Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. Where possible, try to obtain `old' Chinese coins. It is plentiful as it is now being produced commercially (replicas) all over the world. 2. Where best, traditional Feng Shui uses these `old' coins. 3. In Singapore, our new batch of $1 coins have a trigram profile and I recently used it in my home `to test' it out. It so happens that the `Sickness' sector was right at my bedroom window. I use the Chinese Red Packet (Envelope in Red colour) and used `good quality' 3M scotch tape to tape the coins (two rows x 3 coins) and pasted it on to the Red Packet. So far, I find that it is working. This is because, I had some minor `illness' before this and now, feeling fine. Yes, I agree with you on your observations that silver foil does reflect. It can be used but like your keen observation, it is best to use the first method ie. proper coins (provided one sticks them up properly). Else if it falls on a person's head, one may get `blue black'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, As most of us are aware, Chinese who migrated overseas to escape the communist rule are considered more affluent than those on mainland China. These group of Chinese (those who had migrated overseas) have been exposed to food from other culture. A very good example is in my country and even neigbouring countries. As we have a diverse mix of race e.g. Chinese, Malays, Bugis people, Indians, Eurasians and others.. you will find lots of type of food available. The Chinese is `known' to eat anything even exotic food if given the opportunity. Depending on where one is born, some prefer spicy and hot food i.e. lots of chillies, chilli padies etc.. while others eat milder food. Singapore is also a food paradise and Singapore Chinese eat a variety of food e.g. from Burgers, to prata (Indian), Indian curries, Malay spicy food, Mexican and even Japanese food etc... But for those on the mainland, deeper inland, their food is more local because they are not often in contact with the West, Asia or Europe and most likely have not tasted a variety of such food. I also believe that it is also based on an individual's preferences for the type of food he/she eats. Majority of the Chinese outside mainland China are comfortable with both using the fork and spoon and the chopsticks. In a recent article, I read, it is good to eat with a chopstick because we are literally `picking' up pieces of food... this is good for our health because, we then `force' ourself to eat slower and one result is it tends to minimize on gulping up our food and making us fat. Traditionally, Chinese food do not make us fat. In the past, we do not have desserts that we now find available after every Chinese meal e.g. as those in a Chinese restaurant. In mainland China, the type of food we eat also depends on the province that grows the particular food. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For those who are new to Pillars of Name, let me elaborate by giving an illustration. When my eldest brother was born, my grandfather consulted a Geomancer who did up his Pillars of Destiny. The Geomancer `found' that my brother's Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny) has an imbalance as he `lacks' the water element. Here, his three character Chinese name has a Chinese name with `Water' in it. The Chinese character `Shui' (exactly the same Chinese character as the `Shui' of Feng Shui. Pillars of Name has been around for a long time as long as Pillars of Destiny and each Chinese character can be `traced' to it as Yin or Yang and a specific Five element i.e. Water, Wood, Fire, Metal or Earth. Here, one can understand that it is much harder to classify `English, Indian, French.. etc.. names' into the equivalent bearing in mind that we much determine each character or word as either Yin/Yang or one of the Five elements. Because of the above reasons, this is why outside the Chinese community one would have difficulty using the Pillars of Name for analysis. (Some people have tried to use the meaning of an English name and convert it to a near equivalent to the Chinese name). One good news is that Robert, will at a later date launch a module mainly for the Chinese community to select a name for their child. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, There is much truth in this statement: 1. Grass or grass that is regularly `trimmed' is the near equivalent to a water position. The logic behind it is clear. Grass allows the space to be flat and clear of obstructions. 2. If one plant a tree, in no time, it will outgrow its size and become large. It is inauspicious particularly to grow a lone tree on the side of a house. A lone tree in Feng Shui implies that the tree can harbour a spirit. A large tree at the front of the house (e.g. on either side of the main door) creates a Yin environment. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe, this is not fully explored under the Pillars of Destiny. So, in my opinion, I am not able to really answer your question for now. As we have already developed the Pillars of Destiny analysis at geomancy-online to analyse complex relationships, Robert, will keep in view this and maybe one day, we can using computing power to find out if there is any truth in this thru the participation of those who had a c section. One interesting to note is that we did a `different' (more for fun) analysis based on trying to find a good date for our nephew's birth. I mentioned it is for fun because, my sister-in-law's birth is a natural one. What Robert did was to check an entire month's (daily Pillars to see which date are `better' dates for him). As experienced, he `refused' to `come out to the world' during the dates that Robert had analysed. He came out much later. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I hope that you remedied the situation and `return' it back to normal. As I do not have more facts, it is most likely, due to Sickness Star 2 or an `imbalance' at the location. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Joe, For next year, the Grand Duke will be located at 112.5 degrees (at Lesser South East position)which is the year of the `Dragon'. Please note that the `new' position of the Grand Duke for next year is between 5 Feb 2000 to 23 Jan 2001 and not 1 Jan 2000. Please see below:- Where possible if your kitchen is located in the East, avoid renovating at the location until after 4 February 2000. For a Chinese, it is advisable not to renovate 15 days starting from 5 Feb 2000 as this is considered the Lunar New Year. This is not `ideal' even if it is attached to a wall. Where possible, the stove needs a supporting wall. It should where possible not be at the "island" as it is not `supported' from behind. Depending on the wind conditions, the stove `on the island' is not protected at all. It would still not be adviseable also to place the water position at the centre of the kitchen as this is considered inauspicious. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Caz, To find out more about the best or worst place for a water feature, please click on the following URLs:- http://www.geomancy.net/fs/wcourse.htm http://www.geomancy.net/fs/four.htm Under the four symbolic animals concept the best place is the frontage of the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This condominum in Singapore had `record' sales as it developed its flats / apartments designed around a Figure 8. The scanned article which you are about to load is 90K bytes. Note: The Figure 8 is based on people's perception that the number 8 is an auspicious number. Other considerations has to be taken account i.e. Feng Shui considerations in analysing specific units in the above housing development.

Dear Anon, 1. Onyx comes in different colors. Some are white, some in green etc... 2. Under Chinese Astrology, for the animal sign " The Ox "; it's lucky gemstone is `White Onyx'. 3. Onyx is been sold by companies dealing with home interiors e.g. kitchen table tops, bath room tops etc... 4. It is also carved into objects e.g. swans and other figurines for display etc... I believe there is a commercial demand for it. 5. In my opinion, based on above, I do not believe that the chinese consider the onyx inauspicious unless, because perhaps could it be that these mines you mentioned are dangerous to work in. This is because some mines have dangerous gases within them. On the fifth point, frankly I am not too familiar with how it is mined. Anyone with more info on this can help us out. I sincerely believe that if there is money to be made out of mining e.g. onyx, this would be a good reason for anyone to set aside `superstitions' and go mine it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, To the Chinese people, especially those who know the proper Chinese Tea ceremony will follow the sitting arrangements similar to the concepts found in the Ming Tang Wei. Under this concept, guests should be sitting west and the host should sit facing east. The location facing south is reserved for the king. While the guest of honour or the most eldest guest sit facing the host while the younger guest sits to the left of the eldest left and the next younger sits the right of the eldest. In the original ancient Korean ceremony is actually meant to sit four guests on one table. On the table for the tea ceremony, one would find:- 1. A tea-plate, 2. the tea-pot 3. Four tea cups 4. the tea cups plate 5. Tray with spoon and cloth 6. The kettle stand. On the right of the host's seat is the kettle, fan, stove and iron chopsticks. On the host's left is a "spitoon". For the more modern Chinese, I believe they never heard of know of such a ceremony. Most probably you will be offered a can of Coke or pepsi or even a glass of Lipton tea:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This reminds me of what my mum told me, since young that one should not wear `torn clothings' as it implies that one would become a beggar. As some beggars wear torn clothings. Again, this is a Chinese belief. More modern parents would not `blink an eye' if their children go out and purposely buy torn jeans as they are in fashion sometime back. Maybe these modern parents even actually worn torn jeans. I guess, many of us know that this conference: Chinese culture, there are really no right or wrong answers as it is routed in one's personal beliefs and experiences. Let me elaborate further on another example. Some parents belief that if they young e.g. talks first before they learn to walk, to them, this means that the child will be fortunate as they will be `well off' in life. Contrast this to a child who learns to walk before he/she talks. Here, the signficance is that the child has to `work' rather than use his/her mouth to `delegate' work. Well, we can all laugh at such inference. Again, this is based on beliefs. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Based on my personal observations, this holds particularly true during the 15 days of the Chinese New Year. 2. It is essential to comprehend that according to Chinese beliefs, items should be given in pairs, not singularly. 2.1. For instance, when presenting an 'Ang Pow' or red packet containing money in a red envelope during Chinese New Year or special occasions like an elderly person's birthday, the amount should be in pairs like $2, $4, $6, $10, and so on. 2.2. This practice is rooted in the belief that odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7 symbolize "loneliness." 2.3. In Feng Shui, this principle extends to the arrangement of chairs at a dining table, where pairs like 2, 4, 6, 8 are preferred over odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7. 3. Understanding certain Chinese beliefs is beneficial as they often influence decisions made in Feng Shui practices. 4. In Chinese culture, two mandarin oranges symbolize gold due to their color and the similarity in pronunciation of "mandarin oranges" to "gold" in Hokkien and Cantonese. 4.1. Therefore, presenting two mandarin oranges to a Chinese host during Chinese New Year signifies offering a pair of 'Gold.' 4.2. It's important to note that this exchange is usually reciprocal. The host will also prepare a pair of mandarin oranges from his/her inventory and exchange them with their guests immediately. 4.3. When you gift two mandarin oranges to the host, they are expected to present you with two different pairs before you leave. 5. The host should not return the same pair of mandarin oranges to avoid conveying a message of rejection towards the gift. 6. Some hosts may not adhere to this custom, which is generally harmless. 6.1. This could be due to their lack of awareness or forgetfulness regarding the tradition. 7. Since this practice is rooted in Chinese beliefs, the significance of receiving a pair of mandarin oranges back lies with the individual believer. Warmest Regards, Cecil In Conclusion Understanding the significance of pairs in Chinese culture, particularly during the Chinese New Year, is crucial as it influences various customs and practices such as gift-giving and Feng Shui arrangements. The exchange of pairs, like mandarin oranges symbolizing gold, holds deep cultural meaning and should be respected to avoid any unintended messages or misunderstandings.

Dear Anon, Under the Chinese Astrology website: www.geomancy.net/love/amenu1.htm The above link has a short write-up of a convent in Singapore that `accepts' Chinese girls born in the year of the Tiger. These children were abandoned by their parents. The key essence for the Tiger `girl' child is that they are suppose to bring `bad' luck. Even today, where the son and his wife does not stay with their parents but by themselves, the parents of their son especially in a `traditional' family discourages their son to marry a `tiger' wife. From what I read, it is not so much of tiger eat small creatures but rather the above. However, you are still right to say it since in the past, many people live in an extended famly. The in-laws may also be afraid of having a `tiger' daughter who they feel may `dominate' the household especially since she (the mother-in law) is suppose to be the head of the ladies quarters. Looking at it from another perspective; in countries with predominatly Chinese population this affects the birth rate for the year and the child's education. For example, in Singapore, the average birth rate is around 50,000 births per year. In the `tiger' year, the birth rate dips significantly to below this figure. The most popular years are those of the dragon and other years animal signs e.g. rabbit the birth rate can go as high as 60,000 births. Here, some modern parents are less superstitious of having a tiger child and I know of a few cases where the parents actually do not mind having a child born in the tiger year. This is because, they consider the year of the tiger as having less competition to enroll their child in a `good' school or when they take milestone exams such as Preliminary Primary School exams, it is the hope that their child goes to a `better' secondary school. Contrast this years where competition is intense to get into a good school where the child's aggregate marks must be higher due to limited places in highly valued `good' schools. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Tam, From what I can understand from what you wrote, essentially, what you describe is the Flying Star by taking the Frontage of the house or building rather than based on the main door. This is often considered the `macro' version of the Flying Star Theory where it is often used to analysing a big plot of land e.g. bungalow house or large building where the exterior of the building can also be analysed by the Flying Star i.e. the stars of that direction can be extended out to that direction. You can say that most of the books or the few english books out there are meant more for urban locations where space is limited or where we are analysing a single unit/apartment as compared to the entire building. For this reason, the micro version is often used. As most people nowadays are more interested in the internal influences of a flat or apartment rather than `external' factors. For example, in Asia, due to space constraints, even most bungalows, terrace houses are considered too small to apply the `macro' version of the Flying Star. This means that one can apply a macro or micro version of the house: 1. If one only wants to take into account the interior influences such as the interior of the house, one uses the more popular method i.e. determine the exact compass direction of the main door. 2. For larger buildings, complexes inclusive of houses with large plot of land especially in Western countries (which is similiar to the large locations as in China of the past). When one wants to locate important water features (external influences) with Flying Star than use `macro' method as described by you. 3. This method is quite similar to the `Nong Ming Xuan Kong' or some like to call it Water Classics Flying Star Theory i.e. applied to `huge' land e.g. agricultural, commercial land. In English the word `Nong Ming' means `Farmer' where in China there are quite alot of farm land and the entire interpretation is also known as `Farmer Flying Star' and some of the key factors of this concept was included in the Water classics which is now used to analyse external land or water features. 4. If you are well versed in the Shapes and Form particulary the Four Symbolic animal concept, there is no real need to apply these factors. For example, the common denominator are: a. The Phoenix or Bird in front i.e. ideally a water position at the frontage so that there is clear space. b. A Solid backing at the back. The above are key essence of the `macro' theory that everyone can understand and apply easily. Frankly, Feng Shui is a very complex theory altogether with many sub, sub theories. We do not need to get `too worried' when we find differences in what we read. Often there are reasons for it or whenever, an author writes, he/she writes for a particular reason or situation so he/she cannot cover every aspect of a particular theory. Alternatively, as you can see like other fields of study, there are many who specialise in specific areas due to their nature of work. For example, if he/she common handles such situations, they become specialist in that field. For example, for a doctor, he can be a general practioner or a heart or lung specialist etc... What is more important is that we should not only read but find out the purpose of each theory, analyse them and see if they are relevant to modern situation. Such as in Flying Star, there is one chapter to analyse breeding ground (For example pig style, chicken den etc...) However, in our modern society, many homes do not breed pigs or chicken. So this portion is no longer applicable for most of us. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Users, Two important notices are:- 1. Geomancy-Forum, will also be known as My Adviser! 2. New conference to the My Adviser:- a. I-Ching (Zhou Yi / Yi Jing) b. Chinese Astrology (Zi Wei Dou Shu) c. Pillars of Names (Xing Ming Xue) d. Chinese Culture We have opened up these conferences for users to post discussion on these areas. They are pretty related to Geomancy & Feng Shui. The mailing list has been setup for these topics, so if you are interested, please subscribed to them. Feel free to participate in which ever topic interest you! Warmest Regards Cecil Lee

Dear Users, We have created this conference so that users who are also interested in learning more about Chinese culture can post their queries here. Often many Chinese believes are often mistaken or linked to Feng Shui. Thus, we have decided to put a separate conference to help identify and separate issues. Warmest Regards Cecil Lee

Dear Users, We have created this conference to discuss anything under the sun for the topic relating to chinese name analysis. Besides Pillars of Destiny which takes into you account the date of birth, this utilises the chinese names (eg. Chen Tian Ming) to analyse the fortune and luck of a person. It has been mostly used together with the Pillars of Destiny. This is because the name of a person is always called, thus for the chinese, if they lack a certain element, we can always change the name so that it does contain the element which they lacks to enhance their life. However, this topic can only analyse the Chinese names and not english names. Hope you enjoy this topic. Warmest Regards Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, I have coined this concept called The `Triangle' Effect to help everyone understand clearly this `symbolism' effect of neutralising the imbalance caused by a lone tree or lamp post. This concept is found at " Photo Tours of Interest (with Pictue Attachments) under this mos recent topic: What is the `Triangle' effect. This is based on traditional Feng Shui concept. The only thing I try to do is to `coin' a term to make it easier to understand and apply. Warmest Regards, Cecil

What happens if there is a lone tree tangent/between the main entrance door? Take a closer look at the attachment to understand another theory called The `Triangle' Effect 1. If it is a single tree in the middle (outside) the main entrance door. This causes an imbalance in Qi as the trunk of the tree slices (like a sword) into the main entrance door. Here, place two plants e.g. two potted plants on each side of the main entrance to neutarlise the tree. It also creates what is known as a `Triangle' effect. If you notice carefully, in the attached diagram, the triangle on the last diagram points away from the house. 2. If it is a lone lamp post, you can use two poles at each side of the main entrance or use two `objects' such as fu-dogs. If you do not want to spent money, you can also use relatively cheap `objects' such as two potted plants if you want here. The reason why you can use any of the objects is based on "Symbolism" to form a triangle effect. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. It depends on the shape/profile of the arched window. Usually if it is a semi-circular arch, above the door, window, this is still considered an auspicious shape. 2. One way at looking at it is that the semi-circular shape, pointint towards the sky does not have any impact as it cannot be considered a poision arrow pointing towards a position or room. 3. But becareful if you are using a triangular arched shape as this will introduce Sha Qi or poison arrow; tangent to the arch. For example, such a shape may be pointed towards e.g. the dinning table or living room. In the bedroom, this is worse as it will cause marital problems or lead to divorce or separation. 4. Therefore avoid having a triangular arch shape even if it is at the front door. Although the shape looks like an UP arrow: ^ / \ | | If you are the neighour of such a house, where each of the main entrance faces each other, this is considered a poision arrow for the neighbour. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is acceptable to use a beaded curtain in replacement to a screen. Both serves the same purpose. 1. So far, I have seen very few houses where a particular sector needs to be `kept quiet' under the Flying Star chart. In such a senario, a beaded curtain is not advisable. However, the chance of `meeting' such a situation is not common or the probability of encountering it is lesser. 2. Avoid using metallic beads at the following compass directions: NE (devil's gate), West (Metal) & NW (Metal). Unless analysed by a competent FS practioner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I am keen to explore this possibility next year most likely after the April 1999. In order to do so, I would have to for now quickly work complete the much awaited Flying Star Course. In the meantime, I sincerely like to hear from everyone who has a good suggestion what course/seminar they like to see in a program. Warmest Regards, Cecil