Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, It is without doubt that Red is always a colour associated with auspiciousness. Red is associated with the double happiness symbol (in red), Chinese new year, red fire crackers, red paper envelopes. Red banners over the main entrance of new homes, and during Chinese new year. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why red bats are considered auspicious as compared to black ones. Even temple doors are in red and many Chinese restaurants have red carpet and red main entrances, and red pillars. Practically, the decor is in auspicious red. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Usually, the advise is not to use too many crystal balls. This case was because, this person used trial and error Feng Shui and would place a cluster e.g. more than 5 or 6 crystal balls at a particular location. It happened that he placed the crystal ball at a location, nothing happened and he placed more at the particular location. Therefore, there is a difference between using one crystal ball and over indulgence using so many crystal balls. We have to clearly understand the distinction between the two. I am thus concerned if one `over indulge' or `over eats' in such a situation. 2. At another location, he bought a water fountain and placed it. A few days later, he got into an accident. He quickly removed the water fountain from that specific location. 3. When I did a Flying Star chart for him, it turned out that the location where he placed the 5 or 6 crystal balls (luckily) by coincidence, the location can `cater' for the crystal balls. 4. There usually should not be an issue with Chandeliers especially if the living room is large enough to handle one. 5. It does not matter if the crystals of the chandelier is made of glass, crystal or plastic. All three should not be an issue. If the living room is large e.g. at least 1,500 sq. feet in size or more and the chandelier is of reasonable size, there should not be an issue. 6. Applying the 33.3 percent ruleset, so long as the volume of the chandelier does not exceed this size, it is in my opinion acceptable. 7. Although, natural lighting is ideal, turn it on only when the lighting is `dim' or at night. It is particularly good to have a chandelier if all the windows are closed or there are few windows such as in a hotel lobby environment where it has long passage way and the lighting (natural light) is quite a distance away. 8. In such a situation, it can be a near subsitute to water fountain (especially if it is turned on most of the time). Warmest Regards, Cecil

More Chinese murals from the temple.

Here are some pictures of the roof of a Chinese temple roof and murals on the walls of the temple.

Dear Margit, --- This is a recent message, I posted under the Free Advice Forum in relation to selling of house. It also applies to selling of business -- 1. If you have the chance to read some of the messages that were posted on this issue, it is my opinion that it is difficult to depend on Feng Shui to sell a house. 2. This is because: a. The Flying Star Theory is meant to analyse a house's birth chart. b. The Eight House is to see how suitable a house is to the owner and where possible try to stay at a good location. Within these two theories, there are no direct relationship between selling a house and Feng Shui. 3. The only "relationship", I feel is of use is if the buyer knows Feng Shui and if one can point out some good points about the house or "convince" the person that the house has excellent Feng Shui. Otherwise, it is my honest opinion that, one should not rely too much on Feng Shui to sell the house. Other factors include, the price of the house etc... Pillars of Destiny, can be used but is it an indirect relationship i.e. depending on the time and the element of the owners, the buyer, this is quite difficult to achieve most of the time. I hope, I am not trying to dishearten you but, I sincerely feel, if you have read previous messages on this subject that one should not pin too much hopes on Feng Shui. I believe not even the best FS practitioners can help in this situation. What could be worse is to consult a fortune teller. I am always afraid of being associated with "fortune telling" is, I would even ask myself, if I can tell someone's fortune, why I am rich? Anyway, rich does not necessary mean money or wealth but happiness etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Please take note that, one of the main considerations in using a "window" to `replace' the main door is that light should be `brighter' coming from the window than say from the main door. This is where, it could be a likely candidate for the replacing the main door. 2. It is equally important that unlike an alternative door, where the house number can be affixed on it e.g. above that door or on the door itself. For a window spanning 6 or more feet, where than can be place the signage for the door? Is it at the centrepoint of the window or we`purposely' find like what you have mentioned the double 7 stars (provided, it exists around the sector). 3. Frankly, the window `thing' although has been mentioned for now has to be considered `theoratical' and perhaps an `academic' exercise. Provided the conditions are met as mentioned under Para 1 and 2. 4. For the numbering on another door, this has been widely used by some Feng Shui Masters to either determine which is the actual main door or making it a symbolic change to another alternative `main' door. 5. So far, I cannot recalled any `experiments' have been carried out on the `window' concept and no one yet knows for sure if it will really work. Finding a Good House module at www.geomancy-online.com was created for the purpose of analysing all 24 directions under the Flying Star chart. This would help anyone wanting to find out which directions are good houses for a given period. Although, it is still meant to locate direction of the main door. 6. Many FS practitioners will still work on the standard approach of determining where the main door using the traditional approach of locationg the direction of the main door. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Crane symbolizes longevity for the Chinese. 2. A picture of a deer symbolizes riches (wealth). It is derived from the phonetic sound that sounds like " good income " or riches. It is quite common to see a picture of a crane and deer combined together. Here, the picture symbolises longevity and riches. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Did you know the willow tree has some… interesting associations in Chinese culture? It’s not just a pretty tree for springtime. In fact, it’s linked to the season of “sexual desire”—no wonder things get lively in spring! A Willow tree as imagined by Meta AI And here’s a phrase to impress (or tease) your friends: “looking for a flower and buying a willow.” No, it’s not about gardening. It actually means visiting a certain… ahem, professional! In this case, “flower” isn’t just a plant—it refers to a girl. So, if you see lots of willow trees planted around a building, well, don’t mistake it for a nature reserve. Traditionally, that’s the trademark décor of a brothel! Now you know why willow plants aren’t exactly considered auspicious. Think twice before you gift someone a willow tree cutting! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, the large vases is to give an `impression' or as a display piece. The advantage of large objects is that it is harder or acts as a deterent for someone to carry it away. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The dragon year only begins on 5th February 2000. I believe, the 2000 couples got married has to do with millennium celebration. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In the course of this year, will post a history or story of each of the immortals. So look out! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In a recent documentary on Chinese law being carried out on TV, I was trying to see if there were any Chinese Judge or Lawyer. So far, I was not able to sight a woman as a Judge or a lawyer in the episode. In this episode, I saw cases of Chinese citizens been tried. For example, this person who stole a notebook computer from his multinational company. He later confessed and pleaded guilty. He was sent to three years jail for the offence. I believe, looking thru the episode, and did not recall seeing a women in such a prominent role as a Judge or Lawyer. But Chinese women do play a significant influence (some include) the notorious Chinese Empress Dowager. Even Ex Chairm Mao's wife, Jiang Jing (the famous gang of four), tried to take control of Chinese politics after his death. Apparently, she committed suicide in jail. With such a big population, it is inconceivable that there will be women who will hold high positions. I believe there are. *JOKE* I am not too keen to find out because, it is too late if one runs foul of law in China, I wonder, if I can still login to this forum:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, China is one of the four countries with an ancient history which started at least 5,000 years ago, there are many famous poets. In fact, there is an ancient "Book of Songs" besides other ancient books. Chinese scholars in the past are both skilled at poetry and calligraphy. Some of the works and poetry verses are still available today. As for comedy, I am not too sure, but I believe the recent spin off of the term `double talk' is part of this comedy plays in ancient times. This is where two persons talk in `harmony' and create laughter with the audience. As for communist China, during this period of the `cultural revolution' unfortunately, I believe, this is indeed a `dry' period for the Chinese. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is a `difficult' question to answer. Because, there are quite alot of Chinese scattered all over China and in the world. For those who live in rural China, and poorer, they are closer to nature so, they most likely live off the land. For those who are in cities and overseas Chinese, I believe, it is the same as any other cities elsewhere. But if your definition of recyling means having separate bins for can drinks, papers etc.. I personally do not see this happening around even in my country. I recently saw a TV documentary where even in an English school, the students were told to separate their garbage i.e. place into different waste bins. The students later on discovered, their efforts went to waste because, the garbage men simply picked up all the garbage and throw them into the garbage truck together. So, who would blame the students been disheartened over their `wasted' project. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is quite common for the Chinese to `replace' the use of Lion statues outside their main gate (of some homes with Elephant statues). Elephants looks solid and `stands firm' on the ground. In Indian culture, elephants are equally `admired'. This is also true particuarly in Thailand. One simple reason is because of its strength and its trunk, elephants have been trained effectively to haul logs and timbers. They are intelligent workhorse. As such, especially the Thailand) or the Thai people, produce cheap Elephant carvings. I believe this gets sold worldwide. Not all Chinese, especially in my region use elephants. More often, those who went to Thailand either on a social visit pass or to work, would invariably bring back a pair of elephant decorations. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is important to remember to display the coins even if they are binded together. They will still show the number of coins i.e. 6 coins. But, if we stack the coins together (exactly) and tie them together, you would only see `one coin' but a very thick one coin. Here, unless one goes closely to count them, it simples looks like ONE coin although it is rather `thick'. This is why, one must string the coins and at a glance, show 6 coins. Furthermore, the red (as in the red string) represents the "fire" element to bind or control "big metal". As some kind of a check (and balance). The red tassle and infinity knot are simply meant as decorative piece. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. Sometimes the 6 coins can be placed in a circular pattern. Below, a sample of 7 coins represents "Small metal":- Often, to cure imbalances like #5 or #5 with #2 and or #5 with #9, six coins tied with red string are used. This is knwn as a "Big Metal" cure. For some cases, a Feng Shui Master may advice on a lesser cure. For example on a #2 sickness concern. As Seven (7) represents SMALL metal element.

Dear Anon, Horse racing is a passion of quite alot of Chinese. Although one cannot say that all Chinese behave this way, there is a certain percentage of Chinese visit the `Turf clubs on weekends to see horse racing'. In the most recent enhancement to this site, I had added a calendar module and there is also a God of Horses (birthday). http://www.geomancy.net/calendar/index.htm Therefore, displaying a horse racing perhaps could be an aspriation that the horse one bets on wins and make the person wealthly. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Luther, 1. In traditional Pillars of Destiny `readings' under `occupation', there are two `categories' of occupation that can: a. In my book Applied Feng Shui or Course, there is a chapter identifying an occupation with an element. Here, an occupation can be classified under an element. For example, accountancy, banking can be classified under the `metal' element. The rationale is because in the past, coins etc.. are of the metal element. And since accounting involves money (and money is associated with coins). a. Career with Wealth This means that if one has a career in this `line' related to such an element, one is suppose to be able to be wealthy. b. Career with Power One example of `fire' related career is Marketing and earth can imply real estate. 2. As I mentioned this is an additional module of Pillars of Destiny (just like it has been in the past). 3. It it is related closely to the Five Elements i.e. identifying what type of element each occupation is. 4. However, in modern times, our occupations get more and more complex due to e.g. multi skilling, it is much harder to correctly identify which occupation belongs to which element. 5. As I mentioned, the purpose of the Pillars of Destiny, is more for analysing a person's element and strength and looking at the season of influence of current period (luck period). 6. As all the various destiny analysis comes with the Pillars of destiny, it is optional whether one would want to use them. 7. The traditional Pillars of Occupation therefore has these two interpretations that: a. If one wants a career with power e.g. becoming the CEO, Chairman or someone with authority, then go for a "Career with Power." b. If one wants to be wealthy, then go for a "Carrer with Wealth". c. The `carreer' identified should be one that comes in contact with a harmonious element. In this case, I have illustrated for example (Fire career) could be Marketing, Public Relations which should be in contact `earth' e.g. real estate or say food processing. Something of this nature. Rather than say Marketing of wood products e.g. furniture. Here, Fire (marketing) in constant contact with furniture (wood products). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, As you have correctly mentioned Chinese astrology can be quite `similar' in its approach with say the Western Astrology. The reason why, we do not want to discuss Chinese astrology at the moment is because most of the `analysis' done e.g. predictions in books are all based only on one's Year of birth. This is like comparing apples with oranges. Here, Pillars of Destiny (which is not Chinese Astrology) uses not `4 pillars' i.e. Year, Month, Day and Time. So how can we compare the `prediction' of Pillars of Destiny with a basic Chinese Astrology `chart' based on just the year of birth. Furthermore, we have added two more pillars of destiny into version 8. In addition, all Feng Shui materials under this website is based soely on the Five elements concept to allow easy reference between all different report analysis. This is comparing an orange with an orange. I have also mentioned that the terms of reference for this site is to use the best tools available for Feng Shui. Here, one has to take note that currently, I only use the element and its strenght plus check the season of influence under the Luck Pillars for reference in Feng Shui. I cannot help it if one wants to find out their fortune. Pillars of Destiny comes standard with such a module. I have already stated clearly that I am not a fortune teller. My rationale is that if a forutne teller can be so good as to tell his or her fortune, why does he/she needs to earn a living telling their fortune. Traditional Feng Shui is different from destiny(fortune telling). I am keen to continue to learn as much as I can in this area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ellen, 1. Personally, many years back when I first started on Feng Shui, I was equally concerned about how well the carpet and the flooring `matches' the breadwinner's Ba Zhi or element and its strength. 2. Here, I would try to relate the flooring + breadwinner's Ba Zhi in relation to the Five elements concept. 3. If you were to asked me today, how I feel about it, I would say that, my thinking has been `altered'. 4. Not so much because, I have changed my mind but rather, instead of looking at flooring under the Five Elements concept, look at it more on the Yin and Yang perspective. 5. Unde the Five elements concept, I would `crack' my brains trying to see if there is a fit for the breadwinner and family members. 6. You will understand that this can become complicated even with a family of just two persons. Imagine, a family of four, or more. Here, it would be a daunting task of finding the right `fit' for the family. 7. I am not saying that, previously, I would recommend, that Room a, has X coloured tiles, while Y room has another coloured tiles and so forth.... 8. If you can visualise the above, it gets very complicated. Worse, if the floor tiles are inbuilt. Do you want to hack the tiles? Force the use carpeting? 9. Therefore, I believe it makes more sense to relate floor tiles to Yin and Yang concept. For example, many condominums in Singapore have been rooms with parquet flooring or varnished wooden block chips flooring. This is acceptable, because, it makes the room `darker' because of the brown wood and more Yin. While for the living room etc.. most houses use light coloured tiles or while tiles, marble, granite. Here, the house should look more `Yang'. 10. In your case, since it is your great room, I believe your intention is to make it a room of `activity', brighter coloured carpet should be better than the existing rug which you mentioned, made the room `dead'. 11. I believe, applying the Yin and Yang concept to floor tiles is a better method. If you do feel good about making the room more vibrant, carry on replacing the carpet with something more `exciting'. This is how, I see the application of Yin and Yang in the different rooms of the home. For the walls, neutral white is acceptable. For cures, certain colours for each member of the family can still be applied without any problems. It is unlike hacking away the floor tiles. The 33.3 percent ruleset can still be met by painting the wall with a `suitable' colour. I hope this helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Annon, Sorry, for the late response. I totally agree with what you have written. For this reason, "in between messages", I am trying to post some symbols of significance to the Chinese. I agree with you that we should discuss more of symbolism, since there are already alot of resources dedicated to clearing doubts on various Feng Shui issues. Perhaps, you have correctly pointed out that this is the right time to discuss whenever we can symbolism. Earlier, I decided not to discuss `symbolism' was because, there are still so many questions relating to how to effectively use proper Feng Shui or to differentiate those that works and those that are not Feng Shui. My fear then was that if we do `mix' symbolism between messages, it becomes more confusing for users here. I guess, many users already very matured in Feng Shui and able to differentiate the good and discard the bad. For those, that we are not sure, can give a try but look at them in a more cautious method. We have come a stage where, everyone questions each and every `Feng Shui' practise. Do not just expect to be `told' but rather, look at issues on a broad and mature way. I really like the way you mentioned about the favourite of the four legged friend:) This will constantly be in my mind also. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for bring up this interesting question. I was wondering whether anyone would `spot' this and bring it up. As far, as I am aware, the most important considerations is to choose the date for the piling or symbolic start of the work. So far, I have yet to come across a single case of problems relating to offending the Grand Duke. Some may question the validity of the Grand Duke. But it is better to be on the cautious side. If one wants to ask me for the rationale why I believe that there is no problem for a new house is, if one believes in the Grand Duke Theory, the main thing that the Grand Duke has not resided in the home as yet i.e. he has not been `invited' because you would not expect any one to stay in a house under construction. Under this `argument' since he has not "stayed" in the new home, it is not possible for one to offend him. I have been pondering over what or how to say it, but this is what I feel is in my opinion, my `answer' to the question. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lynn, 1. Usually, you can get readily purchased coins already tied with red string with a tassel. 2. In your case, usually, tie the first coin with the second coin and then add the third coin, overlapping each other. The three coins can be `firmly' held together overlapped in a straight line. (Overlapped partially on top of each other). 3. The three coins are usually placed under the main entrance carpet. The symbolic gesture of stepping on the three coins is like stepping on `gold'. 4. You do not really need to worry as to how to tie them. But remember not to stack them together and tie them. 5. Here, symbolically, one must still see the three coins (even if they are overlapped partially). To represent 3 coins. 6. While stacking the three coins on top of each other is like sandwiching the coins and it may look like one single fat coin. This is wrong. So, with a little imagination, try not to follow this wrong method. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, When I am free, will post more information on this. Currently, the relationship of planets and even the Big dipper has relevance to Chinese Astrology. As most of users are more concerned with what goes on, on planet earth, I believe, we can skip this area first and concentrate on more `earthly things' and when there is less to discuss, would be glad to post more on Chinese Astrology (stuffs). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Darlene, 1. Sorry for the late reply. 2. Presently there are no ISO standards or standard practises in Feng Shui. 3. I would rather call it Geomancy as Feng Shui alone is not really enough to cover the scope of a full " Feng Shui " audit. 4. In my opinion, it takes years and years of experience plus constant studying and updates to come to a level of not only understanding but applying `Feng Shui'. As Rome was not built in a day, Geomancy study needs lots of understanding and more importantly, applying what most likely works and discard the `bad' practises. 5. I therefore cannot blame you for being `confused' with so many practices in Geomancy. Furthermore, there are so many differing views and controversies surrounding Feng Shui. Especially, if one chanced upon the only Feng Shui newsgroup: alt.chinese.fengshui one would be amazed with the `infighting', flames and accusations within such a newsgroup. I would not touch (participate) in the forum even with "a ten foot pole." 6. Frankly, I mentioned quite often that half the battle is worn if one finds a good home. In fact, this solves most of the problems and if one is lucky, do not even need Feng Shui! 7. Another key essence is to find out the purpose by asking the simple questions of : What, How and Why? 8. If one has a reasonably good house, and the essence of what each Feng Shui theory does, its strengths and limitations and apply the most effective `cure' is considered the best one can do for ourselves. As, I cannot mention so many things on one message, take your time to find out more on what is and what is not Feng Shui or Geomancy. Warmest Regards, Cecil