Cecil Lee

Interestingly, "Chinese Lucky Cats" actually originate from Japan. LOL Dear Anita, The idea is primarily rooted in belief rather than being firmly established in Feng Shui principles. Notably, "Chinese Lucky Cats" actually have their origins in Japan. Generally, sizable figurines are situated on the floor to serve as "guardians" at entrances or alongside staircases. They ought to be oriented outward, directed towards the outside of the home, rather than facing inward. For example, they may be positioned on one side of the house, directed towards a series of sliding glass doors, thereby effectively "guarding" the residence. It is recommended to avoid placing these items in the bedroom, ensuring they have sufficient "free space." Warmest Regards, Cecil For your information, I hail from Nippon. Otherwise, please treat me as a regular display item, that is all. Thank you.

Dear Lingling, 1. The importance of the Eight House Theory is to look at:- a. How suitable a person to the house. If the main door is located at the Death or Disaster sector of the breadwinner this is where the house is the least suitable to the breadwinner. b. It is good to spent time at locations that are auspicious in the house e.g. as you had mentioned that this is where your living room is located. c. It is good to have auspicious sectors in the bedroom. As we also spent some of our time there. d. It is used to look at personal best directions e.g. sitting at a good location and facing an auspicious directions. Other than that, this theory has its limitations. It is not able to tell whether it is auspicious to place a crystal on top of the TV set:- There are a few ways of doing it:- 1. Use your feelings and if you find that it is comfortable to place a crystal there, then this is usually fine. 2. Alternatively, one has to use the Flying Star Theory to check to see if the particular sector is in balance. As Feng Shui is all about balance, the flying star numbers of the sector can tell whether each of the elements are in balance or not. If not, one can use cures to neutralise it. 3. For a small object and if one is placing only one crystal, one can still use our feelings. Here, if one understands, one can be as `scientific' about Feng Shui e.g. using Flying Star or alternatively, simply use our `feelings'. The Eight House Theory, cannot be used as a `cure' or to analyse a situtation for a cure as it is not linked to the Five Elements Concept unlike the Flying Star where each number represents one of the five elements. For the main entrance door:- 1. Check to see if there are any poision arrows aimed at it. Or at a window in the house. 2. If one uses the Flying Star to analyse the house and if the main entrance was found to be a very auspicious sector, (while the house is not as suitable to the breadwinner) one should keep the location bright. One can also use a dragon figurine from inside the house to point to the mid-point of the door. The dragon figure is `Yang' and symbolically, it guards the door also make it more yang. If the Flying Star at the main entrance is inauspicious or out of balance needing a specific cure, then the cure will take precedence over the placement of the dragon. As I mentioned, one can be as `scientific' about Feng Shui or if one finds this too overwhelming and do not want to explore Feng Shui other than using only the Eight House, one must understand its purpose and limitations. One must not `assume' that every explanation can be provided for under the Eight House. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is a belief than Feng Shui, therefore, each of us have to form our opinion on this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Fraser, 1. Thanks for your acute observations:) 2. Usually, the Grand Duke is used in a "wider area" e.g. in terms of a country or a county or state. Under this situation, one can realise that every degree makes a difference. For example one county can differ from another by just a few degrees. With this understanding, one can understand why we talk about lesser North East, lesser North West etc... 3. You correctly pointed out that in a home, it is hard to `imagine' that the grand duke is confined to only 67.5 degrees as an example and why not 70 degrees. 4. A good way to understand this is to imagine that closer the centrepoint, the compass directions gets closer to each other. And there are fewer ranges to play around. In general, if it is a wide circle, we can group each range to 60 sectors or more. But when we analyse a house, we may use 24 sectors (directions or sectors). 5. Usually on the `safe side' in an average sized home, one should look at the grand duke in terms of the 8 sectors similar to the Eight House Theory. For example, we should only confine ourselves with the location of grand duke at: North, NE, East, SE, SW, South, West and NW. Therefore, use the Eight House as a reference and if the compass direction falls close to NE, then, avoid disturbing the grand duke at NE. (Rather than the lesser degree only). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. For coins such as those where we should step on e.g. 3 coins at the main entrance. Where stepping on the coins is like stepping on `gold'. For the above, it can be buried under a floor tile or place underneath a rug/carpet etc.. 2. For coins used as a `cure', it is my opinion and I believe the opinion of many FS practioners that it should be displayed and not hidden discretely. If you ask some practioners, they may say that you can hide it. It is my honest opinion and my recommendation, that it should not be hidden. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for bring this up. Water plays an important part in Feng Shui:- 1. In the past, many buildings are built on the Ming Tang concept i.e. a pool (not stagnant) at the frontage of the building. It is a semi-circular shaped, with the the semi-circle radiating away from the frontage of the building. 2. Water is an excellent choice because with water position, it implies that there is clear space. This works well with the Four Symbolic Animals concept where the frontage of the house should have clear space or like a `bird' flying freely in-front. 3. Water is equally used in Feng Shui e.g. fountains are said to be good Qi enhancers or it creats beneficial Qi. But water in a fish tank is more commonly used to neutralise Sha qi. Do a search in this forum and there are many examples of how a fish tank has been used to neutralise sha qi. 4. Plants and trees are also `secret' weapons in Feng Shui. It encourages birds around. It is best that trees are not too large as it result in too yin a location. This is where the belief that it may harbour `spirits'. Overall, plants are excellent for the home. But again avoid a large tree at the NE (devil's gate) or planting too many trees at the west side of the house. West is yin and one should not increase the Yin at this location. NASA had also conducted experiments with plants and the result is that plants are good. For water positions avoid having it at the back of the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Feel free to ask questions:) The car parks and garage is underground. The cars go thru the side of the development and enters / exits into the parking lots. Singaporeans love this because, it means that their costly investments where cars cost a bomb! For example a small car 1,000 cc costs at least US$50,000 (S$ = 1.7 exchange rate) and Mercedes Benz, Volvo etc.. costing no less than US$100,000. The Sterling being a Freehold property, costs not less than US$800,000 for smaller units to US$1,000,000. Unfortunately, in Singapore, property is EXpensive. Yesterday, I went to purchase a new digital camera (cause my old one died). Will be posting more Photo Tours also. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, There should not be a problem accessing the site. Although Robert has made some changes to the site but the site should be friendly to Netscape and IE browsers v 3 or 4. Perhaps you can try it out again and if you have problem, do let me know the browser and version number i.e. Netscape 4.0. Alternatively, I tested out www.geomancy.net and no problems. If this is the problem, the alternate domain name for this website is: palmistry.net or 3dglobe.com. Typing any of these domain names will get to geomancy.net Thanks. Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Pillars of Destiny is used to find out a person's element and it's strength. From here, one can thus design a suitable logo for one's site. 2. A logo is an important feature of any company. 3. Nothing beats a quality site on the web: be it a service support site, a resource centre site etc... 4. In my opinion, no one has yet made either a profit or a substantial profit on the web. For example, amazon.com has good turnover but has yet to make a profit. Similiarly, Yahoo.com etc.. have not made a yearly profit so far. More importantly, if one wants to have a web presence, do it for the love of it else one will be truly disappointed ... i.e. in quick returns. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sunny, Please see below:- Based on your description, it looks like a poison arrow ie. especially if it slices through the main entrance door. I posted a message: What is the `Triangle Effect?' under the conference: Photo Tours of Interest. For you to have a better understanding of the situation. This should not be an issue in the living room. Normally, it should be placed closer to one side of the wall rather than placed in the centre of the living room. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- I believe the picture is the artistist impression of what the site looks like. It is always good to have trees as it will encourage birds also. I believe so. 1. Here, the overriding factor is the frontage of the unit circled under Picture 1. If one notices carefully, the top two units are in the shape of two hands in a `receiving' position. (Try to look closely and one can see that there is a `U' shape. In fact both units have Double 7. 2. Next, the main door is facing the water position for the circled unit. 3. It is on a gradient hill. The bedroom of the circled unit is sitting on tip of the entire house. This is symbolic of the `highest' position in the development. I will elaborate more of the unit and show the layout as soon as possible. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Given that you do not own the place and live in a rented room, frankly, in real life, it is still acceptable under your conditions. Keep the washer and dryer at a separate corner of the room. Warmest Regards, Cecil

[Note: Reference: Photo Tours of Interest - The Sterling Housing Development] Dear Anon, In the last picture of the Housing development, it shows the pool side. Above the units fronting the pool there is a `small hole' as shown with the red arrow in the picture. The project is on a gradient hill and the peak is the top of the triangle. The `hole' is to allow the Dragon Qi on the top of the hill (not to be entrapped) but to flow thru the hole `allowing' it to move freely downwards. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Alison, In the Eight Associations / Life Aspirations, although the West signifies children, this concept is in my opinion is secondary in Feng Shui as it is very generalised. If she still wants to place something there, find something that she really likes. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- Yes, it is advisable to keep the ceiling simple. Avoid sticking things on it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Yes, a mountain star can be activated by a painting or photo e.g. of Mount Fuji. Avoid a photo with streams or rivers at the front of the mountain. It is acceptable for snow to be seen on the peak of the mountain painting. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- 1. Yes, I agree with you. There is indeed a controversy amongst Feng Shui practitioners on this matter. 2. Usually, in my opinion, it is best not to place a mirror based on the premise that if it ain't broken don't fix it. 3. From what I have observed, most often, it is the Cantonese dialect Feng Shui practitioners who use mirrors especially at the dining room. 4. The rationale why some Feng Shui practitioners advise not to use a mirror is because it also depends on the location of the kitchen. For example, if the kitchen is at the South of the house. South represents the Fire element. Here, you can understand that one should not further induce "Fire" or a mirror as it will symbollically double the "heat" at the location. Contrast this with the kitchen at the North representing the water element. Here, it is acceptable to introduce the mirror, but consult a FS practitioner first. Warmest Regards, Cecil

(Source: Pictures scanned from the prospectus/catalog of the Sterling Housing development, Singapore) Dear Users, Please wait, Picture size: 59K loading... 1. This housing development has excellent Feng Shui despite its `triangle' shape. 2. If you notice carefully, the profile of the development looks like a `shark's top fin'. 3. The ideal unit is located at the top as it is considered at the apex. (There is a gentle slop from the tip to the base. 4. Robert developed the Good House module to locate an excellent unit which is at the apex of the development. It also has excellent Flying Star double 7's. Guess who bought the unit. Please wait, Picture size 67K loading... Please wait, Picture size 31K loading 5. There is also a `hole' at the base units to allow the dragon to pass through. 6. The only comments is that the Ming Tang at the base units should instead point outwards towards `Bukit Timah Road' instead of pointing towards two units. 7. The above would certainly change your perception that not all developments need to be rectangular in shaped. 8. Symbollism is thus very important for a site also. Who would have guessed a shark lurking in the area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for bring up this interesting message. Here it is good to understand why: " 3 metal coins are used. " Again, we have to make reference to the Five Elements concept:- 1. The number 3 represents Big Wood or Strong Wood. Number 4 represents Small Wood. 2. Copper coins represent the metal element. 3. Why not use 4 coins instead of 3 coins? 4. In a few previous Feng Shui messages, Robert mentioned that one definition of `Wealth' is where e.g. if one where to look at the destructive elements. The element that destroys the element (in front of it) will result in producing wealth. 5. For example, given your message the use of 3 coins, this implies that as metal destroys strong wood (3 wood), the end result is wealth. 6. Some Feng Shui practioners thus recommend that one place the three coins under a floor mat either outside the main entrance or just inside the doorway. When one steps on the floor mat, one is symbollically stepping on gold or wealth. I hope you now have a better understanding of how one can `test' out whether a theory or use of an item is reflective of traditional Feng Shui which always is done in relation to either the Five Elements or at a higher level, the Yin and Yang concept. Anything else can be considered `suspect' especially if it is not related to the Shapes and Form. 7. Ideally, ancient Chinese coins are best used because it has a square hole. Why is this so? This is also based on the Five elements concept:- - Square hole represents Earth element. Here, Earth element is used to `control' metal. You can use other coins but the best is still the ancient Chinese coins. For the 6 coins used in cures, you will notice that red string is used to `control' and bind the strong metal element together. I hope the above will spur many users to continue to understand and apply the Five elements concept, confidently. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. There should not be an issue here. Some Feng Shui practioners believe that electrical items such as washing machine or dryer that shakes should not be placed at an auspicious sector. If it is an inauspicious sector this is good. As the shaking will drive away, the auspiciousness. 2. With the various forms of Feng Shui available, Para 1 is of secondary importance. More importantly, if one fully understands the purpose and limitations of each Feng Shui theory or concepts, this will instead, put to good use. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. For the extension, in order for it to be considered an " extension " of the home, it has to be an enclosed space. Not an open space or `shelter'. 2. It is usually not prudent to add an extension unless it is used to `cover' a missing corner. Avoid a protrusion at the wrong compass direction of the house. If there is a missing corner, one can use instead, landscaping for a landed property. 3. From the many analysis done on houses, the centrepoint should usually be clear space. If not clear space, leaving it or not e.g. using the toilet at all is acceptable. (Not ideal but still better than `using' it). The rationale is because the centrepoint is where all the intangible forces congregate and having one element at the location creates an imbalance. For a toilet, the characteristics is financial problems or unable to hold on to money. The centrepoint is where Yin and yang influences (auspicious and inauspicious congregate) thus it is best kept neutral or better, not used at all. From my experience, making it Yang does not really help and since it is green, don't spent unnecessarily money on it. The best situation is to keep it dry and not use it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Since you have the inbuilt shoe rack, it should not be a major concern i.e. it is of secondary importance. Where possible, keep the shoe rack clean and once in a while, throw away unwanted shoes. Warmest Regards, Cecil Can I had my enclosed shoe rack in my living room? On top of the rack , I put a vase of roses and a lot of photo frame, can I do that? I cannot remove the rack as it is a built-in rack, is there any way to solve this if the shoe rack is not good to be in the living room? Thanks Dear Anon, Some Feng Shui practitioners advice one not to place a shoe rack immediately outside the main entrance. It is not difficult to guess the reason for it. As the main entrance is an important part of the house, the `worry' of some practitioners is that Qi from the `inauspicious' shoe rack is sweep into the home. The rationale is that the area around the main entrance should be `clear' space and clean. Where possible, try not to place the shoe rack at the main entrance. Usually, there is a tendency to keep unused shoes in there for some time. It is not a `must' but it is good not to have the shoe rack outside the main entrance. Usually, if one has a back door, it is ok to place the shoe rack there. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe Lillian Too is applying the Eight Associations or Life Aspirations where the NE is the Education sector. The significance of the meaning of this Gua is a "steady progress in meeting targets". Items symbolising earth or fire e.g. crystals, stones, quartz , bright lighting etc.. If one reads the messages both in this forum and the resources materials on this website, you will find that not much emphasis is or was given to this concept. The only response or advice given if users asked whether it is acceptable to place such objects at the locations is a `weak' yes because this is still traditional Feng Shui but in a very broad sense, very generalised FS. One can try the method but based on responses and even messages from users and even in the newsgroups, many have started to question that `nothing happened' some as far back as five years ago... using this method ie. it did not work for them. We should honestly consider another factor is that sometimes we look at Feng Shui "crudely" and say that for those who have problems, it gives one hope. Hope is a "powerful tool" that makes us the strength to fight back. This is the approach we should take that Feng Shui is not every `cure' all. I should emphasis that we should not be a `slave' to Feng Shui or taboos which may `turn around' and even ruin our lifes. Do exercise moderation. Warmest Regards, Cecil For instance, my kua is 4 and my study desk is facing East. Is any conical item, large or small acceptable on the far right hand corner of the desk? Eg. a scented oil flask, paper weight, candle, paper folding etc. On 12/31/98 12:58:06 AM, Ng Sharron wrote: I'M A STUDENT AND WISH TO BOOST MY STUDY AND EXAM LUCK. IS THERE A WAY TO ACTIVATE IT? I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO HAVE OPEN SHELF BUT I DO HAVE ONE AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO CHANGE ONE. IS THERE ANY REMEDY TO IT? MY STUDY TABLE IS UNDER MY WINDOWS AND IT FORMS A RIGHT ANGLE TO MY OPEN SHELF (THAT IS MY SIDE PROFILE IS FACING THE SHELF). MY BED IS BEHIND ME. PLS ADVISE THANK YOU NG

Dear Carol I do come across certain types of houses: 1. Broadly speaking, this house can be described as "entrapped." 2. The extent to which it is considered entrapped depends on several factors: 2.1 As you pointed out, it is at the same level as the other houses. 2.2 The neighboring houses are of similar height, and there are no dominant structures nearby, such as taller houses. 3. It is crucial to examine the frontage of all houses within or adjacent to this "entrapped" house. 3.1 For instance, if the house's frontage is aligned with the front house, which has a similar orientation and is approximately at the same level, the front house will benefit from its usual share of Qi influence, while the house in question will not receive the same Qi as a typical house due to obstruction by the front house. 3.2 If the frontage faces the road leading to the house (in parallel), the Qi is acceptable, but this is also contingent upon the house it faces. 3.3 If the houses adjacent to the house in question have frontages that align similarly to the house in front of the 'flag house,' this is preferable to having both neighboring houses (to the left and right) facing it. 4. Further details, such as those mentioned above, are necessary for a more comprehensive analysis. 5. You also noted that there is a water position located behind the house, which is considered inauspicious. 6. In summary, it is advisable to avoid such a house if possible. Even if one acquires such a house, its Feng Shui is likely to be average to below average or inauspicious. 7. The above commentary is not exhaustive, as we have not actually observed the site (the house and its neighbors). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, You brought up an interesting question. 1. Usually, one major influence is also the exterior of the house. 2. A major renovation does change the birth chart of the house. 3. In order to change the birth chart of the house, one has to understand that it has to be an `old' house. For example, Period 7 is between Chinese New Year 1984 to 2003. If the house was built in 1995. No matter how ones change i.e. a major renovation, it is not going to help as it will still remain a Period 7 house. Warmest Regards, Cecil