Cecil Lee

Hi Everyone, You will be pleased to note that I have compiled a list of Minor Chinese Festivals. Actual date for each festival/birthday is also provided for this year. Do you know the birthday of Chinese God of Wealth? Feel free to find out the various Chinese festivals or birthdays of Chinese gods and immortals celebrated by the Chinese both past and present. Follow this link: http://www.geomancy.net/calendar/festivals-minor.htm Thank you and have a nice day! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In the past, countries especially in South East Asia banned their citizens from travelling to China and other communist states. For example our passports (Singapore) were chopped with a list of countries that we were not allowed to visit. The passport that I am holding issued in August 1991 had this statement printed: "This passport is valid for all countries except the following unless otherwise endorsed: Peoples Republic of China, North Korea, Democartic Kampuchea, Laos, Socialist Republic of Vietnam ". Not long after (1992) onwards, Singaporeans no longer need `approval' to visit China. In the past, our government `feared' the influence of communism and since birth, this was `ingrained' in many of us. Therefore, because of my earlier influence usually would think of going for holidays to `western' countries such as Europe, US or down under in Australia rather than China. Currently, many of my friends who had visited China, found the toliet facilities in their opinion `a put off'. During communist rule, Feng Shui was banned in China. So, in terms of interaction with Feng Shui practitioners this is "non-exisitent" in China. With the progress made, I would certainly consider my next few holidays to places of historical Feng Shui interests. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon In my opinion, Bonsai or the art of Bonsai cultivation originated from Japan rather than in China. This would largely explain why, you do not see Chinese people displaying them. Another reason is because, many rich Chinese do not have the time to tend to these plants as some of them need lots of attention i.e. trimming of leaves and even reforming them by using metal strips to twist and turn the trunks. Many of the older Chinese, or those who have free time or love to cultivate bonsai plants would tend to them. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Again, this is a recollection and has to be verified. Last year, if I am not mistaken there was a film/movie on the three `Soong' sisters. One of the Soong sisters, (I hope I got it correctly) married Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who was credited as the founder of modern China. He also had lived in Singapore and the bungalow that he stayed had I believed turned into a `museum' or a landmark here. I believe the movie was based on a book on the three `Soong' sisters. Well, I hope I got the above correct as I am more familiar with Feng Shui rather than Chinese history. Perhaps, you can go to www.britannica.com to find out more about Sun Yat Sen and see if there is any mention of his wife. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The Chinese New Year is based on the day when there is a full moon. As the full moon lasts 15 days, Chinese New Year lasts 15 days. Traditionally, the first day of Chinese New Year should be treated as the day, Tai su changes direction. For the Chinese, it does not `really' matter because, usually, renovations are never carried out during the Chinese New Year. It is not because of tradition but rather, one cannot find workers anywhere. The reason is because most of the construction companies and their staff return back to their village or in modern situations, return to their town. So, even if one wants to do renovation work (other than if you D.I.Y), one cannot do so:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Off-hand, this is just a recollection of what I read. So do not take this as reference but just comments. In the past, the Chinese were conquered by the Mongolians or Manchus. Naturally, they were asked to cut away their `pride' which was their pony tails. I believe the pony tails as you mentioned was their `pride and ego' of being a Chinese. But again, the conquerors of China, the Manchus were not happy and thus forced these Chinese to cut away their pony tails. I believe, some Chinese skilled in Kung Fu had used their hair for self-defence e.g. as a weapon just like a knife. Pony tails can inflict a wound just like a whip. This last part is what I have seen in the movies or on TV kung fu shows so, do not take me too seriously. Although, it sounds believable rite? Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In the past, Chinese fear an eclipse. This was because, it means that the sun has been `swallowed up'. And the `world' became dark. During the eclipse, they would use musical instruments and make sounds like clangs, beat the drums in the hope that the sun would `rise' again. This was before Chinese astrologers had predicted and advised the Emperors of the forthcoming eclipse. Once, it was known that the eclipse could be calculated and predicted, this `fear' of the sun got eaten up no longer worried the people. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Since we are on this topic, I took the opportunity to scan a recent article that there is an estimated 53 million one child family in China today. The article narrate and called these one child `little emperors'. You can read about this article under the conference: Photo tours of Interest. As for your question below, if the couple gets pregnant, they would usually have to go for an abortion. Usually, they would first practise contraception first. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Due to the birth control policies of mainland China, there are now around 53 million one child family. These children (boys or girls) are treated as `little emperors' by their parents and grand parents. Can you imagine being young without a single brother or sister to play with? Warmest Regards, Cecil Dear cecil, - Cross posted from Chinese Culture conf. - I read that there is one child policy in China. What happens if a couple gets pregnant again after having one baby. Thanks. Cecil: Usually they have to go for an abortion.

Dear Anon, For the Chinese (local - China) and overseas Chinese, there is the pressure not so much of just having a baby but rather a baby son. Chinese value highly a baby son because only a son can carry their family name through to the next generation. For example, Mr Tan would like his surname to be `carried' to his next generation. Only if he has a son, his surname Tan can be `happy' as his son will also adopt his surname Tan. If he has a daughter, and if his daughter marrys a man, if the man's surname is Wong, she comes Mrs Wong. There are many situations where Chinese man were `forced' to take up a second wife or due to family pressure, marry another in the hope that they have a son. If his wife did not bear him a son, in some instances, it may result in her getting very bad treatment from her in-laws. In the past, when a Chinese girl marries, she is said to be married to her husband's family. During Chinese New Year, the second day is the day where the Chinese girl is suppose to return to her maiden home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Like any country, land has been gradually been `converted' into built up areas. However, the good news is that China is one of the four countries with an ancient civilzation lasting for more than 5,000 years old. With such a history, there are many (many) historical buildings and landscapes like the Guilin, the site where Shapes and Form School was said to have originated. Many of these locations have become tourist attractions. Because of the tourism, it has helped to preserve monuments e.g. Chinese Temples, Tombs, the Great Wall etc.. Many Chinese had the idea that when they grow old, they would like to visit China. But contrary to this, it would be better if one is young to visit China. The reason is because, of walk, walk and walk. If one is too old, one cannot enjoy the vast sights and large monuments. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, There is quite a diverse Chinese both in China and many overseas Chinese. Frankly, so far, I did not recall any or many Chinese displaying a picture of an Emperor and Empress. In China, it is `illegal' during the Communist period to display such pictures other than leaders like Mao or Chou Eng Lai. Perhaps, you could have seen pictures of Chinese Gods e.g. God of Wealth. The most popular Gods are the three figures of Fu Lu Shou or Luck, Prosperity and Longevity Gods. A picture of the three Gods are available under the conference: "Photo Tours with Interest." Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In Chinese sword play, some swords are considered Yang (Male) while others are Yin (Female). Therefore, there is some truth in the above statement as I believe, the seven star sword is Yang. In Chinese sword play, sword fighting methods differ for a woman and a man. Some sword fighting methods utilize a Male and Female (in harmonious interaction) and this pair (under a skillful pair) is difficult to beat. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, As there are many Chinese, there are many points of view. The Chrysanthemum plant phonetically called `Ju' or sounds like the number 9 in Mandarin. 9 is represented by Autumn or the 9th month. This plant is thus an `autumn' plant. I guess some people would not like having `autumn' but rather `spring or summer' plants. I believe to some of these people, autumn is like `sun set' or closer to winter. While spring and summer is bright and `alive'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is quite expensive to change doors and windows every year. Unless they are made of material that has a high wear and tear and need replacement yearly. You will be surprised to learn that not many Chinese know the art of Feng Shui especially the Flying Star Theory. In the past, there is a veil of secrecy in Feng Shui. One Chinese Emperor also planted falsehood in Feng Shui for fear that others use it also. It was said that this Emperor kept the real `secrets' of Feng Shui and planted falsehood. This is why, till this day, it is said that not all Feng Shui theories are 100 percent applicable. We must therefore, sieve out the not workable from what is relevant today. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, If you have not stayed at the house yet, you can get the contractor to paint the entire house. The `worse' effect is if one digs the ground at the Tai Sui's current location or knocks down the wall at the location. This is the main concerned as compared to painting the wall. I would go ahead to paint the entire house but (out of Chinese custom) avoid being at the location when the house/that sector has been painted. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. It is more important to find out how long one spents time at that location. 2. Usually, a protruding corner can easily be solved in the living room by adjusting the furniture. So long as one avoids sitting at the location of the pointed arrow, this would suffice. 3. For the bedroom this is harder to avoid especially if one has a small room or have built in furniture. Ideally, it is best to avoid having poison arrows in the first place. I guess no one would like to if they can avoid, poison arrows aimed at their bed. If possible the poison arrow should not be aimed at the bed or part of the body. 4. As for plants i.e. artifical plants, in my opinion, after looking at the situtation for a long time, would at this point in time say that it is really no harm using artificial plants rather than live plants. One has to weigh priorities i.e. which is the worse of the two. To have a poison arrow aimed at the bed or to make the room more `yang' using say real plants. It is questionable (in my opinion) for now that artificial plants can equate real plants. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Let me share with you some interesting events: 1. Our first forum was started on 6 June 1997 using a third party hosted forum. I remembered that was only once, when someone posted an advertisement in the forum. A user responded " Hey!, we are here to learn ... " Suprisingly, there was not a single flame for this forum! Only the above advertising Spam. 2. The second forum was hosted by me on my website but the software was cumbersome and not user friendly like this one. I recalled: not a single flame or spam occurred under this forum. 3. This forum which was started on 31 December 1998 till this day had only one `flame'. Before, this `flame' I had earlier discussed on the fear of a `flame' and true enough it occurred. 4. I guess you can say that we are lucky not to suffer the fate of so many other forums. I also personally believe that partial responsibility lies with the moderators of the forum. Some moderators may be `weak' and unable to lead their forums properly. 5. Rest assured that the chat room we operate is for members of www.geomancy-forum.com only. Although it is hard to monitor or control flames or spam, I believe, with good management and support (plus peer pressure), it can be successful. Surprisingly, even when we moderate the forum, there is no flame or spam. The reason for doing so is because, there are now a total of more than 8,000 forum members and we cannot afford anyone to spam our users. We will certainly work the chat room later on. Many Thanks to everyone who have contributed to such a wonderful learning experience. I am glad that many users have come to share not only their problems but bring better insights into how applied Feng Shui can be applied. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Enclosed please find two porcelain plates with figurines of Chinese ladies. In the first picture (court ladies), can you spot the lady at the centre with a fan.

In an urban city even in Singapore, it is difficult to find bamboo trees growing. So I took a picture from my collection of Chinese porcelain plate of a Panda with baby surrounded by bamboo trees. The reason why bamboo are not grown is because it needs lots of maintenance and they grow very fast. `Chopping' the plant can be `quite messy'.

This Bank in Singapore has two towers. = If you notice carefully in the picture, it does not aim poison arrow to itself but to neighbouring buildings. Its a case of poison arrows for `others' and not for self.

Enclosed please find various views of the still uncompleted One Fullerton building. Poll answers will be posted at a later date.

Dear Elena, Thanks for bring up the Chat feature. 1. So far this forum has been progressing very well with more and more users joining the forum. 2. There is a Chat Online feature (located in the above `black' frame next to the "Mark All Read".) 3. The best way to chat is to set an agreed time e.g. GMT xx.xx for users to participate online on certain dates. For now, it is more fruitful to leave messages and reply to them first. 4. Robert is currently busy moving our servers progressively to the larger site. The next shift involves the report management or www.geomancy.online.com which will be on a faster and bigger bandwidth server. As many users are located in the US, our servers at the US will provide much faster response than down here in Singapore. 5. Once everything is ok around February, you will get to see more participation from him. Here, we can organise chats at specific timing. At the moment, the forum and members (especially those listening in has grown and grown). We will at the same time continue to improve on all areas. Looking forward to serving you better! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Users, Some users are `confused' because they read somewhere that instead of using Red string with 6 coins, the recommendation was to use 6 coins with e.g. salt water. What is the rationale of using Red string with 6 coins and not 6 coins with water:- Metal in Water, will result in Metal being absorbed to create water, ending up losing the Metal as a controlling element. And the strengthened Water is not really going to be effective in controlling by controlling Fire, because the Strong Earth #2 & #5 is not at all being controlled. Red String helps to control 6 coins, because 6 is already strong plus being metal themselves, so need a little control, it will not affect or activate the Earth, simply because there is a very strong Metal influence. If you noticed, Fire-Earth-Metal (Triple combinations). Where Fire creates Earth, and yet destroy some Metal, while Earth produce Metal and yet destroy Water. This creates a harmony cycle which is what most cures should eventually do. Create a balance. Warmest Regards, Cecil Copyright (C) Geomancy.net - Cross posted from another forum --

Bamboo is again featured very prominently in this picture: 1. Bamboo plants are featured prominently in the background of this picture. 2. The old man uses the bamboo to fish. The act of catching the fish symbolises the usefulness of the bamboo. No wonder, why the Chinese `love' bamboo. Many homes used to hang out their clothes on bamboo poles. Again, with a little imagination, you can see so many uses of bamboo. Warmest Regards, Cecil