui practitioner scans the environment, he she can classify buildings or surrounding buildings under a specific element. For example a rectangular shaped building belongs to the earth element etc... The crucial purpose of doing so is to relate as many things (detailed as possible) to the Lowest Common Denominator i.e. the Five Elements Concept. Anything else is either too general e.g. Gua (based solely on Year of birth) unfortunately should be considered as rough-cut analysis. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anthony, Please see below:- Yes, in my opinion, this should be the most accurate method. However, for the Chinese, it is used in conjunction with the months/dates of festive occassions or specific dates. For example, the Chinese dread the 7th month and even if a date (move-in) is auspicious under Ba Zi; due to belives, it is not a good date. There is a rationale why Ba Zi should be the standard for chosing auspicious dates:- 1. The lowest common denominator or LCM The lowest common denominator is based on the Five Elements concept: 1.1 This is where every day, hour has a specific Five element. 1.2 Not only is there a specific Five element e.g. wood. But also its strength. Thus for example: one can refer to the daily forecast here:- http://sg.geomancy.net/freebies/free-forecast/free-forecast.htm It will show the day's prevailing element and strength. 2. For individuals, a proper Ba Zi analysis is based on one's Year, Month, Day, Hour, House of Life and House of Conception. And the above combinations/clashes/interactions are used to determine the final result for a person: weak or strong (element). For example strong water. element, should consider a day This is not exactly correct. As there is a signficant difference (a person's ba zi) between being Strong or Weak vs a specific day. For example if the person is a STRONG metal person. Thus if the day happens to be either STRONG or WEAK fire, this is auspicious for this person. BUT in the event that the person is a WEAK metal person. This changes the equation. A weak metal person cannot directly beneifit from the Fire day (even worse off if it is a STRONG fire day). Since under the destructive cycle: Fire will control metal. As one can see:- 1. There is a common language between a day and person's BA ZI i.e. Five element concept. 2. One has to be careful what type of Ba Zi analysis is used here. It should be as accurate as possible based on Year, Month, Day, Hour, House of Life and House of Conception. If the ba zi is simply based on just the day pillar and further more if an inaccurate strength of element has been determined it can result in as `bad' an analysis based on Gua number. I hope one can see the above flow. Gua unfortunately is simply based on one's Year of birth. So how acurate can this be as compared to what was mentioned above. It is by far also too smplistic since it also does not accurate look at one's element and strength. And cannot be properly compared with each day's element Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anthony, Based on your description, in my opinion: No or there is no issue here. Unless, the furniture was fixed or built against the wall and such furniture may require some force or hacking to remove them. Otherwise, it is OK. Warmest Regards, Cecil

(1). Hi Cecil and Robert, Thank you very much for participating in our Live Chat, all our members learned a lot from your pre-asked question answers as well as from the two hour session....the respond for this event was better than our last Live Chat. We have about 27 members taking part in the session. We are proud to be the first arowana web site to be having such a comprehensive Q&A on the topic of fengshui. I hope the attendance is within your expectation.....I guess both of you must have type non-stop for the whole of two hours. :) The team of arowanaclub will like to express our sincere gratitude to the both of you for taking valuable time off. Hope this exposure will increase more business for you. Best regards Victor Ng (2). Hi Cecil Your site is highly recommended by my friend. Have spent an hour surfing through your site and I must say it is really WONDERFUL. Angela C. (new forum member) (3). Hi Master Cecil & Master Robert, Thanks for the speedy reply. I am really impressed with the efficient services provided by your company. May many more people also benefit from your geomancy services. Wishing You and Family A Prosperous and Fruitful New Year. Best Wishes, Kian Pin, 1st February 2003

Dear Joanna, Mirrors are said to reflect qi. In general, usually it is not advisable for the mirror to face directly the bathroom door. The believe here is that it may reflect out what was inside the toilet. More commonly, it is ok to place it at the side of the door. E.g. when one enters the toilet, it is on the right or left side. But, I believe, you may not have a choice. Since it is usually above your wash basin. Try to close the toilet door when not in use. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Hi everyone, This is the resources to the pre-asked questions on Arowana (dragon fish) and Feng Shui during one of our live chat sessions at www.arowanaclub.com:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/arowanafish.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually for a weak earth person, the best element that can help him is the fire element. As fire helps earth grow. Adding earth element is like adding earth to earth. Although still favourable is acceptable. The only concern about earth element is that if your house is currently a Period 7 house (built, renovated between 1984 onwards), take extra care of compass directions East and South. Especially if this is his bedroom. As there are usually bad earth stars at these sectors. At these two locations try to avoid having too much `fire' element or earth element at these two sectors. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Edwin, In my opinion, TUAH CALU seems more appropriate:) Warmest Regards, Cecil