Cecil Lee

Dear Glyn and fellow users, Glyn has a good point in the use of colours. Some of you have noticed that I coined a term called the `33.3 percent rule set'. For example, this helps one to know whether a sector has a missing corner or not or if using a `cure' or even a `threat' such as water is overwhelming or not. Using colours is `effective' because it can cover large areas e.g. painting a wall green. Based on the 33.3 percent rule, this `cure' or enhancement can be greater than 33.3 percent. Similarly wearing clothing can cover more than 33.3 percent of our body surface. But wearing a ring etc... does not exceed a "tiny bit". Again, one has to be careful, and must find a balance as FS is all about balance. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Vickie, I am not sure if have read this write-up on Cate Bramble's site at: http://www.loop.com/~bramble/fengshui/confess.html (Confessions of Lin Yun). Within this page there are links to an article devoted to Lin Yun also. One should not place a Ba Gua especially inside a room or office. This will create Sha Qi. This website does not discuss on Black Hat Sect or BTB is an "off-topic" More authentic traditional Feng Shui theories such as Eight House (for personal directions) and other more advanced theories like Flying Star (for the office) and for the individual i.e. Pillars, I believe would help more. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, One good example is at http://www.geomancy.net/fs/grandpa1.htm This type of house has to eventually be pulled down i.e. demolished and rebuilt. Usually, the senario is like this: 1. The breadwinner will die shortly after it is constructed. 2. Other family members will have a hard time `keeping' it although the next breadwinner will not die but will have lots of difficulty. 3. If this second breadwinner (usually the inheritants) does not sell the house, it will be `forced' sell e.g. bankrupt or near bankrupt. Near bankrupt if he sells early and avoids this. 4. If the house is sold to another party, this party will have financial problems and will eventually have to sell the house. Once sold, the house has to be demolised and rebuilt. 5. There are also some houses that are not `fit' for human living. I shall not go into this maybe in the future. As most houses we are living in does not come under such situations. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for sharing with all of us your personal experience. The reason why, I adapted all the various schools is because of experiences I had with many users in this area. 1. Most of the time, if one is `lucky' and it happens that an audit was carried out on a house without or bad Shapes and Form. In such a situation, no one knows the better. Believe me, on many occassions last year, the year before and even this year, I had to re-analyse houses done even by Feng Shui practioners. For example, these practioners only `mastered' Flying Star and many learned from a single master. Unfortunately, most of these houses like Anon had mentioned thru her personal experience have other `problems' e.g. poision arrows etc... Imagine, even if Feng Shui practioners can make `fatal' errors by just learning and applying only what they learn... it is again a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. 2. That is why, what one theory lacks, it is cross checked by using another theory. 3. I agree with Glyn and many others who support the Flying Star is by far one of the best theories. Glyn has stated this to create awarness. She does practice and combine the rest of the theories. This site has created sufficient awarness of such factors. 4. As I mentioned in an earlier message that there are varying degrees of `users' here. From those who had used our `two' earlier forums and read most of the messages to those who had joined this forum very recently. Some may be curious about Feng Shui, while some may not know the `culture' within this forum. Others may sub-guess our intentions. Therefore, in my personal opinion, it is even more of a challenge. 5. I believe, for those who are with us for quite sometime or if you feel you know more, feel free to post your `arguments'. It is good to state what you feel and in conclusion, state what you believe and leave it to each individual to decide for themselves. 6. If we are polite and if we do this, we can continue to learn from each other without the `after effects' of Flames that are widespread in other forums. 7. I will be most happy if your `arguments' are correct and this will spur us to understand Feng Shui at a higher level and even from a different perspective. 8. This is why, also when someone recently asked to provide `objects' for each `cure' enhancement situation. Firstly, I do not believe in spoon feeding for the following reasons: a. Where possible, it is best not to spent extra money. For example, I really pity those who are already having financial problems and someone giving advise to buy this and buy that. We should focus on what we have existing and see if we can make use of them. b. In addition, not two situations are identical. So spoon feeding does not lead a person to learn or understand but to be `mechanical'. I am very glad to have associated with this Anon and Glyn as both have an open mind and these are hallmarks of becoming in the near future, Great Feng Shui practioners:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Lets review some points relating to high rise buidling hope each of us come to our own conclusions: 1. The fact is that buildings have gone higher and higher. Much higher than anyone in the past has dreamed. 2. I am not sure if there is any controversy over this but if so, it has to be people (or FS practioners) in recent times that brought up the issue such as whether, the higher one goes in a high rise, the greater the illness? If so, there will be two opposing camps over this. 3. From my personal experience, encounters and even reading up various view points on Flying Star numeroloy, so far no one has yet give caution that the higher we go, stars such as #2 and #5 will become more severe. If we follow this `logic'. What it means is that if one stays at 2nd storey, and at the same sector with #2 and #5, perhaps one will get a cough. So is there an incidence that, someone on the save block but on a higher storey/floor e.g. 15 floor, suffer from fever and severe headaches while someone at 30 floor, would have to suffer from terminal illness? 4. There is not much research into this area. Perhaps it is true? or not true? 5. In Singapore, especially large corporations which own tall buildings such as the financial sector. What happens if mostly top management occupy these floors? And it happens that the CEO's office is located at #2 and #5. Will he die a `painful' death. 6. Currently we will not know. But, it is in my opinion, based on such an analysis and there are no caution by so many past / dead or even those FS Masters who are alive. 7. Perhaps, we should take a closer look at the House Number Flying Star and see if we can make full use of it to see if it can be applied effectively to further analyse flats/office on a `vertical' cross-slice. As there are lots of users here, we can see if this theory does help us further in our quest to `fine' tune the Flying Star theory. 8. Do take note that the House Number Flying Star can be used to analyse not only house numbers but houses with e.g. #1-10A, #3-10B, #11-10C. 9. After reviewing some of the information listed above, I do feel that the Flying Star House/Building which applies to horizontal analysis still remains i.e. #2 and #5 should be the same intensity whether it is at storey 1 or storey 44. Unless, someone can prove otherwise. 10. I believe another `complexity' is that maybe, just maybe, we have not taken into consideration the Shapes and Form School of Feng Shui in this equation. The Shapes and Form School of Feng Shui has no written record of apartments/flats/ offices which are located in buildings. For example, is it more auspicious to be higher than the lower floor? Is it more auspicious to be at the highest floor where no one is above us? Assuming the above is true, i.e. it is more auspicious to be at the highest floor. Here, we can argue that even if there is #2 or #5, perhaps, the auspicious conditions under Shapes and Form takes precedence over the flying star numerology. Many a times, Shapes and Form has taken over interior analysis of flying star. For example, if the water position behind the house is not `cured', even an excellent house with good Flying Star numbers take precedence over it. I believe, it is up to you to make your own conclusions. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe, Jade is considered one of the precious items to many Chinese. Unlike diamond which is `hard', jade has been said to be `magical' as it is "cooling". To many, they believe that it has `good' effects. I have not researched into this area therefore, have not seen whether there are studies relating to how true it is on the `good' effects. But one thing for sure, real jade is cooling. Again, I am not sure, what the effects are. In the past, I used to see ladies wearing a jade bracelet. I was told that if one wears a good jade, it will become greener and greener. Personally, I have not seen it happened. Because when I was young, my mum let me wear a wear pendant. I remembered or hoping that it changed colour but to-date it never did. I only wear it when I was young. I may have to check the safe-deposit box. But most likely in any event because, I was told that it changes to a darker green if only it is worn. Perhaps, it could be due to oxidation. As jade has hairline cracks and may absorb chemicals e.g. shampoo, soap, washing soap etc.. This could explain some jade change to a darker colour. In an ancient Chinese excavation, one `royalty' was digged up and his or her body was covered from head to toe with `jade' clothing. I think it was small pieces of jade sewed with gold to form an entire `clothing'. The purpose given was to prevent decomposition of the body. If anyone has more to add, we certainly like to hear from you. Do remember that there are no right or wrong answers:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is a really good observation. 1. Ever since you posted this message, I was thinking hard and when I take my lunch or dinner, try to see if the food contains milk. 2. The only food, I recalled selling at Food Courts in Singapore is `Fish head bee hoon' or bits of fishes with noodles. This dish is `milky' and from what I understand, milk was added to the soup. This is why it becomes `white' and milky. As I lived all this while in Singapore and familar with Malaysia, from my observation, correct me if I am wrong, we I believe a `better' alternative i.e. coconut milk. Recent years, coconut milk is considered bad for health or the heart and one should cut down or not `take it'. Anyone taking curries or other dishes (mainly Javanese or Malay) would attest to the creamy and rich taste of coconut. Well, I am off-track because, the above is not really Chinese food. But I believe that `milk' or `milk' products are expensive in China. In the past it is (I believe) easier to grow vegetables and eat pork in China. Pork and chicken meat are popular. But who has heard of pigs or chicken producing milk? Unlike cows or yak which I believe are less common staple food less found in mainland China etc.. Could this be the reason why, milk or cheese is not readily available. Feel free to give your inputs especially Chinese mothers out there... I am only a male and apologise as I am not conversant with details of cooking. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is quite difficult for me to answer this question. This is because, there are many Chinese who have been educated in the West or some has even lost touch with their roots e.g. unable to read Mandarin or speak the tongue or language. Furthermore, good quality `antiques' or such collectables are not cheap. I personally been to lots of `Chinese' houses for visits and there are a wide range of `tastes'. Usually, the younger families have display shelves that are quite similiar as `Westerners'. Those who `pray' are buddhists, taoists or ancestor worship usually have altars in their living room. Occassionaly, they have a `Fu' or Good Luck symbol in their homes. More often some of them have statutes as shown in one of the shots taken under Photo Tours (with picture attachments) i.e. popular statutes in their homes like the Godess of Mercy. The more educated Chinese owners (influenced by the West) has interior decor to match any `westerner' i.e. some of do not even know how to read Chinese may not have any `Chinese stuff' such as antiques etc... Therefore, it is too diverse to mention. I believe, if you do have one or two books written by Dr. Evelyn Lip (author and architect), her two books on Geomancy has good luck symbols in them. Perhaps, it the books are available in the library. If I am not mistaken, a user recently wrote to ask about where to purchase Lillian Too's book something like this topic. In the past, I remembered lots of houses have `good luck' carvings or pictures showing auspicious symbols above the door (door frame), pillars and their main doors. Well, most have since been `destroyed' especially by termites or discarded during the office and housing boom in my country. I am unable to provide such visuals. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I remember Raymond Lo, did his own analysis of Bruce Lee's death in one of his Pillars of Destiny (on people) book. I don't have the book. You can search for it. I believe he explained it based on Pillars of Destiny. I believe, this analysis was done without mention of the position of his father's grave. Yin Feng Shui or Feng Shui for the death in relation to the location and position of graves are in my opinion, equally important in Feng Shui. Cremation is considered " neutral " and does not `impact' on the decendants. If you ask many Traditional FS Masters/Practioners, they do believe in the proper sitting of an ancestor's grave. I vaguely remember that some quoted incidents of Chinese royalty (some where) to give more examples to strengthen their belief. One thing we all should take note that if you ever find an antique Feng Shui ruler or Luo pan and purchase it. If one intends to use it, get someone who knows proper Feng Shui to check whether it is for Yin feng shui or Yang feng shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for bring up this question. Mr Chetan is a new member to this forum. It is never my intention to propose or publicise as far as possible solutions that involve `paid reports' available in this website. Also Pillars and Five Elements are `more' advanced subjects and is more `difficult' for a new user to digest. It is also good to relook at a relationship not based on Feng Shui as most cases, it is usually communication such as `listening ear' etc.. In my opinion, I believe that Mr Chetan is new, as some users are aware, we have users who `faithfully' login everyday or had read almost all the forum messages. While there are new users. It is difficult to provide advise in varing degrees especially advise that is on Pillars of destiny or Five elements such as element bindings. As these are not generally focused directly onFeng Shui but destiny. In my recent messages, I also mentioned that e.g. Flying Star can help but if one choose not to use it, can always rely on their feelings. Hope you can understand that sometimes Robert and myself are in a difficult position. We have always believed in trying our best to be as objective as possible and to make this forum as creditable as possible. At the same time we have tools available. We always emphasise that we will always continue to provide, as honest a forum as we can and available tools are secondary. Hope this helps to clarify our `diffcult' position. Imagine, if every other messages we recommend or insist everyone to do this or that, it is against our principles. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In Feng Shui practise, there always some who pay more attention to `detail' while others feel that this is secondary or not as important. For example, some FS practioners would require their clients buy a `unique' bamboo flute which they had `especially' designed e.g. a Dragon and Phoenix Flute and insist that their clients use these. (i.e. the Dragon on the East side or left and the Phoenix is on the right). I believe, one salient point is to make a personal opinion for ourselves whether is the practioner trying to sell commercial products or to our belief, the practioner is doing it for our own good. It is equally debatable whether one must have say a particular 4 letter placed visible side. To some practioners, they may insist. But in general, I have come across quite alot of FS Masters/practioner not paying particular attention to it. But rather, it is preferred to use an ancient chinese coin with square holes. As square represents earth and is considered used to strengthen the metal. In the above case, I mentioned that I am not too concern about it. Some others may be very concerned about it. You have to thus to rely on your personal judgement on the above. It is my believe that such a `practise' is secondary. To me, in such a situation, there is "no right or wrong answer to the question". To be honest, I have also experimented on using Singapore $1 coins (6 of them to cure a sickness star in my bedroom and in my opinion, it works for me.) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe the older generation of Chinese, arranged marriages are very common. My parents have arranged marriages. There's is not the arrange marriage where it is determined from birth but rather later years of their life where my grandfather saw the `need' for my father to get married. I believed, he asked a matchmaker to find a match for my dad. When I was young, my parents used to bring us to visit relatives and close friends. I recalled one close friend of my family who said that she was invited to her prospective in-laws home. She was viewed from top to toe. The in-laws also looked at the type of `bone structure' and the `shape' of her legs. In a `crude way', it is similar to what we see at auctions of animals. Where, the buyers were shown the animal and they bid for it. I am not exaggerating but this is very true. There are also those who had arranged marriages when they are young. I believe there is a simliar practise in India. I also recalled my great, great grandmother, who had tiny feet. Feet that were bounded together cruely when young. Their feet can fit if I am not mistaken `doll' shoes. It is a real pity because they are like walking on stilts i.e. narrow feet that are not well balanced. Anyway, I only remembered this but she died a short while after I was born so cannot remember more. If you asked me, I was told that small feet then were considered very graceful for a lady. The rich or the middle class usually hold a 10 course wedding dinner. The courses vary but usually not less than 8 courses in total. The first dish is a usually a `cold' dish or an assortment of food that are `cold' e.g. prawns in salad cream, jelly fish, scrambled eggs, pork etc... The last dish is usually a desert e.g. almond jelly or other Chinese deserts. In the past, the taboo was not to wear a wedding dress twice. But because most newly married couples take their wedding photos prior to the wedding. Some consider this inasupicious as `symbolically' the wearing of dress twice is like marrying two times. Some (not all) would get a beatiful male child and give them an red packet (money) to roll over the wedding bed in the hope that they are blessed with an equivalent male child. The pride of any family who wants their Surname to be carried on. Well there are many more. For those who live in Singapore, I recalled a few weeks back reading that someone had written a book on weddings. Perhaps you can check it out in the local English newspaper: The Straits Times, Singapore. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe you brought up a very interesting point. In my earlier message or response to a question, I did not elaborate another point that you mentioned. One of the most important reason why Pillars of Name is difficult to be applied to Christian names (for now) is because pronounciation is also taken into consideration under Pillars of Name. The sound of a Chinese character has been categorised into each of the five elements. Another reason why Pillars of Name is diffcult to be analysed for Western names is because, each Chinese characters is based on `the number' of strokes for the word. Here, Yin and Yang is also equated with e.g. Plus or Minus, even or odd `strokes'. For a christina name such as: George (we cannot deduce the number of strokes for that character). What about Ben, Ber, Bat etc... Therefore, it is quite difficult to `covert' English names to Chinese names to determine whether it is Yin/Yang or one of the Five elements. But, one day, or I am not sure whether anyone has done some conversion by listening to the English name and `converting' it to Chinese name. This is possible. Maybe, try your luck at typing in your Christian name; use the www.altavista.com 's conversion module to convert your `English' name to a Chinese name. Hope it does not sound erh.. *silly* or wrongly converted:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chetan, I believe, if you are referring to the use of the Chinese Astrology, for example, ( reference : www.lovesigns.net ), like the Zodica signs e.g. Gemini, Cancer etc... are considered explanations as to the different characteristics of each individual. Under astrology, it can tell you the characteristic differences but this where it ends. If we are referring to the Eight House Theory, where one is a West or East facing house person, one can still make relations work. What is more important if one is using say astrology or believe in it, try to `learn' or understand the differences of the two `animal' signs better. For those who do not really want to rely on the above, should work their differences or work more on your communications with each other. If you truly love each other, try your best to make your relationship work. This is because, I cannot give you direct advise based on Feng Shui tools as these tools are used for a different purpose i.e. to locate sha qi or enhance qi. The above are considered the proper `Terms of Reference' or mission and objectives of Feng Shui. Hope that you solve your relationship problems:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Vickie, The main important question I would like to ask you why do you think you need to place a Ba Gua at the main entrance of your house. I hope you don't mind but can you let us know your reasons for doing so first. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, I find it quite difficult to answer such a question because there are quite alot of reasons or significance for someone to come up with a logo. For example, to me, feather pen and ink pot reminds me of a scholarly person or a shop dealing in e.g. stationery such as a book store or gift shop. There will always be millions of logo designs and it is up to the individual to see and try to guess what they think it is like. More importantly, an easier method is for one to find out their element, better still the strength of their element and using the Five Elements concept i.e. Productive and Destructive sequence to come up with their logo. For example, the www.geomancy-u.com logo was designed by Robert and myself taking into consideration our Pillars of element and its strength. The surrounding Blue represents telecommunications and we also like the Tai hexagram because it is the best combination of the hexagram with the meaning of `peace'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is a good question. Actually, what I am referring is Sha Qi due to poison arrows ie. poison arrows aimed at the main entrance for example. Or when your main entrance door directly face the a backdoor or windows. One has therefore to be careful that this concept of `what you can't see is no longer a threat'. The above is meant for visual objects and not meant to be applied to underground courses etc... It is totally different. It is good that you pointed out this and it is hoped that the above clearly explains the distinction. Another further distinction is because undergound water is considered `vapours' or the emission of vapours. It has been proven in independent studies by the Germans. http://www.geomancy.net/fs/under.htm We therefore cannot mix the two (poision arrows with the above). Not all FS principles can be applied at ground level or underground. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Shellie, As what we have discussed about i.e. placement of `cures' is based on basic Feng Shui, therefore these are piecemeal activities. What I can help is based on available information at hand. Because there are other cross checks that can further analyse the situation as we have not gone further into applying other FS applications. If you have not done anything other thing than to place the six coins, then you can try to take it down if it seems to be the cause of not sleeping well. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jocelyn, Maybe, it would be better if I rephase it this way. NW and W are locations with the metal element. Unless one has done further analysis i.e. using the Flying Star to determine that there these sites are favourable. As metal wind chimes may inadvertently increase the `metal' element at these locations and make it inauspicious. For those who do not want to go further and use the Flying Star can if they really like to `experiment' placing e.g. a wind chime if they feel comfortable with it. The above regarding NW and W serves only as a caution where possible find out more if one is using Feng Shui to determine the `suitability ' of using the wind chime at the location. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Srikanth, I am trying my best to understand your question. You mentioned that there are anomalies under Eight House. As the Eight House is personalised to an individual. It is best used to find out a person's best personal direction. It is also used to find out the degree of suitabiltiy e.g. if the death / diaster line falls at the main entrance door, the house is considered the most unsuitable for the person. Next, the sector where the individual spent the most time e.g. in the bedroom should preferably be a good / auspicious sector. You mentioned that people who are living Here, I believe, each `people' you mentioned do have their individual Eight House Gua number. And are they all having the same Gua number. It could be also that instead, the house chart for that particular sector based on Flying Star (or birth chart) of the sector is auspicious as opposed to an individual using the Eight House and finding that to him, the death line is at the toilet. What about other family members. The Eight House is best used under current situtation to determine the personal best direction of an individual. It is recommended to be used to check auspicious or inauspicious sectors particulary at the main entrance (bread winner) and for the rest of the family, their bedrooms. It is understood that there are limitations of the Eight House. It cannot also be used to find a `cure' or `enhancement'. One has to seriously take it that the best use is as stated above. Sorry, I am really not sure what you are trying to say because, I have tried my best to always emphasise a well known fact that the Eight House is not a `cure all'. All its limitations are I believe, mentioned quite extensively. For the reason that there are limitations in the Eight House Theory, we therefore have been discussing extensively on other Feng Shui Theories and concepts. The most recent was the Flying Star House numbers to analyse high rise buildings thru `vertical' analsis where the existing Flying Star Theory looks at the horizontal analysis. As you have mentioned, the Eight House is the easiest theory to understand because of its simplicity. We have not stopped there but continue to introduce more and more concepts. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kate, 1. One `method' is based on where your house number is placed. For example, if your house number is placed above the front door or on the door itself, this is considered your main door. 2. The next question is, to choose a door that is `more favourable'. If it so happens that under the Flying Star theory and assuming that your house was renovated under Period 7, and there is a double #7 stars, then one should make this the main entrance door. If one does not want to go indept into using Flying Star, then the next best alternative is to see which door suits the breadwinner best by using the Eight House Theory. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chris, It is for this case that the House Number module was developed by Feng Shui masters to tackle modern problems relating to flats. The reason is because one should not change the house direction whether sitting or facing. Essentially, the whole block face is facing that particular direction. That is why, if the Flying Star of a particular layout in a flat or apartment is good or bad, it does not mean that everyone of the same block will share the same luck. Because different house numbering will determine the luck of the unit based on Flying Star house numbering. In addition, whether it is good or bad depends on the Pillars (true element and strength) of an individual. That is why for this reason, there is no need to change the sitting or facing direction. Robert and myself strongly agree that Traditional method still stands because when one do a Feng Shui audit, Flying Star is only one of the audit tools. The key reason is that the house may be good but if it does not suit the person staying in the house, he will not be able to enjoy the benefit of the house. Furthermore, Flying Star (Farmer's Flying Star) analyses a wide sector which includes a large building and its analysis takes into account Horizontal sector influences and not vertical influences. For this reason, there is no need to change the sitting and facing position. As mentioned, that is why the vertical analysis called Flying Star House number was developed especially by modern Hong Kong Masters to cover this `missing' link. I mentioned Hong Kong in particular rather than Taiwan Masters because, they are faced with a high rise developments and successfully done so many FS audits. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Yes, in my opinion, this is indeed a true statement. 1. Currently in mainland China, where they have a `one' child family planning, there are many articles that mentioned the problem where the ratio of males babies are higher than female babies. Such articles, do mention that many parents had either aborted or killed/murdered female babies secretly. 2. To understand why this is happening, one can take clue to this: Chinese grand parents and even parents have a social pressure to give birth to baby boys. Why? This is because only the males can `carry' their family name. For example, the grand father's Surname is Tang, only a male child born to him can carry on his surname `Tang'. For the female, if her name is Tang Ai Lin, once she marries into (assuming another Chinese family) will take on the husbands surname. For example if her husband Surname is Wong, her maiden name is now Tang Ai Lin. Her child (either boy or girl) has to adopt her husband's Surname. Some `modern' working wife may alternatively call themselves Wong-Tang Ai Lin. Here we know that her true Surname is Tang and her husband's is Wong. A further simplication is she is known as Mrs Wong. But the son can never be called Wong-Tang Boy Boy. He must use the surname Wong. His children has to use the surname Wong. Even if Mrs Wong is divorced, she `cannot' simply change her son's name to Tang Boy Boy. Therefore, if we follow the above, if a male child is not born, the family name `cannot' carry on. Thus for the above reason, in the past, if the wife cannot bear a son, she is dispised by her in-laws and even the husband had no choice but find another wife who can give birth to a boy. (Erh.. especially for rich families). In the past, Chinese royalty will execute an entire family if they are out of their favour or due to treason. This is a cruel way to try and exterminate the entire family with that Surname. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my country, and in my opinion, the statement is no longer true for the following reasons: 1. Good quality inlaid pearl furniture especially if they are `old' are considered `antiques' and very expensive. 2. Many people nowadays (especially the middle class) can only afford `imitation' antique furniture without the pearl inlay. 3. I remember when I was young, my parents used to bring us to my auntie's parents home in Orchard Road (Singapore). Her father is a Chinese physician and I remembered clearly the beautiful pearl inlay set against many dark coloured wooden furniture. I recalled seeing motifs of leaves, flowers etc... They are really lovely. I do recall that these furnitures do require `attention' as sometimes the pearl inlay falls off. (In my opinion, to me the furniture looks expensive. But I am not sure if it is due to quality problems or wear and tear.) 4. Pearls signify purity and the Chinese were cultivating it even before the Japanese had done so. 5. It is still common practise to place a `pearl' in a person's mouth at their death. The tongue is akin to the mussel and the pearl (if we can visualise, like it is exactly as in nature in an oyster's `mouth'. 6. I have seen many `young couples' who rather purchase `modern' e.g. fabric or leather furniture rather than these `antiques'. One reason again is that they are so expensive (the quality ones) and a few pieces of such furniture does not blend well with their interior decor. 7. There is a `danger' under Feng Shui that too much `real' antique furniture causes one to `narrow minded' , rigid thing etc... Where one purchase antique furniture, one should where possible learn (if you can) the history of the furniture piece. As the furniture piece would, in my opinion, retain some of the Qi where it stood the longest e.g. in a old house. Too much antique furniture, could change the Qi within a home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, On reading your `concept' it sounds interesting. It is more a case of `desperately' trying to find a location to activate a mountain star. *No offense* I mean it as a joke. The above is considered a `flaw' concept. This is because there are two methods to divide a house into either 9 proportionate squares or use a pie chart dividing the house into 8 sectors with an extra sector at the centre of the house. One sector represents a compass direction. I understand what you are saying. It is like an `L' shaped house and you can further divide the two rectangles of the `L' shape into the two rectangles. As much as we want to have mountain stars in our home, we cannot, simply `produce' mountain stars with our *imagination*. Therefore, there is no such thing as superimposing a NW mountain star into all 8 sectors of the pie chart and treat each NW as a mountain star. *JOKE* -- Nice Try;) Warmest Regards, Cecil