Cecil Lee

Dear Elena, In the Chinese `arena', it has more to do with days that are best to be avoided. For example, paper charms are placed above doors such as the fifth day of the fifth lunar month against evil influences such as the 5 poisonous animals. Under this URL: www.geomancy.net/calendar (to enable to see the calendar of events, java feature must be enabled - usually if one is using Netscape 4.x or IE 4.x above no problems in viewing it). For example, if one uses the above calendar, and go to January 30, 2000, one will find that the Kitchen God is suppose to return to heaven on this day to report to the Jade Emperor (the highest ranking emperor) of the happening of the family (he stayed at). Thus on this day, Chinese usually offer the Kitchen God, a sticky cake so that it can "shut" his mouth so that he is unable to speak badly of the family since his mouth is fully of this sticky cake. For those who are interested in the various events throughout this year or the next can browse through the above link. For example, do you know that on 16 October 2000, The Goddess of Mercy became a bodhisattav or October 27, 2000 is the day of remembrance of the dead... Warmest Regards, Cecil rather than evil eye.

Dear Spring, In general, Good Luck symbols can be hung almost anywhere. For the bedroom especially for a newly married couples, the Chinese character of the double happiness symbol is hung in the room. Otherwise, if the symbol is `Fu' or Luck, some Chinese hang the word upside down e.g. on their main door (internal side). It can also be hung in the study room i.e. one can safely hang it just anywhere other than the toilet. As for broken foot of the statute, in my opinion, you can keep it e.g. in the closet especially if there is some sentimental value or quite costly (when purchased). Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear Keo Keo, There are two `levels' of analysis when using Chinese `tools':- 1. The most common is where we browse through any Chinese Astrology books, one will find that each of us as you mentioned were born in a particular year such as the year of the snake. And this zodiac sign is looked at in terms of compatiblity with loved ones. In fact, most Chinese Zodiac books will be similiar to the evaluation for eg. in the web such as www.lovesigns.net. 2. Overall, under Para 1, we are looking generally at a person's trait based on his year of birth only. 3. In more advanced Chinese Astrology or using a similar method such as Pillars of Destiny; the Year, Month, Day, Hour and House of Life and House of Conception pillars are looked at. Here, this is a more accurate view of a person especially since it maps out one's "stems and branches". For the Year, Month, Day and Hour chart there are a total of 8 stems and branches to be looked at. 4. Furthermore, the strength of a person's element is being looked into. For example, take the case of the mother who is found to be a weak wood person. However, her was found to be a strong water person. Here, under the Five element concept, water strengthens wood. Therefore, based on the Five elements concept, this is considered a good relationship. 5. Nearly two years ago, when my sister in-law was nearing the date when she was giving birth, out of curosity, we analysed roughly the pillars of destiny for the month (expecting the child to be born). However, the interesting thing was that her birth was a natural birth. Although one would like the child to be born on a certain day and month... it did not seem that way. Of course, one can go for on operation ... and specify a date/time of birth. 6. What I therefore meant was that usually, the situation is that only after the birth of the child, then, a Geomancer is consulted on the birth element of the child. The Geomancer than recommends a name especially if the child `lacks' an element e.g. fire or other elements. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe you have brought up an interesting question:) Case 1 1. Let me share with you a recent case (showing the `non-importance' of unforuntately `women' ... on another issue.. 2. Recently, there is this case where this wealthy Chinese died. 3. In his will he asked that only after his last wife died and after 20 years later can then his wealth be distributed amongst his decendants. (Usually, this are his grand-children or later..). 4. In his will he specifically asked that none of his wealth can be distributed to the `daughters' of his children. As he felt that they `do not' belong to his family. (The assumption that `girls' would get married and later belong to some one else). 5. What happened was that her brother who was suppose to inherit the wealth, died and left no decendants. 6. The case was brought to our Local court and because the wealth was intended for the brother, since he has no family left, his inheritance then passed to his sister who is currently staying in China. Chinese Custom 7. Only the man can carry on the Surname of the family. 8. For example, if a `girl' marries a man, and if her surname + name is TAN Lee Hong, after marriage she adopts the husband's surname. 9. For example, if the husband has a surname CHEN, then she now becomes CHEN Lee Hong. 10. Especially in the past, many parents and husbands would like a `male heir' and this child would `carry' on their `surname'. In the past, if a women could not bear a male child, sometimes they may be treated `cruely' or the husband encouraged to marry or take no a second wife to `ensure that a male child was born.' In China's one child policy, there are many cases where, couples `kill' off their baby girl in order to give birth to a male child. 11. The shows that the mothers, daughters do not `carry' on the Surname of the family and are thus not mentioned in yin fengshui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jo, Nowadays, most jobs involve multi-skills. Thus one has to find out further the main skills involved. For example, in accounting, some people end up doing data inputs and thus their main scope of work has shifted to `computing'. However, I understand that you have asked questions relating to a job and what their elements are, it would not be fruitful for me to reply to each and every one of such questions. Perhaps, if you want to find out more, one can refer to my Applied Feng Shui electronic publication under the chapter " Five elements " which I have listed many types of jobs and the element they belong. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kathy, 1. It is difficult to use FS to look into such a problem. 2. Most probably it could be due to earlier `defective' workmanship or other problems e.g. low water pressure etc... 3. If your house is still under `warranty' you could seek redress. 4. It is also good to get a second opinion (especially if the `engineers' that provided u with the advise has a vested interest in it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear George, Usually, the office expansion should change the birth chart of the house. In such a situation, it is advisable to use the newer period i.e. Period 7 (1984 - 2003). Sometimes, we also plot the Period 6 chart. Here, it is looked at in relation to the Period 7's chart. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Many geomancers consider the following: 1. Preferably an altar should be made of wood or concrete. 2. An altar should not be made of glass. 3. It should be of a favourable dimension. 4. The joss stick urn/holder should preferably be made of brass and not glass or marble/earth element. 5. A metal altar should not be used unless it is (looked into... ) as favourable on the advice of a geomancer. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, So far, China has come to grip with economic development and thus the focus on most people's mind is to make `money' and security for their family. Many Chinese at the moment are simply `struggling' and not so fluent to be involved in cults. So far, Chinese government view the Fa Long Kong cult a threat and another major `gang' as threats to the fabric of the society. Otherwise, the country can be considered relatively free from `cults'. In the past, especially in overseas Chinese, such as Hong Kong and even Singapore, secret societies were more prevalent especially in the 1950's; 1960's and 1970's due to the poorer economic situation in such countries. Today, these countries are relatively free from secret societies. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear John, EAST 1. In my opinion, there are many things that have no right or wrong answers especially if they dwell on beliefs. 2. Personally, my parents although they are not a buddhist but when they purchased their home, one consideration was to have the house facing the `East' (like what you had mentioned, the rising sun). 3. In fact, I recalled many years back when they chose their home, houses facing `east' in my country had cost more (or a premium) over houses facing west. (These houses at that time either faced east or west). 4. In the above senario, what this means is that the bedroom (master bedroom usually face east). 5. This is a good choice especially since, the sun rises from the east (thru the window at easterly direction). 6. Perhaps, it is like an `alarm' clock where, sun light filters into the room as opposed to sleeping in a west room. 7. If one has the `luxury' of letting the figurines face East, why not:) SOUTH 8. Some geomancers also favour the North to South direction. 9. The East - West and North - South compass directions which are the True compass directions are traditionally favoured directions. 10. For the North to South, it is like: 10.1 the Yang dragon is on the left and it is in gentle embrace with the Yin tiger (or gentle hill). A favoured direction is where the `charm' of North flowing to South. 10.2 Thus some geomancers equally favour e.g. figurines facing South (as in above). 11. Therefore, as I mentioned above, there are really no right or wrong answers. Warmest Regards, Cecil This www.hpa.com.au **

Dear Nancy, Thanks for your kind words. In my opinion, majority of us do not really need " Feng Shui ". (Take the case of the less fortunate). In fact, many of us are able to have a happy and wholesome life. It is what makes us special:) Usually, in today's world, questions asked are: If one is often sick quite often or face severe hardships or `calamity', could use proper FS investigations to look into what's wrong. Thus, it is always my belief that if it `ain't broken don't fix it. Many of us are able to use our `sixth sense' or even `accomodate' ourselves i.e. blend in with our surroundings .... Warmest Regards, and have a happy life:) Cecil

Dear Erika, A warm welcome to you:) Usually, if it is ascertained that e.g. a person is a weak fire person, (under the Five Elements concept), one can enhance personal-self e.g. in the clothes that we wear. For example, for a weak fire person, under the productive cycle (ref http://www.geomancy.net/fs/5element.htm ) Wood helps fire to grow. Thus wood color is green or brown. Alternatively fire element can also be used e.g. pink, red, purple. Under the destructive sequence, Earth destroys water. Earth can be a controlling element of `water'. Overall, under the Five Element concept, one should not go to the extreme i.e "hot or cold" but ultimately, seek a balance of all five elements (where possible). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, 1. Overall, this `area' comes under the concept of Yin and Yang and the NE (Devil's gate) and SW (Devil's back door). 2. The type of tree is also very important here: 2.1 Look at the tree. Does the tree i.e. the leaves branch out and occupies a large diameter of the location e.g. does it create such a large `foot print' that the area below the tree is one `big' darken area. Where possible the tree should not create too yin an environment (below it). The larger the foot print, it is less ideal. Particulary if it is too close to the house. 2.2 It would not be auspicious for the tree to be at the compass direction NE or SW. Some of us may not believe in spirits but it is said that tree trunks (may potentially harbour spirits). 2.3 Generally, if the tree is tall but has "small diameter " branches and does not create too yin (darkness) below, this is still acceptable. 3. Thus, the best remedy if the tree is too large or occupies a `large diameter' area of the branch is to either `cut-off' the tree or a more practical solution is to regularly trim it. Best is that the tree should not make the entire frontage of the house (dark - too yin). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Tristan, 1. In some divorce cases, it is advisable to check that Qi does not flow from the main entrance door and exit directly through the windows. In my opinion, there are higher rates of divorce under Para 1 (especially landed properties). 2. In your case, it is difficult to provide further comments as each house is different and as FS is a holistic method, it involves looking at your Pillars of Destiny, your home birth chart (Flying Star) etc... Thus I am unable to comment further than the above. 3. However, other than Shapes and Form Feng Shui, each house can be different for different owners i.e. it may not be suitable for the earlier couple but could be suited to you. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lee Nah, Please see below:- Ideally, the stove should face inwards of the home i.e. the main entrance. Therefore, preferably, the knobs should also face inwards or upwards (neutral position). You have to determine where is the location of the kitchen. If the kitchen is at the North (compass direction), then it would be best for the kitchen to have a door. As North represents water, the kitchen should have sufficient warmth. But if the kitchen is at the South, (fire element) it is not necessary to have a door at this location. In addition, it is still ok for other directions (not to have a door). As mentioned above, for a North (compass direction/point) i.e. if the kitchen is at the North, it is best to avoid a water position facing the stove. If the stove is located at the South, then it is acceptable to have a water position facing the stove. So long as there is a full height wall (no windows between them) this is OK. Even if there is a window, if they are separated by an `island' or a wall e.g. brick wall, this is still acceptable. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jo Yong, Traditionally, Accounting and Finance are considered - metal element. This was because, these occupations dealth with Chinese money i.e. in the past were made of metal i.e. coins. Nowadays, because Accounting and Finance are now quite complexed e.g. involved different processess and multi-skilling e.g. computing etc... one may have to further look at one's job process further. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is a common practice for Chinese to place figurines of Gods and deities facing `outwards' rather than inwards into a home. The rationale is the belief that e.g. it would not be appropriate for a altar to face a bedroom or a toilet or other `rooms'. This is because, e.g. bedrooms are considered `dirty' locations e.g. the place where some of us change our clothes... marriage couples induldge in intimacies etc... It is thus considered not appropriate for these figurines to face `inwards' into the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Spring, 1. The next best alternative is to ensure that the tree is properly trimmed since you are unable to cut it down. 2. Trimming the tree would help to reduce the `floor area' of the tree `foot print'. By doing so, will ensure that that sector is no longer too yin. 3. Trees are actually Yang. But because of the shadow that it casts below, it can create a too yin environment especially at the frontage of the home. 4. I am not sure what the three symbols are. Usually, the most common of the three symbols are the Fu (Prosperity) Lu (Luck) Shou (Longevity) symbols. 5. You can view the following pictures under this URL to see if they are similar to your three symbols:- http://www.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/imagesearch.cgi?img=0&search=shou&cat=all&x=29&y=3 6. Under Traditional Chinese; we tend to display e.g. the figurines from Right to Left. This is similar to the way our Chinese books are printed also i.e. right to left. Thus, when we display the Fu Lu Shou symbol, it is displayed (FROM RIGHT) FU , (MIDDLE) LU and (LEFT) SHOU. Here, you should be facing the above figurines and placing them from right to left. Similiarly, the three symbols (characters) should be displayed the same i.e. (Your Left - Shou) Middle - Lu and (Right Fu). In the west, one can still leave LU at the middle and place Shou at the right and Fu at the left.. which I believe is still OK. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Laura, 1. Many users also faced similar problems such as you and your partner. 2. Under the Eight House concept, one partner can still sleep closer to the `intangible force' and the other partner sleep on the other side. (Using the partner as a shield). 3. In my personal opinion, weightage should firstly be given to the layout of the room based on Shapes and Form techniques. For example the bed should be against the wall. When one opens the bedroom door, the bed should be on the opposite wall e.g. facing the door. 4. I am glad you find this site interesting. For those who are new here can look at photo tours e.g. caricatures to have a better understanding of FS i.e. Traditional FS as opposed to "Others". Alternatively, one can use the Search button in this forum to search the over more than 3,800 messages in this forum i.e. nearly any subject related to Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Nancy, 1. Feng Shui (on its own is about enhancing one's Earth luck). 2. In addition to Feng Shui there are other disciplines such as Pillars of Destiny that maps one's Heaven luck. 3. Overall, "Feng Shui" is a holistic approach. Feng Shui on it's own has also several concepts such as Shapes and Forms and Compass School methods: Eight House and Flying Star. 4. Thus if one is only a "passer-by" of Feng Shui can have a quantum leap just by having good Shapes and Form Feng Shui. 5. For example, the external site and house is appropriately suited. Secondly, the interior of the house, has good Shapes and Form such as the placement of the bed based on this theory. 6. As a "passer-by" one can use the Eight House Tool to check on the suitability of the home. 7. Above this, are more serious FS tools and Pillars of Destiny. 8. Therefore, the level in which one wants to `turn' to Feng Shui / Destiny readings depends on each individual and their level of participation. 9. In my opinion, if your life is smooth going especially in your new home, you can give Para 8 a miss. Wishing you and your fiance all the Best! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I am afraid, in general, Traditional Feng Shui does not look at "wealth corner(s)". Usually, when we talk about "wealth corner", it would imply something that is `fixed' such as based on fixed template. This is considered too general to be of any use for anyone. Therefore, hope u can understand that such things are not discussed here as they are not based on traditional FS. More likely a `gimmick'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. There is free report under www.geomancy-online.com where you can generate a free Comparision report which will provide you information of the `binding' element for both spouses. 2. For example, after the analysis, you get to know which element helps to bind a couple. Here, in the bedroom, one can e.g. paint the room/wall the colour to suits both parties. 3. In traditional FS, element strength is crucial in providing the correct binding element i.e. weak-weak; weak-strong; strong-strong; such combinations give different results. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Laura, I believe there was this debate sometime back where some Australian, FS enthusiasts and FS practitioners `introduced' or reversed the Ba Gua as you mentioned such as SE etc... So far, such `claims' have been reduced significantly. As many FS concepts are based on the Five Elements concept, Yin and Yang, these are not affected by whether it is North or South hemisphere. Overall, or so far, no one was able to refute the current FS model. Cavet emptor... (let the buyer beware) to those who believe that FS models should be reversed for the Southern hemisphere. So far, in my personal experience having looked at many (many) cases particulary for Australia, I sincerely believe that the current FS model should not be changed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Susan, 1. In Chinese culture, the toad and frog are symbols of the moon. 2. Generally, the Chinese do not distinguish between the toad and the frog, as they are typically regarded as the same. 3. Since the Chinese cultivate rice in wet fields, toads and frogs are commonly found in these areas as they thrive in such environments. 4. Due to their slippery texture, the Chinese refer to frogs as 'Heavenly dew' and consider them to be the heavenly chicken or celestial cock. 5. According to ancient Chinese lore, rulers and scholars found the croaking of frogs and toads to be 'irritating,' and legend has it that if they instructed the frogs or toads to be silent, they would comply. 6. The Chinese immortal known as Lui Hai, who lived during the Sung dynasty, is often depicted with a three-legged toad. 7. The prevalence of commercialized three-legged toads is attributed to their representation of wealth and money-making. 8. In various temple processions honoring the Chinese God of Wealth, the three-legged toad is included as part of the offerings. 9. One of the renowned Eight Immortals, Zhang Guo Lao, who is known for riding a donkey backwards, is said to occasionally ride on a three-legged toad. 10. Additionally, there exists a charm featuring the symbols of five poisonous creatures. 10.1 The five poisonous creatures include the scorpion, centipede, frog, lizard, and snake. 10.2 This charm is utilized on the fifth day of the fifth month, coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival, to ward off evil or negative influences. I trust this provides you with a clearer understanding of why individuals, particularly sellers and merchants, 'capitalize' on the symbolism of the three-legged toad in relation to 'money-making.' I am pleased to see that both you and your husband possess such a kind heart; it is evident! Warmest Regards, Cecil