Cecil Lee

Dear Lee, 1. In Feng Shui, if one has an `L-shaped' living room or living cum dining room; one should take advantage of (top-down view) of "two rectangular" shaped areas. Imagine here that a partition on one side of the wall with walking space - will imply two rectangle areas. This is the best configuration for an `L-shaped' room/area. 2. If you have a sketch of your existing `L-shaped' layout and/or a proposed sketch; feel free to upload it as a message (Attachment file) for me to make my comments. Otherwise, you may explain further or describe further (Forgive me -- hopefully, I can understand and comment somewhat on it) for you. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Which is more important? Fix a leak or look for the WEALTH sector first?

Fast-Food Feng Shui is a growing trend and started in the mid-1980's. Pick up a book, Go APPLY it! (RUN... don't WALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Dear Ben, Please see below:- 1. I like to personally thank you for taking your time and effor in summarising my views. GREAT JOB! 2. In my opinion, I feel that the above set of `holistic' approach is so far; the best approach. Anyway, I am also following the `tried and tested' past techniques used by ancient Feng Shui practitioners or Masters. However, there are a few considerations: 2.1. In some of the previous messages; I mentioned that many of us are MORE inclinded to e.g. Shapes and Form while others may be more inclined towards Compass School Feng Shui. 2.2 Where, it has to do (indirectly) with the `left / or right ' brain person. 3. For those who are more inclined towards the spatial or arts would (I believe) feel more at home with Shapes and Forms. 4. While someone who else may have more inclination towards (mathematical) side e.g. Flying Star. 5. But these are extreme ends of a continuum like `hot and cold'. Most of the time with much effort or especially for those who are really interested in the subject, can pick up and try to use both methods. 6. I also like to frankly point out that what you have summarised is based on my past experience also on what I personally feel is (I sincerely believe) what I feel can work for me or the majority who needs Feng Shui advise. Do not get me wrong ... that it is compulsory to follow completely what I deemed as the `Holistic' method. 7. If you or any users here, especially students of Geomancy.net - can find a style that they feel is acceptable to them and that it can yield results, then... go ahead. 8. If everyone, follows many of the replies here; my only hope is to act like a `catalyst' in your personal pursit or `thirst' of Feng Shui. And as always, i will continue to use terms like: I believe; In my opinion; etc.. In the hope that the reader, can understand that what I wrote here is based on my personal belief and not a MUST or a `command' or instruction...etc... Part 1... am looking at your question and will reply soon... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Grand Duke of Jupiter... How about touching or disturbing him?

Finally, here is the secret to our wealth sector.....

Under Pillars of Destiny... what element does circular shapes represent? For example, if your dining table is circular?

Dear Carrie, 1. Unfortunately, Feng Shui is not a `cure-all'. 2. Again, we come back to the fundamentals by asking three questions here: 2.1. What is the purpose (aim) of Feng Shui. 2.2. What are it's strength 2.3. What are it's weakness 3. Overall, Feng Shui is about trying to improve one's earth luck. Other Chinese divinity methods have the same objective of trying to improve one's luck. 4. For helping to sell a property - we can still " use " Feng Shui but for a different purpose. 4.1 For example, if the vacant plot of land has good Feng Shui or even if a house has good Feng Shui. 4.2 We can `try' to market it in the hope that the buyer -- may coincidentally believe in Feng Shui and are " sold " with the idea that buying the property or vacant. Which it is felt that buying it may be auspicious to them or their family. 4.3 Again this may be a double-edged sword! Some buyers may either have a rough idea or are superstitous. They may instead view the plot of land as inauspicious. Therefore, only if a plot of land is indeed auspicious; one can certainly use it to our advantage -- but wait for or hope for a strong believer of Feng Shui who SHAREs the same view! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ben, 1. Before we look at your question, it is interesting to note the following URL: http://www.geomancy.net/love/amenu.htm And the comments: "At the above (green coloured) gate of the former Convent of The Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), many babies were abandoned in baskets to be picked up by the Sisters of the Convent. This was the origin of the Home for Abandoned Babies. For over 100 years, the orphanage was home to children from poor or broken homes as well as unwanted babies. The orphanage took in many Chinese baby girls born in the year of the tiger - " tiger girls " because of the strong superstitious belief that they would bring bad luck to their families. In 1963, the Mother Superior noted that this practice was stopped as there was a marked change in this supersitious belief. The Home of Abandoned Babies ceased finally in 1983 when the CHIJ Convent was relocated." 2. From the above, we will know that the Chinese are supersitious (even today) about having a baby in the Year of the Tiger. 3. Many people thus: 3.1 Try to avoid like the `plague' to get married in a Year such as the Tiger or worse still avoid having a baby especially a baby girl during that year. 3.2 The rationale is mentioned under Para 1 where, it is pretty hard to `match-make' a daughter born in that year as almost no one wants a `tiger' daughter-in-law! 3.3 Very popular years are the Year of the Dragon. Next few popular years are the Year of the Rabbit, Rat.... 4. Sometimes, our local education ministry has a hard time allocating resources for each new school year. 5. For example, in Singapore our yearly birth is around 45,000 babies born a year. (Since Singapore is a multi-racial country, however the Chinese is the majority race at around 68% of the total population). 6. If it is a Year of the Tiger, the birth rate for that particular year could fall as low as 25,000 babies! 7. For example in the Year of the Tiger, you can see many schools say have around 4 Primary One classes such as Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D. But if it is the year of the Dragon or even the Rabbit, there may be as many as 7 classess in each primary school i.e. Class A to G! 8. Although say the Dragon year is indeed a good year; but look at it this way, when it comes to streaming or ranking children from best classes to the students that are `slower' in their studies; many students with cohorts in e.g. the Dragon year has to work real hard to fight the competition; every year. As the same students will fight for good places at schools e.g. Primary to Secondary to Pre-University etc... While a child born in the Tiger year, enters school with less competition especially in the early years. 9. Yes, as you have mentioned, one can look at which year may be suitable e.g. for the child and (roughly) their match with the parent or their siblings. 10. However, one must take note that this is only based on the YEAR of birth. If one, can further look at e.g. Year, Month, Day and even time of birth; this would be better. 11. And I agree with you that if someone wants to, e.g. planning for a C section; is possible to look at good dates. However, these dates must be looked at up to the DAY `pillar' or the actual DAY of birth and a bonus is the time of birth. Yes, this is possible. 12. It is certainly good to have been born in an auspicious date but Pillars of Destiny has an `escape' clause. 12.1 Here, it is asking a question similar to: If two persons are born exactly at the same day and time - is their life the same? 12.2 The answer is NO. This is because of the external factor such as education and experience. 12.3 In general, we could be born on the same day and time. But say, I was born in China (with Chinese parents) and you were born in the US; we were totally brought up by different parents in different environments. A child similar to our birth date could be born in Afganistan in a war torn country... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Some consider " 666 " as the devil's number. In the Flying Star Feng Shui: 2 2 2 is instead the dreaded number (s) as it implies 3 times of 2 or extremely bad sickness sector. Where mountain star = 2 water star =2 base number = 2....

From 12 Feb 2002 to 31 Jan 2003, it is said that the Grand Duke of Jupiter will be `stationed' at North `0' Degrees. Where possible, try not to disturb the earth at North or 0 degrees. Warmest Regards, Cecil

It is common to select auspicious dates for: 1. Marriage; 2. Start of renovations; 3. Ground breaking for a new project; 4. House or Office warming rituals Can you think of any more? Warmest Regards, Cecil

Since Yang = odd numbers while Yin = even numbers; the saying goes: One must try to balance yin and yang. Thus water is considered Yin. While ONE fish is considered Yang. We then have a combination of Yin and Yang or a balance.

" The boss is always correct "

Dear John, 1. There is a difference between favourable colour(s) and wealth element colour. 2. Thus for a Strong Metal person:- 2.1 Favourable element/colours: Water (blue/black/grey), Fire (red), wood (green/brown). 2.2 Unfavourable element/colour: Earth 9yellow), metal (white/gold). 3. Wealth element/colour: Wood (green/brown). Thus if one notice carefully, the wealth element colour is one of the favourable colours for the person. The difference here is that under the destructive sequence (reference url: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm ) 4. Since the person is a Strong Metal, the Strong Metal can be used to destroy Wood. The end result is what is termed wealth for the Strong Metal person. 5. Similiarly, If a person is Strong Earth person, he/she can destroy Water element to create wealth.. etc... 6. But if one is a Weak Metal, person, one must or have to increase one's metal element first before one can take advantage and `destroy' wood. If not, this will be detrimental to the Weak Metal person. 7. In short: 7.1 You MUST be a Strong element person 7.2 Under the destructive sequence, if your element is water (say a Strong water person, then your wealth element is Fire). You can destroy fire with the result that you neutralise the strong water and by definition under the Five elements concept, you can then achieve `wealth'. Wealth may not automatically mean money but can be health, family... happiness. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Deirdre, 1. If one is applying Chinese Divinity methods; the analysis done is thru the use of "Pillars of Destiny analysis". 2. Pillars of Destiny can be used to analyse a person with the result of finding the person's element and strength. 3. For example, if the vehicle is gold or silver (metal element):- This car is favourable to a person whose element is Strong Earth. But is unfavourable for say a Weak Earth person. 4. In another example, if the vehicle is blue (water element):- For a Strong Earth person, this is a real benefit as his/her wealth element or colour is Water (Blue, black or grey). Blue is also favourable for a Strong Metal person (although his wealth element is Wood or green -which is not one of the colours). This colour is not favourable to a Strong Water person. But is favourable to a weak wood person. 5. For a red car:- It is beneficial to a person who is of the Strong Water element. And this colour: Red is his/her wealth element. If you know your element and strength, and if it is not any of the above, do let me know so that I can advise you on each of the colours ie. whether it is favourable; unfavourable or your wealth element colour. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carrie, Thank you for the sketch. I know have a better understanding of your house profile. 1. I was `fearing' to see such a layout plan because, this type of layout plan is rather inauspicious under Shapes and Form Feng Shui. 2. In addition, having a west pond is not ideal for such a house. It is actually equally not ideal for any other house to have a pond or water position at the west. This is based on `symbolism' in Feng Shui which is called: "the White tiger, has it's mouth wide open" (imagine the pond as the mouth of this white tiger). This is the additional problem added to your layout plan. 3. In my opinion, it does not really matter which room are at where. But rather, the entire house `sloping' downwards is not a good auspicious configuration. 4. I understand that it is quite difficult for you to sell the house. However, (I hope you can take it) - Frankly, there is not much cure that one can do to neutralise the inauspiciousness of the backward sloping house. 5. This is my FRANK opinion. To minimize further damage, it is best not to have a pond at the west. 6. Should you need to seek further opinions, on this, my sincere advise is not to seek any practitioners who are not well versed in all these especially avoid Black Hat Sect like the "plague". Becareful of anyone who may offer advise or promise you that he/she can give miracle cures for this type of layout i.e. if anyone say that they can give promise that it can be cured, then, tell them that you need to see results first before paying them upfront for the service. (I am only afraid that one might get cheated on this issue). As I personally feel that it is difficult to correct it unless one tears down the entire house, fill up the `slope' and make the entire house level from front to back. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carrie, I hope I am not asking too much but you have a sketch or a street directory page of your home location. Apologies, I am still confused by your earlier statement that your home slopes backwards. From what I read (below), you seem to indicate that especially, the back yard is "level." When you mention level, I want to find out is: is your entire plot of land `level' or the at same level or when you mean level; it implies that the front although is level; the back is below the front of the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- Facing `West' is considered more a `nice-to-have'. It is nice to face West but priority must be given to say spending time at a good sector. If your body and say the legs can be seen from the main door e.g. parallel to it; this is known as the `coffin' position. And considered inauspicious under Shapes and Form Feng Shui Shui. If this is the bedroom ideally not to use plants especially life plants. As plants grown and they are considered `more yang' engergy. Which is not so good. It also depends on how far this is this protusion. If the protusion is not aimed at any part of the body (on the bed) this is fine. Some users here, have indicated novel ways to neutralise this e.g. on the basis that if it cannot be seen it no longer becomes a threat. If the sector is ok, some even use wind chimes. (But usually, this is inconsultation with a FS practitioner). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lisa, In general, (I really have to say this) because, one has to be physically present to analyse the site even though you have given some description of the site: Here are some guidelines:- 1. Is this site an existing burial site. If it is an existing, can you find out more if this site has ever being Feng Shuied before? 2. If the question above is Yes (it has been Feng Shuied before) than try to find out who actually Feng Shuied the site? We do not want the site to be said to be Feng Shuied but the result is it is " Feng Shuied " by people from the Black Hat Sect. 3. If it has been Feng Shui especially a Chinese Teochew Master, then usually you can be rest assured that; the Teochew Feng Shui Masters - most of the time can really find excellent sites. They have a nose of finding the choicest sites. 4. Usually, the south facing slopes are the preferred locations. Much similiar to the traditional model of the Four Symbolic Animals. Where the frontage is at the South. 5. However, this may not be that practical considering nowadays, land scarcity and not all land areas face South. 6. Overall, from your description, it is good for the grave site to face the ocean. 7. If it does cross-path with say `living homes' then these homes which lay directly with the North-East to South-West alignment; may have to use `some' protection as this NE to SW alignment (this straight line) will be unfavourable to those living in the homes. 8. In particular, if any of these homes cross path at NE-SW and further still, if their main door orientates at NE or SW; may have to change it. 9. Overall, if I read correctly, I believe, the houses you mentioned should be more than 5 km away. The safety zone (between this cross-path) should be greater than 5 km. 10. Sorry for the side-track: In one of my past Feng Shui audit: This house I was doing Feng Shui was in a direct alignment NE-SW with a temple (housing the burnt remains or ashes) of loved ones. Although this house is 4 KM away from the temple; unfortunately, it has `cross-path' with it as the living room area and some bedrooms are in a straight line NE to SW alignment. When I used a Luopan, especially at the ground level along this NE-SW alignment, the centre compass turns many rounds. (Indicating - activity). Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. This is not compulsory, but if you do have e.g. photos of the site, it would be of great help to further understand the existing site.

Dear Abhijit, In general, fish tank should be placed against a wall. Usually, I believe, the fish tank that has been placed at north is meant more as a hobby piece. Rather than for Feng Shui purpose. Without much more investigations (e.g. using the various methods especially, the Flying Star Feng Shui, therefore, one can only say that it is ok, since you may have it there for sometime already. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mina, 1. Chinese Astrology (Zi Wei Dou Shu), Eight House Theory, Flying Star Theory, Pillars of Destiny all these major theories uses Chinese Lunar calendar system for their calculation. 2. In authentic Chinese methodology such as Chinese Astrology, Eight House and Flying Star all reference to one's Chinese Lunar calendar. 3. Xia (Hsia) or Chinese Solar calendar is used mainly to define season. And in Pillars of Destiny, this is one portion of the calculation. For example, to define the season of birth i.e. when you were born what season it happen to be at that time. 4. As mentioned above, all other major calculations of Pillars of Destiny uses the Chinese Lunar calendar. 5.1 In most cases the results of the analysis between the Xia (Hsia) and Solar is the same. However, if there is a `blind' date i.e. the difference between how the calendar system treats the start of a new month may create a one month change in the Date of Birth. Since Pillars Destiny is based on one's date of birth, such a change is considered major and will make your entire Pillars of Destiny readings inacurate. 6. The rationale why you see so many Feng Shui practitioners promoting the use of Xia (Hsia) or Chinse Solar is because: 6.1. What we see in the internet are `voices' of many Feng Shui practitioners who derive their practise in Hong Kong. 6.2. Hong Kong once was a Commnonwealth country and many of these Hong Kong practitioners widely use English. And this is why we see a widespread use of Xia (Hsia) or Chinese Solar. 6.3 The rationale is because, Xia is quite constant and very similar to the western solar calendar system. And the best advantage it has is it is easy to chart. 7. Many of the Hong Kong practitioners also migrated to say Canada and some even to USA e.g. California.. thus makes it look like Xia or Hsia or Chinese solar is the `defacto standard.' 8. If we look at China under communism. Feng Shui and Chinese divinity methods were banned in the country. And many of the Authentic Feng Shui practitioners or rather Masters fled to Taiwan. (Majority speaks Chinese dialects or mandarin). I believe if you check the records of many of the well known personalities on Feng Shui e.g. in Hong Kong and Canada or USA, their links are with Hong Kong - i.e. Xia or Hsia system. 9. The unfortunate part is that many of the true Taiwanese Masters do not speak any English. And their main media is either Mandarin or (Hokkien - Fukien). If one looks at the origins of some of the theories, orignate from Fukien province. For example the entire Compass School Feng Shui originates Fukien (Hokkien) province) and the founder is Wang K'e. 10. Thus, you only see sites like us, who have links with both Taiwanese and Hong Kong. Therefore, we understand the practical reasons for practitioners who use Xia (Hsia) system - mainly for conveninence of calcuations. Since Xia (Hsia) use a constant 360 days every year. Much more simple than even the Western solar calendar. Because in majority (95%) of time, one's date of birth does not fall into the blind dates. (Too bad for those who fall in the blind dates only)> 11. We have to be objective and this is why, Geomancy.net has to Chinese Lunar. 12. This is because, in the actual Chinese Lunar Pillars of Destiny the Xia (Hsia) is used not to convert the main Pillars chart but used when needed to reference the seasons of birth and for several calculations relating to two advanced pillars e.g. House of Life and House of Conception. In this two references, there is a need to convert or calculate the actual Hsia months in relation to the Lunar month. 13. Thus it is a pretty complicated process and in most cases, you will not find many practitioners analysing up to the House of Life and House of Conception. 14. You will also notice that the other major theories like Eight House, Flying Star, Chinese Astrology never use Xia (Hsia) as the default system. Although, in recent times we do see some `Hong Kong' related Feng Shui practitioners trying to use Xia Flying Star System. However, if one knows, the origins of the Compass School, it comes from Fukien (Hokkien) and the original use is thru the Lunar system. 15. Feng Shui is applied thru the use of several theories. And many of these theories are inter-related i.e. using the common denominator i.e. Lunar System. This allows for cross-analysis. 16. We feel that being 95% accurate is not acceptable at Geomancy.net. As we are literally playing with people's life. For example, if you are the one who `unfortunately' belong to the category with the blind date - using Hsia, would mean that all your calculations are no longer accurate. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Allison, Under Traditional Feng Shui, the two major schools used are: 1. Shapes and Form 2. Compass School (Eight House & Flying Star) In my opinion, the most accurate Feng Shui is the use of (Para 1 and 2) in combination with one's Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny) - in particular one's element and strength. 3. This is what is know as Ba Zi Feng Shui. It is widely used system as it is considered the most accurate. As it not only takes into account " Feng Shui " of the house but it also takes into account the persons who intent to live or are currently living in the house. 4. For a start, the key word is `protect, protect, protect'. You should stand at your main entrance door facing outwards of the house. Do this i.e. standing at all the windows of your house and look for poison arrows or sha qi. Here, look out especially for e.g. a lone lamp post slicing thru your main entrance door. Or a pointed object such as the sharp angle of another building pointed into your home (main door) or windows). 5. You should also try to understand more about Shapes and Form Feng Shui. For example you can look thru the various topics on this. For the interior, also such as the good placement of beds, furniture and what to avoid e.g. overhead beams etc... 6. For the `lucky' few who live in homes that have `excellent' Feng Shui. Here, if your Shapes and Form of the environment, the site and home - can be interpreted as able to retain wealth... and if this happening... Then, I consider this a Quantum leap in Feng Shui. Where your earth luck is on the high side e.g. 70% to 90%. Where wealth comes naturally. And one do not need to go searching ( " Like mad ") to get it. 7. For the less fortunate "souls", may have to try to squeeze out as much luck as we can get out of it. And this is where, the majority of humanity starts to find the illusive `wealth'. 8. Here, the Compass School Feng Shui such as Eight House is used. And more often the Flying Star Feng Shui is used MOSTLY to try to neutralise bad sectors (first) and then it is used to look at sectors where we can activate to bring in or squeeze further luck. 9. Overall, as mentioned earlier, your building has on it's own it's Feng Shui. And the Feng Shui of all units within this block. 10. For an individual apartment, such as yours, you can also check out your individual unit's Feng Shui. As mentioned, reading up on Shapes and Forms and applying it. (Protect, protect and protect) if necessary. And if you want to go further, than use the Compass School methods etc.... If you are applying Compass School Feng Shui; then you need to find the `center-point' of your individual unit and from there; take a compass reading from this center-point to the main entrance door. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wendy, 1. Appreciate if you can confirm whether when you mention "the door direction is south @210 deg." Are u referring to the main entrance door or your room door. 2. If it is your room door, then, what you mentioned may not be exactly correct to assess the overall position. 3. Especially since it is difficult to divide a small room into North-South; East-West since they can be pretty close to each other. Where it takes is only a few steps to go from North to South or South to East etc... 4. Ideally, when you take a reading, it should be taken from the center-point of the house to the main entrance. And in relation to this which compass direction(s) is your room located in. 5. For a small room, the impact on your overall Feng Shui would thus depend on the `greater' picture i.e. the environment; the site and say the house that you are staying in. This has the most impact on you. Rather than just your room alone. 6. For a small room, what you can do here to generally check - Under the Eight House theory, what intangible force of yours is at the room. This is just a consideration or understanding. 7. Otherwise, as you mentioned, whichever direction you place the bed, it can still be seen facing the bedroom door. Under this situation, we can only make full use of the Shapes and Form Feng Shui: 7.1. Where possible, try to see if the bed can be placed on the opposite side of the bedroom door. 7.2. Where possible, the headrest should preferably be placed against a solid back. 7.3. If there is a window and should the bed be placed next to it, try to leave a gap between the bed and the window. 7.4. Where possible, try to avoid having the head face or seen from the bedroom door. (If possible). 7.4. Close the bedroom door when you are in the bedroom. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- I hope I understand correctly. Do you mean to say that your house has a slope at the back of the house. Frankly, I have seen many situations (not sure) if it is the same description of your house where: one walks into the front of the house. But the house was e.g. built 3 levels, where the two other levels are built lower down. For example, the highest level is the frontage and because of the slope in the property, the rest of the house is built at lower levels (due to the slope). From the frontage the house looks more like a one storey (level) house. Not sure if this fits your description or not. Under Shapes and Form Feng Shui, this is not an ideal situation especially it is directly behind the house. I can understand why architects in the west do this. Mostly due to privacy reasons. But it would be the worst impact if it is behind the house (west side). The rationale here is that while it is good to activate water positions at the frontage; the back should normally have a solid backing. Under the Eight House Theory, there is really not much `cure' here. Here the theory can assist one to locate good sectors to spent time at. But if it is not a good sector, there is not much under this theory. As each theory or concept has its own strengths and limitations. In my opinion, it is difficult to correct a sloping home. The best option in the long term (or long run) is to find a better home. Just 3 weeks ago, I visited one of my client's father's bungalow house for an audit. Fortunately, his home is on the better side. While, there is a home that was left vacant just 100 metres away which is sloping. I had strongly advised him to forgo looking at purchasing that property (at all costs). Warmest Regards, Cecil