Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. The true essence of Feng Shui is to: - correct any imbalances or sha qi/poison arrows. - enhance beneifical Qi. If one looks at the above carefully, there is a distinction between enhancing Qi and `beliefs' Chinese or otherwise. 2. We commonly hear that a rabbit's foot is `lucky' or hanging a horseshoe is `lucky'. 3. Since what you have mentioned do not directly relate to the `terms of reference' under Feng Shui, it is anybody's guess that any if all beliefs will work. Sometimes it is psychological. Which may result in one thinking positive and thus contribute to `luck'. 4. As the action e.g. is not tailored to an individual, one cannot say for sure that it will work for everyone. As I have given an example, of a person enhancing his/her romance corner. If every suitor does that, is he/she going to finally marry the person they want? A very simple case if how many of us want to try it out and see if it works for anyone. 5. However, statistically, if 1 person place the coin in his order book and gets a win fall, does it mean that 100,000 persons placing it in their order book will achieve the same results. I believe the odds are against this. To be fair, many people should try and see if it really works for them. 6. Another way of looking at it is, if it is a small object, and if it does not cost much, what is the harm of following every other beliefs. 7. As I mentioned earlier, one should not be `mistaken' that these advices are " Feng Shui " they are not. But rather, beliefs be it a Chinese, or other cultural beliefs. 8. One must remember that Feng Shui is actually both an art and a science at looking at a landscape e.g. at a macro level, planning an entire city to mico level, evaluating a site or land. 9. In the past the closest it get to a home audit was based on the 9 Palaces where the Emperor uses different rooms depending on different period of the year. This is the forerunner of home audits e.g. using the `Ba Gua forumula' or trigram. One thus has to deferentiate between what is Feng Shui and what is not. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Monique, 1. It is always good to begin a home audit by doing observations to locate any Sha Qi or poison arrows, first. 1.1. Some important things to note include, any `threats' to the maindoor, through any of the windows 1.2. location of the toilets, 1.3. whether Qi enters the house and exits immediately (straight path - bad) Besides the above, do a full Shapes and Form audit of each of your rooms (where possible) looking at the position of the bedrooms etc.. (There are many traditional books on Shapes and Form or read the resources under: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/site.htm ) 2. Most of the time, if the above is done and if the house has relatively (few problems) as analysed using the Flying Star, half or greater part of the battle has been `won'. 3. The next useful analysis is to use the Eight House Theory to find how suitable is the person (breadwinner) to the house. For example if the death/disaster intangible falls at the main door, this is the least suitable house. However, you should also check what influence is affecting the bedroom where one sleeps. Please see below:- It is best to use the Flying Star to analysis. But if you do not want to go further than that, then use your own feelings. But do not do so because you read somewhere. Usually when one uses his/her feelings, it is because one feels nice or `happy' about it. Frankly, if one practises proper Feng Shui, it is best to first, get the `basics' right e.g. as mentioned under Para 1 and 2 and using other `sound' principles. Proper Feng Shui does not mean that one has to spent money in order to reap rewards. Worse, if done too much, may cause an imbalance at a particular sector. It is similar to a case of over-eating or over-indulgence. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I always like to "caution" everyone to accept information on a `total basis' and not on a piecemeal basis. What this means is that if one reads a book and follow the `method' used to derive the result, try to follow the method used `totally'. 2. It is not wrong for the practitioner to say that `sitting' should be the location to determine the front door. This is because, based on the original or traditional method, under the Eight House, if the sitting position is South-East, this house is considered a `South-East' house. Where else, if you take the `method' used under this site e.g. http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm Here, when we say a South-East house, it means that the main door is at the South-East (i.e. when u stand at the centrepoint of the house, and use the ordinary compass to check, the main door is at the South-East). 3. So which is right or wrong? As mentioned under Para 1, there is no wrong answers. Both methods if used correctly, will come to the same conclusions especially if the template used are similiar. 4. We must remember that under the `first' method based on the `sitting' position, this is usually done (sometimes) with a Luo pan or Chinese compass where there is a sitting and facing position. 5. However, I believe, practitioners must keep up with times. The reason why, I `devised' method used under http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm is to cater to those who use an ordinary compass and this model has been "copied" by several book authors and now becomes a defacto method. 6. If you have used the method first devised by me and posted on the website, it is simply the ease of use and one do not need to remember either a formula etc... This method has thus stood the test of time as it remains unchanged till today. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sandi, Thanks for your New Year wishes. In general, there are three levels of analysis:- 1. Shapes and Form School 1.1. For the main door, check that there is no poison arrows aimed at the door or through the windows. To look out for: - edges of buildings aimed at the main door or window. (Here, you need to stand at the main door entrance facing out of the house. Similiarly stand inside the house looking out of the windows). - check that there is no lone or single lampost e.g. slicing into the house. 1.2. Position of toilets - where possible the toilet is not at the centre of the house, next to the main door etc.. - avoid having the bed rest on the same wall as the toilet. 1.3. There are more shapes and form to look at. 1.4. Is there missing corners in the house? 1.5. What is at the centrepoint of the house? 2. The Eight House Theory: How suitable are you to the house? 2.1 What is the intangible force at the main entrance and especially the bedroom? If you have `done' what you can under Para 1 and 2 and still face problems, it is recommended that you may need to do a more detailed anlaysis under Para 3. 3. More indepth analysis is the use of the Flying Star Analysis (to look at the birth chart of the house). To check for imbalances and neutralise them. It is best to do the initial check under Para 1 to 2. (Under Para 1, you should at least have some knowledge of the concepts of the Shapes and Form i.e. the site, the home and the interior of the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. It is difficult to look at Feng Shui from a micro view-point. This is often the `misconception' in Feng Shui. 2. If you are new to Feng Shui, it is best to consult a competent Feng Shui consultant to look at the site and advice on the layout of the interior of the house. 3. This is where the first `phase' is to look at the Shapes and Form School of the house i.e. the environment, the site and the plot of land. Here, this would help to identify, the frontage of the house, the position of the main door, any poison arrows and the back of the house. 4. You can further use the free tools available on the site e.g. the Eight House Chart to see which are the best directions for each person. What you should look at is: a. For the breadwinner(s), What "intangible force: e.g. death? disaster? health? is affecting them at the main door. What is the intangible force at their bedroom. b. For the rest of the family, What is the intangible force affecting them in their bedroom. 5. There are more Feng Shui theories e.g. Flying Star (to analyse the birth chart) and Pillars of Destiny (to further fine tune). As your `terms' of reference relates to finding the best directions, you can use the Eight House Theory and see how best each family members `fit' in the rooms. Bearing in mind, Shapes and Form School techniques: 1. avoid bad locations for the toilet (where possible it should have one exterior wall) this implies that it no longer can be at the centre of the house. For the toilet, it should not be at the frontage of the house or next to , or above the main door. 2. have a clear space a the centrepoint of the house. 3. where possible the stairs leading towards upstairs of the house should not be in full view of the main entrance door. It is best to have a turning or landing. There are more shapes and form as the above list is not exhaustive. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Normally, a water position is suppose to be on `ground' level and not suppose to be on a table. 2. Usually, one places a water position in a house for a purpose e.g. a small koi pond with water pumps where the fish swims around it. In Feng Shui, this is suppose to create Qi. 3. Nowadays with modern fountains, especially if they are placed on the table no longer can be considered activating the water star i.e. under Para 1, it is suppose to be activated at ground level. 4. The next question one asks is what is the pupose of buying a water fountain? If you want to "beautify" the house, than you would have to turn it on as once it is turned off, it becomes a pool of stagnat water. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Please click this link to view a collection of Chinese jade, ivory and pottery:- http://www.geomancy.net/pics/jade1/index.htm

Dear Cheui May, Please see below:- 1. You have to first consider what is the purpose behind being `attacked' by a poison arrow. 2. If there is a pointed object e.g. like a pointed pencil or the edge of a building aimed anyway directly towards the main door, this is a poison arrow. 3. If it is a lamp post, look or imagine it as a knife slicing thru the main door i.e. tangent or perpendicular to it. 4. Otherwise, if you are standing on the main door looking outside and the lamp post is on the right side and does not `cut' the main door this is not a threat. 5. Is there a gate or fencing between the telephone post and the main door. Is there other `blockages' between them e.g. a hedge? 6. It is not so much of blocking `clear space' but does it slice thru the main door area? It is difficult to visual unless one has a picture. If there is some `obstructions' e.g. plants in clear sight of the telephone pole and the main door the better. Then, I would `pity' the owner especially if it on unstable ground (where landslides may occur). Unless the site has solid e.g. granite foundations and huge e.g. as many castles in Europe are. Frankly, what can one do in such a situation other than build a `prison' environment of tall walls surrounding the house. In reality, (unfortunately) sometimes it would be better off moving to a new house than to `try' and fix all the problems. Provided if they can be fixed in the first place. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Attached please find pictures of three jade items: Pictures 1 & 4: Antique Jade sculpture of Buddha's hand. This piece of jade feels exceptionally cold. Pictures 2 & 5: A quality jade piece of fish carving. Pictures 3 & 6: A circular jade piece (of a horse), I understand is used for daily hand exercises.

Please click on the attachment to view the pictures before taking part in the poll. Feng Shui of the home Is the private side road a poison arrow aimed at the main door? Yes No Not Sure Current Results

Dear Anon, 1. You can find out more about the Black Hat Sect Feng Shui from this link: http://www.loop.com/~bramble/fengshui/confess.html If you click on the above link, you will be transported Cate Bramble, Ultimate Feng Shui Resource site with an article called " Confessions of Lin Yun ". She is the strongest advocate against the practise of the Black Hat Sect. 2. An `L' shaped house does not necessary mean that it is `bad' or cause a `dilemma'. Even if both of you are `opposites'. 3. In this site, we normally leave it to the users to decide what depth or level of Feng Shui or `non-Feng Shui' they want to go into. This can range from simply applying Shapes and Form to the Eight House. Or more professioal analysis involving the Flying Star. Deeper analysis using Pillars of Destiny etc... 4. The module offsite home audit, is specifically tailored to zoom in on `problem' areas (if any). The original purpose was to aid those who have problems. It uses the same analysis done for each of the reports but the results are tailored to zoom in on the problem areas. While the rest of the reports are personalised to the person or home. 5. If you want to find out more, you can e-mail personally to robert-lee@geomancy.net as this forum is meant more on learning. Thus no more response will be made on further queries here. 6. In Feng Shui, each respective practitioner have their `pride' so it is quite understandable that a practitioner of over 30 years experience would get `upset' if one asks too much questions. Usually, it is whether a person trust them or not. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Frankly, I have this to say: 1. Users or practitioners want to `play safe' and advise to use more not less. 2. One must remember that everything is about balance. I have seen lots of cases where even some practitioners advise their clients to place so many `cures' or remedies that resulted in their clients going into problems. I do not wish to see users here `falling' into such problems. 3. I have also advised users to follow the Customer Engineer Concept, where if you are using `cures' to use them selectively or not to use too many at a time. Else you may not be sure of what to do next. 4. Under the Five Elements concept, wood is used to destroy earth (concrete). I am not sure what is your rationale or purpose of trying to use 6 coins? Do you know that 6 coins is `Big metal' and is used to destroy wood or wooden beams. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Name: Lu Dong Bin Key figure of the Eight Immortals 1. Lu Dong Bin's birthday is the 14th day of the fourth lunar month. 2. He was born in the Tang Dynasty. His father and grandfather were Court Officials. 3. He is said to have a tiger body, cheeks of a dragon and eyes of a phoenix. The lines on his feet were like the profile of a tortise. 4. Since young he was very clever and intelligent. 5. At the Lu Shan Mountain, he met the Fire Dragon Immortal. The Fire Dragon Immortal taught him advanced swords fighting skills. 6. Later on, he met his new master Zong Li Quan. Zong Li Quan placed several tests for him. The tests include tests on his attitude towards the poor, wealth and beauty. Zong Li Quan was satisified that he had passed his test and said that Lu Dong Bin is qualified for the `Way of a Toaist'. However, he was asked to perform 800 meritoriious deeds and after it is completed, he will become an immortal. After this, he became an immortal. 7. Legend has it that during the reign of the Song Dynasty, demons came to the Palace to steal gold and other valuables plus his many consorts. The Emperor dreamt that a Toaist priest came to his aid and peace again prevailed at the palace. Because of this, the emperor was very grateful and soon realised that it was Lu Dong Bin who had helped him. He thus ordered all temples to change their name to honour Lu Dong Bin. Today, the Toaist School known as Quan Zhen venerated him as their founder. 8. Overall, Lu Dong Bin is thus the key figure of the Eight Immortals.

Dear Anon, The 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar is regarded as the most perilous day. This month, known as the Dragon Month, necessitates heightened vigilance against illnesses and diseases. The Dragon Boat Festival aims to repel malevolent forces and marks the onset of summer. In the year 2000, the Dragon Boat Festival is observed on June 6. The narrative dates back to around 300 BC, featuring Qu Yuan, a loyal advisor to the King. His position incited jealousy in another advisor, Zi Lan, who resented the King's preference for Qu Yuan's counsel. Following the King's capture and subsequent death in prison, his eldest son ascended to the throne and appointed Zi Lan as the premier. The new premier then exiled Qu Yuan, leading to the eventual downfall of the King's empire at the hands of enemies. Devastated by these events, Qu Yuan chose to end his life. Concerned citizens, along with his daughter, feared that fish would consume his remains. To prevent this, his daughter proposed offering rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves to the fish in the river. In honor of Qu Yuan, dragon boat races and the consumption of dumplings on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month became traditional practices. This celebration is particularly prominent in Hong Kong and Singapore. Warmest Regards, Cecil

There are 10 pictures of phoneix designs that are commonly found on Chinese potterys, paintings and pictures.

Comments (suggested `hints')has been added to most of the Polls. Do check out:- URL: http://www.geomancy.net/polls/index.htm

Dear Cheui May, Usually, one of the (first) most important consideration is based on Shapes and Form Feng Shui. 1. Here, where possible the exterior of the house should conform to the four symbolic animals concept: - Especially, the frontage of the house has clear space and the there is a solid backing. - Where possible, a house should not have missing corners. It is acceptable to have an `L' shaped house as this can still be corrected internally by a partition at one side of the rectangle, thus making two sets of rectangles. If Shapes and Form techniques are `followed' closely, more than half the battle is won. 2. Under the Eight House Theory: - determine who is the breadwinner. Usually, it should be the `male' or if both parties earn equally, it should still be the `male' to be taken into consideration with regards to the main entrance door. Thus where possible, the `death or disaster' intangible force should not be at the main entrance door for the breadwinner. In such a case, the house is `most unsuitable' for the breadwinner. Still under the Eight House: - It is equally important to find out what intangible force affects everyone in their bedroom. Where possible, the death or disaster intangible force should not be in the bedroom. 3. Since both of you are `opposites' should you be looking for a new house, in the future, do remember the above. Ideally, the death and disaster intangible force should not be at the main door for yourself but it is `less' important or of secondary importance or `ranking' if it is not the breadwinners `death/disaster'. 4. If one can follow the above, this would explain why sometimes a house has excellent Flying Star chart yet, is unsuitable for the breadwinner or family members. 5. Next, where possible, the Flying Star Analysis is important to map out the house's auspicious and inauspicious sectors and check for imbalances first (and secondly if say there are any mountain stars that can be activated). The above is a short summary of how one uses all the available Feng Shui theories to good use when finding a good house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Currently, China is practising one country `two systems' and the governor of Hong Kong is given autonomy to run it. So far, there are no restrictions in the practise of Feng Shui in Hong Kong. Feng Shui is practised much the same as it was prior to China's taking over. You will be surprised to learn that even during the older communist rule, it was rumoured that top communist party members do use Feng Shui. Evidence abound where poor quality Luo Pans were made in mass quantities in certain cities in China during the communist rule i.e. either they were used by the Chinese themselves or exported overseas. But since they are of inferior, poorer quality, most likely they were used mainly in China. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Book Title: The Encyclopedia of the Chinese Overseas Editor: Lynn Pang The first book oif its kind to chroinicle the story of the overseas Chinese with factual information on Chinese communites, their business and political leaders and the success stories. Source & Credit: UOB Mail Boutique, Credit Card Marketing Brochure Picture 1: Picture 2: Picture 3:

Dear Anon, 1. The ideal method to find the compass direction of the main door is to stand at the centrepoint of the house and measure the compass direction of the main entrance door. This URL has an example of how compass readings can be done using an ordinary compass: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/cecilcompass.htm Do take note that whichever method you follow both here or elsewhere, do try to follow the `instructions' closely and in total. This is because, if one actually buys a Luo Pan or Chinese compass, the readings are taken facing the main door from outside of the house and readings is done of the `sitting' and `facing' directions. Therefore, do not read `Step 1' of the above link and apply " Step 2 " under a different method. It is like taking medicine. We do not read the label on another medicine while taking the medicine we hold on our hands. (It does not make sense here.) Normally, if all methods are done properly, it will result in the same results or conclusion. a. Please note what are the intangible force at the main entrance and your bedroom. And other sectors which you spent time at e.g. living room. But more importantly, it should be the bedroom. For the main door, it will `reflect' how suitable are you to your house. For example, `death/disaster' intangible force at the main door would imply that the house is the `least' suitable to a person. b. Your balcony door should not have a major impact. But more importantly, the house should also comply to Shapes and Form School. For the main door, it should not open immediately towards the balcony at the opposite end. There should not be a free flow of `air' (Qi) in a direct path between the main door which exits out to e.g. the balcony or the back area. Qi must be able to circulate gently in the house. c. It is best to superimpose the Eight House template on your layout plan and as mentioned above, check in particular, the intangible force affecting u in the bedroom and at the main entrance. For a detailed instruction on how to use the Eight house, please follow this link: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm (How to do an Eight House Chart) http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house2.htm (Explanation) As you are new to Traditional Feng Shui, do take your time to understand more importantly, the purpose of each concept. Here, you should also understand the strength and weakness of each concept. By doing so, you will have laid a strong foundation in understanding and applying proper concepts. More importantly, find out which concepts that have been `tried' and `tested' to work most of the time. Apply these. While discarding/avoid concepts that do not work most of the time. Many of these concepts are discussed within this forum. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Follow this link to learn the Chinese characters (in Mandarin) of the Five Elements:- http://www.geomancy.net/pics/5elements/index.htm The same Chinese characters are currently used by Geomancy.net as navigation icons on the Main page of the various sites e.g. geomancy.net, geomancy-online.com, geomancy-forum.com

Please follow this link to the 16 pictures on the above (mainly inaupicious placement of office tables):- http://www.geomancy.net/pics/handrawn/index.htm

This office has its main door facing outwards. No wonder it is called `Poor company'. It is difficult to retain money here.

I have specially sketched the illustrations to show certain inauspicious situations: 1. Picture 1 : It is inauspicious to have a door behind a table. 2. Picture 2 : Inauspicious to have glass panels at the back of the workstation. 3. Picture 3 : Inauspicious to have a table face a door. 4. Picture 4 : Inauspicious to use circular windows.

How to place a pair of bamboo flute to neutralise a concrete ceiling beam: Attached please find three pictures: 1. Picture 1: Shows how two bamboo flutes are placed on a ceiling beam. 2. Picture 2: Shows how a pair of bamboo flutes are placed i.e. the Dragon flute is placed on the `East' side. The phoenix flute faces the `West' side. 3. Picture 3: Shows how the two bamboo flutes form the profile of a Ba Gua trigram. Para 3 is not compulsory. I.e. u do not need to buy a dragon/phoenix flute. In most cases, it does not matter which side the pair of bamboo flutes are hung on the ceiling beam. This cure is so old school. And dates back to the 1980's to early 1990's.