Cecil Lee

Note: There are 2 pictures in this message. Picture 1 below,size = 55k, shows the shape of the plot of land. Below, The plot of land is generally auspicious as it is rectangle in shape. The site and environment is acceptable. Picture 2 below, size = 100k, shows the layout plan of a typical unit in the condominium apartment. Below, it is generally "fair" layout. However, the master bedroom door should not face another bedroom door. It is best also to avoid having a bedroom door facing a toilet.

Note: This message contains 7 pictures (Size of each picture is between 23k to 54k each. Please wait for it to be loaded fully.) Facts about this project: - Project Name: The Fortredale. - Location: 2, Tanjong Rhu Road, Singapore. - 32 units (2 units each floor). - Full Glass Facade at the frontage of the building. (Brick wall behind) - Glass private lift. - "Distincitive roof decorative piece. - The plot is land is on an acceptable rectangular shaped. Picture 1, size = 23k Picture 2 see below, size = 26k Below, In my opinion, I am not happy with the type of full glass facade used. If you see the picture clearly, you will find that the type of window is not the traditional type but rather those commonly found e.g. in a toilet i.e. the "lift up type". The entire frontage of the house uses this "lift up type" windows e.g in the Master bedroom, living room, bedrooms etc... In my opinion, it does not allow Qi to properly come in thru the frontage of the house and circulate within the house. Also in a `hot' country like Singapore, this would result in having to use the airconditioning all the time. Picture 3 see below, size = 32k Below, the units facing East, have green tinted glass. While the units facing West, uses Blue tinted glass. Do note that any use of the colours, I believe is not based on Feng Shui but rather decorative colours. If one really base on Feng Shui, the West side glass facade should be using White or or gold colours. Furthermore, because of the full glass facade, one has no choice but to use curtains all around the facade of the house in order to give each room proper `privacy'. The result is a set of ugly curtains stringing along the top glass panels. Very impractical indeed i.e. not practical type of house to live in. In addition, the windows are not user-friendly. Picture 4, see below, size = 33k Below, It is my opinion that this building is unfriendly towards its neighbour as it has two `metallic' bomberang shaped roof decorative showpiece that, I feel is threathening to its neighbours. Picture 5, see below, size = 54k Picture 6, see below, size = 23k Picture 7, see below, size = 23k Overall, I give this `building' thumbs down. In my opinion, I believe it does not go well with the discerning Singaporeans as few units have been sold so far. A far cry from other buildings which are quickly snapped up by Singaporeans. I believe this building has been up and ready for occupancy for at least more than 5 or 6 months already. This has got to be the lowest occupancy building I have seen for a long time. So far, I have seen ONLY one resident hang (within the house, a set of curtains. It looks terrible from outside). If you take a peak into the building, you will notice that most of the units/apartments are not occupied. Other than this unit, I do not not see anyone else staying in this 32 unit apartment. As for the layout plan of the interior of the apartments, they are rectangular in shaped but because of its exterior, full glass facade, in my opinion, I find this building one of the `worst' constructed building for someone looking for a `decent' house. Please note that the above are my fair comments based on my accessment of the exterior of the building only. So far, I have not made any assessment of the interior of the housing project. In my opinion, this exterior glass facade would go better with an office building as it would be fully airconditioned. Disclaimer: The above are meant as teaching materials. It is not my intention to `hurt' the sale of units further. But, in my opinion, this is one of the `worst' housing development, I have seen for a long time: not practical to live in and an unfriendly buidling to its neigbhours and thus deserve mentioning. Overall, in the final analysis, it is up to the individual to form their personal opinion over it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. This has more to do with beliefs than Feng Shui. 2. It would be a nice feeling for CEOs if they can symbolically be at one of the highest floors of a building especially if their company owns the entire building. 3. In some countries, well known politicians also have their offices close to the top floor. Some even have an escape hatch to a helicopter pad in the event of a terrorist attack. 4. Usually, nowadays the highest floors need not be an office but rather it could also be a restaurant or an auditorium. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is an interesting question. 1. Chinese have many Gods. Many of the `first' class Gods are often placed (if one notice carefully to `guard' the main entrance). Gods such as Goddess of Mercy etc.. are usually placed overlooking the frontage of the house. 2. Since the `kitchen' is usually behind the house, some Chinese also felt the need to protect the back of the house. Here, one can than better understand why the advice is always to have the `first class' Gods face a window or the main entrance door. Usually in the living room when one faces the windows, it most likely is the frontage of the house. Hope this helps to better understand the rationale for placement of certain Gods. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Red is always associated with auspiciousness for the Chinese. In weddings, a red invitation card is sent out. Some newly wedded couples have a Chinese red double happiness symbol placed in their room. And even their pillow cases are embroided with the double happiness symbol. Traditional bride wear a red dress with a veil covering their eyes. Here, one can understand why red lanterns are used in pairs to decorate or line up a walkway. Red in this case, also symbolises auspiciousness. Contrast this to white or off-site coloured lanterns used during a funeral. Therefore, colours have a significance. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The knot symbolises eternal life. It is not uncommon for many Chinese practitioners in my country or in nearby countries to mix `religious' significance of symbols or objects with Feng Shui. As I mentioned, if one `hires' a Feng Shui practitioner deeply rooted in religion, invariably, their religious influence may be `mixed' with Feng Shui. The two most common ones are: 1. Advising their clients to place the Ba Gua mirror on all the houses (to ward off evil). 2. Use of such symbols as the `Eight Lucky' Symbolic Buddha symbols in Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. For those who do not know the history of Buddhism, just to let u know that Buddhism / Buddha belief originated from Inda.

Dear Anon, Where possible, a house should not have missing corners. But there are exceptions like the shape of the top two units of the condominum. Here, the shape of two palms in gentle embrace or `receiving' position outweights any `missing' corner. If one looks carefully, the house is triangular in shape. This is not ideal but symbolism of the house and also that it has a Double 7 at the main entrance, plus the centrepoint is `clear' space works for it. Therefore, I am trying to show `exceptional' units that need not conform to the present mind set of houses that must not have missing corners. In this case, if one looks carefully at the master bedroom it is infact a protrusion and at the top most `peak' of the condominium project. It is something like the Suntec City development where it is the shape of the palm of the left hand. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: This page contains 4 pictures. Size between 35k to 53k each. Please be patient ... wait for the pictures to be loaded. Today, it is quite common to see `artificial' tubes containing water. The base of these tubes produce bubbles and lighted up usually with blue light. As most of the water is enclosed, only a small surface i.e. the top of the tubes are in contact with air. One has to suspect whether, beneficial Qi flows better or less under this tube. Contrast this to more traditional concepts like a water wall or a fountain. Some homes are begining to use the smaller versions of it. Perhaps, could the lighting in the water tube or the bubbles create benefical Qi even if it is not exposed to air? Well, we need to evaluate them further. Please see pictures below:- Picture 1 (below): size = 35k ... loading... Showing the water tube Picture 2 (below): size = 53k ... loading... Showing two water tubes at an angle Picture 3 (below): size = 53k ... loading... Showing a close up picture of two water tubes Picture 4 (below): size = 53k ... loading... Showing a typical water wall (where water is in full contact with the atmosphere as opposed to the water wall where only the top of the water is exposed to the air)

Hi Everyone, For those who are reading messages through the mailing list, I have just updated the conference " Photo Tours with Interest " with two illustrations: 1. The Sterling condominum revisited. Graphic file showing an illustration of why the top two units are excellent choice. 2. The Eight Lucky Symbols of Buddha. This is where some Buddhist Feng Shui practitioners advise home owners to bury the Eight Lucky Symbols under their main entrance and or display a medallion in their house or office. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. The Photo Tours with Interest contains pictures and thus not appropriate to be sent thru the mailing list.

As promised, I will explain why the top most units of the Sterling condominum are excellent apartments even if they are triangle in shape and seems to have protrusions or `missing' corners. The single picture (below) shows the two top most units in the Sterling Condominum project. The two top units:- 1. Are at the apex of the housing project. 2. They are situated at the top most elevation. The condominium is on a gentle hill slope. 3. If you look closely, each master bedroom is at the apex of the housing development. Symbolically, this implies the `top person', or CEO or the person who is "always at the top." 4. The two units are `joined' together like the palms of two hands in a `receiving position'. 5. Although the lift well is next to the main door, it is well contained in a solid concrete block. The benefits of the two units both with double 7's outweight this `minor' factor. 6. The unit on the right is bigger and enjoys the best Double 7 (especially since its base star is in sync with the mountain and water star. It has one of the best double 7's around. 7. The units at the base of the condominium are not as good as some of them have toilets that are close to the centre of the house. Please be patient... 1 graphic (size is 76k).. loading... Can you visualise an image of the palm of the right and left hand? (In the red outline below?) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carrie, Sorry for the delay in reply. The key to the Five Elements is about `balance' in one's element: 1. If one is weak wood, the most effective enhancement is water. Where water supports wood. Think of it as water making plants grow. Using wood to enhance wood is less effective method. 2. One should also take note under one's pillars of destiny season we are in. Under the Pillars of Destiny - Luck Pillars report, one can check the period (10 year period) one is in and from there check to see what is the prevailing season of influence. For example, if one is a weak water person and the season of influence is fire element, as fire destroys water, it will be an inauspicious period for a weak water person. Under such a situation, one would need more water during this period. Contrast it with a season of water influence. Here, water is auspicious to a weak wood person. In this period, one should not overly increase one's environment with water. Too much water, will cause an imbalance to the person. The result: sickness or intense competition. For the home it is good to use the Pillars of Comparison report at www.geomancy-online.com to check the binding element for both partners. Here, the element or elements can be used effectively in the home to `bind' both parties especially in their bedroom and living room. Individually, one can wear clothes that enhances one's element. For example in a season which is not influenced by water or any other elements not affecting water, one can wear clothes that are blue, green, brown. Therefore, for the home, use the binding element for both partners and for individuals, can use colours or jewellery. Again, seek a balance. Do not go overboard. Remember that Feng Shui is about balance and not `overeating' or drowning oneself. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Overall, recently there are quite alot of messages on the placement of `display' objects. Do note that placement of objects is directly related to Chinese beliefs and not Feng Shui. However, as it is relevant to most of us, (beliefs) we have to be clear about it. As a general guide, if it is a `display' piece it should preferably be kept inside a display shelf. This is because usually ox have pointed "horns" and may inavertenly create poison arrows. Keeping the `display' ox in a display shelf effectively contains it especially if it is placed sideways. Most likely, the horns will be pointed towards the support panel of the display cabinet. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Ideally, these figurines should face an `open space' such as an open window, the living room. 2. It should not be placed on the same wall as the toilet. 3. It should not face the kitchen. 4. It should not be placed in the bedroom. 5. It should not face the toilet or a bedroom door. 6. It should not be placed in the kitchen. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: There are a total of 6 pictures in this message. Each picture is approximately around 50k in size. Please wait for the pictures to be loaded. (Approximately 1 to 3 mins to load. Click on Stop on your browser at anytime to halt loading the complete graphics). Pictures taken at: The Phor Toh See Temple at Yan Kit Road, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore. Some Feng Shui practitioners especially if they are buddhist advise the placement of the "Eight Lucky Symbols" of Buddha after their Feng Shui audits. For example, here, the "Eight Lucky" symbols are either buried under the main entrance or openly displayed in the home or the office as a display medallion on display shelf. What are the eight lucky symbols of Buddha? The eight lucky symbols are based on symbols of very old Indian royal ceremonies:- The mussel symbolises call to sermon, which is itself symbolised by the wheel; the canopy protects all living beings; the umbrella shades all medicinal herbs, the lotus is the symbol of purity, the vase of perfect wisdom; the goldfish symbolise release; and the knot symbolises eternal life. Red background symbolises good luck. Can you spot the symbols (in the two pictures below?) There are a total of 6 pictures. Please be patient for the graphics to be loaded. Here is a picture of the first four lucky symbols:- (Picture 1 see below, size = 57K) Loading...Location: Phor Toh See Temple The picture showing the next four lucky symbols:- (Picture 2 see below, size = 53K) Loading...Location: Phor Toh See Temple A view of the temple:- (Picture 3 see below, size = 55K) Loading...Location: Phor Toh See Temple (Picture 4 see below, size = 57K) Loading...Location: Phor Toh See Temple (Picture 5 see below, size = 56K) Loading...Location: Phor Toh See Temple Below, Showing a joss-burner. One can also find a smaller version of the brass joss-burner in the homes of many Chinese buddhists believers. On the right of the picture is the figure of "Di Shen" or Earth God, or sometimes commonly known as the `Kitchen God'. (Picture 6 see below, size = 49K) Loading...Location: Phor Toh See Temple

Dear Elena, 1.Depending on the tilt, it may or may not affect the Flying Star of the house. Especially if it is a slight tilt. (When we measure the compass direction of the mid-point of the door from the centre of the house.) And if it is still within the 15 degree range of that sector. 2. The Flying Star is on the birth chart of the house and it does not take into consideration the personal best directions of a person. Usually, it should instead be `govern' by the Eight House Theory where, tilting the door (as you have mentioned) to the advantage of the breadwinner. Here, there are a few major considerations: 1. Check to see if the new location is not subjected to poison arrows e.g. sharp corners, a lone lamp post etc... Where best, this is only done after the new house has been completed and the road works outside the house is also done. 2. Tilting the door is usually done to `kill two birds with a stone' i.e. it is tilted away from an inauspicious sector to a good sector. 3. My personal advise is that if one wants to tilt the door, it is advisable to get a competent FS practitioner on site to measure and advise on the tilt. As the wrong tilting without proper advise is not advisable. For other `cures' one can easily do it on our own but for such "more serious issues" like door tilting, avoid D.I.Y. Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. A mountain star can only be activated if that location has a mountain star. It is not like when there is a wall, one can `simply' activate a mountain star. It has to be located. The rationale why no specific object for a mountain star has been quoted other than it should have mass and cannot move implies that one can reasonably find a suitable object for it. In this sense, no one can make commercialization out of it. Imagine, if you were asked to purchase only a specific object. It would certainly make Feng Shui `emporiums' or stores happy. Ultimately, the claim could be that it can be placed on any wall. We do not want this to happen rite? 2. A large boulder does not make much sense in a house especially if it does not have a specific use. If one's house is pretty large, this is acceptable. Where possible it should be as tall as waist high. Because too low a `mountain' defeats the use of it. 3. If one has two floors or levels in a house, it should preferably be activated at the first level (or ground floor). What happens if the house has three levels? Do we activate the mountain star at all levels? One should only activate it at the ground level. Have anyone seen a mountain stacked ontop of another mountain? 4. If there is really no mountain star, one should not simply place a boulder at any wall. 5. A window? No, a window is not a `solid' wall, so if we reason it properly, a mountain star cannot be activated here. 6. How about the main door? No, a main door area should be activated by a water star e.g. flat , clear space. If a mountain star is at this location, one cannot simply activate clear space at the front of the house and "suddenly" activating a mountain star. For example placing a rock above the main entrance door. What happens if the rock falls off and hurt someone? Secondly, as a mountain star is symbolic of a `solid' wall, since this is the entrance, is it logical to place a mountain star here. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Cheui May, Yes, I believe there is a controversy amongst some practioners and learners of Feng Shui as to the element type: 1. Derek Walters, in his Feng Shui Handbook believe that electricity is (instead of metal or fire) instead the Water element. This is because of the flow of electric current which `resembles' the movement of water. Instead of water moving, one can imagine electricity flowing through the wires. 2. Some Western Practioners / students believe strongly that it is of the `fire' element. One can go on arguing `forever' and not applease each other or turning into bad blood. 3. While you have pointed out, some argue that it should instead be metal element. Currently, this is not a major concern as it is secondary to Feng Shui. Objects which are less than 33.3 percent of the entire location has minimal effects on the surrounding. 4. For example, TV has been with us for so many years and there are no ill effects reported on it. Contrast this with handphones where there are some who mentioned that it can be quite harmful because of the mirowave transmitter and receiver. 5. It is more important to look at the big picture first i.e. is the Shapes and Form of my house good? Are I sleeping in my good sectors. For those who want to go deeper, can do a Flying Star analysis of the birth chart of the house etc.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Pigs signify "abundance". Hopefully not abundance of fat on the body making one rounder:) Last week, I wanted to take a picture of two pigs (each pig on either side of a pillar) of a house. Each of the pig figurine on top of the pillar were carrying an umbrella, they were in a comfortable position lying and `posing' for a short. But as I was in a hurry, could not take a shot of it. Anyway, place it at a place you find `suitable' i.e. in the living room. Pigs are `lazy' animals and not guard dogs so they do not need to face a door, the sliding glass windows etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe, not only the Chinese but Anglo-Saxons, Celtic etc... do give importance to dragons. Many of their flags or symbols have dragons on them. Likewise, the Chinese also in their own way give importance to dragons. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Fraser, A more accurate analysis is to use the Pillars of Comparison module at www.geomancy-online.com It will analyse two persons elements and propose a binding element. This method is more accurate than using only the Astrology method (particularly if it is based only on the Year of birth and not a full analysis of Year, Month, Day and Hour). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Under the Flying Star Theory, one has to look at the top two stars in addition to the base star. One should not look just at the base star in isolation. For example, you mentioned that (2) is at West in the kitchen. Under the Flying Star Theory, one has to look at the relationship between the two stars e.g. mountain and water star and relate this to the base star. If for example one element for the water star is `bad' and it is helped by another element that assists the bad star e.g. water assists wood and in turn there is a sickness star at the base, one has to analyse all three and come up with a solution to balance it. E.g. introducing fire element to counter the water/wood bad sector. One should not simply `pluck' a number and look at it in isolation. Sometimes, even if the base number is `bad' but if the mountain and water star numbers are good, it may have the strength to neutralise it. 2. In the kitchen, priority should be given to Shapes and form Feng Shui. Some important considerations are:- 1. If the knobs of the stove are not pointing skywards but at the side, it should preferably face inwards from the main entrance door. To keep the warmth. 2. Another consideration is that there should be an `island' or separation between it and water positions. If the kitchen is at the North, one should not allow it to face a water position. As the North is of the water element and the significance is that it is harder to retain the `heat/warmth' at this location and a water position opposite the stove will die off. Contrast this to the kitchen at the South (Fire). At this location, one can still place a water position e.g. a frige opposite it to cool the heat at this location. 3. In "modern" Feng Shui, one should be concerned for the above rather than `crack' our heads as to the position of the stove etc... 4. More attention should instead be placed at the bedroom and the main entrance locations. Unless one uses the kitchen for business, one need not spent so much time at it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Nancy, Currently Robert and myself is quite busy with several projects and at the same time helping a few `difficult cases.' However, he has developed the Home Audit module where you can perhaps make use of it first. The only homework here is to get a compass and (if possible a protractor) and take readings and input it into the Home Audit module. The advise given is as good as what we can advise. If you are interested, please sent a private mail to robert-lee@3dmail.com (If you have already created an account under geomancy-online.com, do furnish him the account name so that he can provide you with the credit.) You can clarify with us, should you need further advise after you had generated the report. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Joan, 1. I will post one before the start of the dragon year. 2. Many couples yearn for the dragon year as it is considered (overall) an auspicious sign especially for babies especially for a son. The only `negative' point is that if the birth rate for that year increase, there is greater competition for places especially in schools. Some schools may hold larger classes or more selective. Contrast this to children born in the year of the tiger where usually, there are fewer babies born. The above observation is meant for countries with a high percentage of Chinese population. For example, in Singapore, 70 percent of the population is Chinese. Our birth rate is around 50,000 per year. With birthrate for the Tiger year can be as low as 40,000 births per year. In years with other more popular signs e.g. Rabbit, Dragon, Pig and Rat, the birth rate can soar to over 50,000. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, a single gift will not impact on a person. But rather, it is the the symbolic gesture of giving a gift is more important. It can be any gift. For a crystal, it is suppose to give beneficial Qi because of the way it plays with light. Some Feng Shui practitioners advise the use of other subsitutes e.g. a mirror, such as at the staircase landing to deflect Qi upwards. Some Feng Shui practitioners also advise one to place a mirror on the wall at an auspicious sector e.g. after using the Flying Star, there is a very auspicious sector along a wall, here, a mirror or even placement of a mirror to bounce back the good luck. Here, some FS practitioners may advise the use of crystals instead of a mirror at this location. While on the other hand, some FS practitioners advise otherwise that if it is placed at an inausipcious sector it will bounce back twice the bad luck. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Personally, I feel that the main drawback of a figure eight condominium complex is the shape of the apartments. It tends to circular and not that ideal under `Shapes and Form' Feng Shui. (Especially if the rooms are curved.) 2. It also makes it difficult to place furniture on the side of the curving wall. On has then to try and `correct' the shape by getting custom made furniture. 3. Basically, it is the main synificance of the number 8 that `sounds' attractive. Otherwise, it is like any other developments. 4. One plus point or a demerit depends on the frontage of the house. If the frontage faces outwards, than all the apartments will have in a way water positions behind their house or at the centrepoint of the building development. Warmest Regards, Cecil