Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, Don't be unduly concerned over the #5 so long as avoid bright yellow colours such as for the curtains and bedsheets. In addition, also try to avoid bright red colours. This is because #5 represents strong metal. And under the productive cycle of the five elements concept: Fire inflames or fuels Earth. This try to avoid Fire element (red, purple or pink) and Earth (particularly bright yellow colours). Since the bedroom is in blue - this is favourable, metal element such as white can be introduced into the room. Together with this, you can still keep the 6coins in this bedroom. Yes, you can introduce the 6 coins towards the main entrance. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Paris, Under the Five elements concept, it is even better if we understand whether we are either : Strong wood or a weak wood person. In general, without taking into consideration strong or weak:- 1. Careers associated with wealth for a wood person is earth element careers. 2. Careers associated with power and authority for a wood person are metal careers. Since you are a wood person, wood careers are generally acceptable (although they are not classified under either serial no. 1 to 2 above) i.e. a wood career is favourableespecially to a weakwood person. In real life, do go for what one personally feel like going into. This is because of the Holy trinity of Luck:- Heaven Luck = what we are born with Earth Luck = Feng Shui of home /office Human Luck = this is where are feelings and choice and commitment to what we want or our aims are. Do what one feels happy to go into. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Melissa, Firstly, this procedure is not meant for a large office where the walls are entirely of glass. As one of the procedures is to cover the entire office to pitch-black. Secondly, these are quite standard procedures:- Select an auspicious date & time for the Office Warming Day. 1 On this day, make sure that all windows, ventilation must be covered up - usually with black paper or cloth. So that when one enters the room, it should be in total darkness. 2 Hang a red banner across the banner of the business. 3 During this time, all electricty to the unit should be off. No equipment is to be turned on. 4 Before the auspicious time, the owner or manager would have to light up a charcoal stove. 5 Next, once the stove has been lighted up, the owner place it a few feet away from the main entrance door i.e. in the middle. And he raises his left foot then right foot and removes the red banner and opens the door. If he has staff, then all the staff do the same.. ie. raise their left foot over right foot and walk into the office. 6 Get help to peel off all the coverings to windows to allow light to come in. And then switch on the lighting in the room and all electrical devices there. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, To Chinese, the red banner symbolises good luck. Actually, the best "counter" is (for the Chinese) is also hang a similar red banner on your front door. There is no religious implication especially if it is a plain read cloth (no issue with the elaborate tassle). Ideally, both parties hanging it - will equate to "square-one". Under the destructive cycle of the Five elements concept: the most effective element to control fire is water e.g. blue, black or grey. But it would be inauspiciousto haveespecially black coloured e.g. carpet matetc.... But blue carpet can be considered. Under the productive cycle of the Five elements another element that can help draw or diminish Fire element is the earth element such as : Yellow, cream or beige (especially Yellow) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned, the key to understanding "LUCK" in Geomancy is the Holy Trinity of Luck: Here: 1. Heaven Luck (day we were born) - what we are suppose to be born with. 2. Earth Luck or Home or office Feng Shui. 3. Human (Man) Luck 1. HEAVEN LUCK Some people are born with a silver spoon thus, we say that they have a very good Heaven Luck (or excellent Ba zi) 2. EARTH LUCK Others gain significantly from a good or excellent home. Many of these homes have a "quantum leap" in Feng Shui. And money literally pour in because of the good Feng Shui coming from their earth homes (earth luck). 3. BOTH generally can be considered as "Money falling out of the sky to these luck people" Many people consult Geomancers is to try to help improve their earth luck. 4. A SALOON CAR OR AN MPV? Can we improve our earth luck? YES / NO? We can draw a parallel of our homes to a specific car or model. For example, if our house or apartment is not so fantastic i.e. our home is equal to a 9 year old 1,000 cc car. We all know that no matter how, even if there is a miracle, a 1,000 cc car cannot or can-NEVER turn into a Porche or Rolls Royce or even a Mercedes benz 2,000 cc car. In addition, imagine, we have a family of 7 members. And if our car is only a normal saloon car. It is not possible for us to squeeze all family members into this small saloon car. Other than to tie one member onto the roof, place another into the boot and tie another member to the front of the bonnet. If we have 7 family members, than we should consider purchasingsay a 7 sitterMPV like Toyota Picnic or Mitsubishi Grandeur etc... 3. HUMAN OR MAN LUCK Actually, this luck is "FREE". What is most important here is good family bonding and relationships. A good family relationship can transcend any plight or issues. Sometimes, even if a home does not have good or fantastic Feng Shui, a good family unit or bonding can infact rise up the luck of these people. For example, many people need not be filthy rich but they are rich in their hearts and minds. In fact, filthy rich people have their own unhappiness. Thus the saying " MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS". 4. ABUSE OF THE HUMAN LUCK FACTOR Many people understand that they can try to induce a feeling of getting others to buy products. And because of the commercialisation of Feng Shui, many of these people ended up, trying to squeeze as much money or hard earned money from all of us. Thus, these people give "hope" or rather "false hope" to many people to buy products, enrich the sellers pockets and buring a large hole in ours. And this category of so called "Human Luck" in my opinion, can be considered as ONE of the most important ILL's since 1980's to the unknowing.. enticing them to buy these useless products. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anthony, 1. The basis of so-called Feng Shui website selling products is simple: Feng Shui has become too comercialised. 2. Unfortunately, to the consumer, we end up paying so much for products in the name-sake of "Feng Shui". 3. The clue here is that many sites or owners of these sites decided to sell such products because of the huge / exhorbitant profits that can be made of the "lay person" or anyone guillible enough to buy them. 4. For example: a three-legged toad figurine can easily be made in China for less than US$20 dollars. But, is sold in the market for as much as US$288 to as much as US$588 dollars. 5. Thus, 7 years back, I coined issues like this as " CREDIT CARD FENG SHUI". 6. Many people are already in debt e.g. roll-over credit on their credit card but yet; they got "conned" into buying these products. 7. And in-fact, a few years back, there was this posting on the internet from a very unhappy ex-husband. Who had no choice but to divorce his wife because she (quietly without his knowledge) spent all her savings buying or (got conned) into buying "Feng Shui products". 8. If a Feng Shui product is that good. Then how come it does not come with a guarantee card. For example: The purchaser of ABC's God of Fortune would be guaranteed that within 6 weeks of purchasing it, will be guaranteed a winfall else, you can return it to the shop and get both a refund and interest rebate. Did any of these shops do this? YES/NO? 9. In my opinion, these people (who sell such products) don't pity those in distress. They not only do not help them, but in-fact, lead them into greater debt! The seller continues to become wealthly at our expense! (FULL STOP). 10. If one evaluate many Feng Shui sites or authors, one may perhaps realise that when they started off, most likely (in my opinion) they are geniune in providing a service. But selling products is like a strong magnet; and these people (I believe) find it more fruitful to make huge profits. 11. Just take a look at all the product offerings. And one can realise that profit margins are huge in the name-sake of "Feng Shui". 12. In the next installment, I will explain why products should be treated more as a decorative item much like any other decorations. 13. Imagine this, prior to commercialisation of Feng Shui, very few people (unless they are crazy enough) to endow their homes with silly decorative items like God of Wealth, Chi-lin etc... 14. In fact, many rich people other than finding a good home site, did little to place such things as figurines etc... in their homes. Only the silly fools are enticed into it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

When applying the Compass School of Feng Shui or taking reference of each direction; one should locate the center-of-gravity of the home. From this centrepoint, locate the west compass direction (270 degrees). This will be the direction of The Grand Duke/Tai Sui of a site or home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Pam, Since the Chinese use the lunar calendar to find out the year, CNY this year only begins on 8 Feb 2005. Thus, the year flying star chart should normally start around this time instead of 1.1.2005. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sophia, Please see below:- Often, if such a painting is drawn, the fishes should be in their elements i.e. water. This is because under the productive cycle of the Five Elements concept, Metal - Your three fishes paintingwith chillies, onion and tomatoes etc... looks like the fishes are close to being cooked? This is really an odd painting. It seems very cruel type of painting. Fortunately, you did not present it to the Shaolin Monks! Else, they may take you to task! Firstly, they don't eat live "animals" andif such a painting is presented to them, they may perhaps scringe with agony at the thought of this painting. Frankly,hope you don't mind me saying, you do havelots of highly unusual paintings.

Dear Anon, I hope you can understand that since no two homes are identical or similar, it is quite difficult to place an exact percentage to a home. But often, especially in Asia the concept "the rich gets richer" remains very true for the fact that they often can buy beautiful sites to build their homes. The ideal type of homes are considered to have a "quantum leap" in Feng Shui. Which I had already shared some of the information. These types of homes usually have the characteristics of excellent external shapes and forms. While some others "borrow" or rather "rob" luck from others. Under the second category "rob" luck, here, you will often see a Geomancer scanning the environment looking at other built up areas or distinct landscapes. And advise their client(s) to build a building based on the Five elements concept to try to "steal" wealth from the neighbourhood. For example, if the neighbourhood has rectangular shaped buildings, the geomancer could perhaps, advise his / her client to build their building in the form of a wood element. Here, wood (with it's roots is/are capable of crushing "earth".) Distinctively, we often hear these three words echoed "Location, location & location" and NOT "Interior, interior and interior". Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Adeline, The best approach is breakdown luck into three categories: 1. Heaven Luck (what we are suppose to be born with) 2. Earth Luck (our home /office environment) 3. Human (Man) Luck (our relationship with each other) Commonly known as "the Holy Trinity of Luck". Each type of luck can either help boost or remain unchanged or degenerate depending on specifics. Our home/office (earth luck)usually can make alot of difference in wealth retention. However, for Man Luck, such as a person's ambition or non-ambition, this is difficult to change .. especially one's character. For example, there are many who continue to work for others but can be at a lost or find it too much a hassle being one's own boss. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Timothy, Since this is a rented place, one option is to "cover" it up e.g. some type of a poster/paper-sheet where it can easily be removed once you moved-out of the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mac, There are two sides of the coin to this:- 1. Naturally from a Feng Shui point of view - under symbolism, it is not favourable to display animals such as wolves. In the Chinese history, wolves are not revered because these animals are considered as both cruel and greedy. In addition, a wolf-in-sheep's clothing is also considered as a lecter or sex-stalker. 2. However, in many other countries or customs, it is perfectly alright to have (in the past) rug skins. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sophia, Actually, many of the beliefs centres around the Grand Duke of Jupiter or the concern of Tai Sui. In fact, this year Tai Sui resides at SW sector until after the 15th day of the 1st lunar month. And because of this, this is why the idea of not "confronting Tai Sui" at SW on the 1st day of Chinese New Year. For next year i.e. in 2006 before the 15th day of the next 1st lunar month in 2006, Tai Sui will be at the West direction. Thus the belief is that one should not antagonise Tai Sui during the new year. There is no harm in playing safe. But one has to be practical, here. Imagine! if this is the only door, then looks like one should'nt leave the house for whatever reason on the first day. Imagine this "bad luck": A fire and need to exit the home! Unfortunate also, the tomb-stone on this silly person's grave reads: " To scared to offend Grand Duke (Tai Sui). Refused to run-out of his home with windows or main door at SW." In italics .... " Silly Fella - Father Tom Dick n Harry" Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sophia, One of the methods or "conditions" that can help change a home to a Period 8 home is (besides renovations) is to invite the lion (lion-dance) into the home. This act of the lion "threatening" the home and in return, the owners hang a red-packet or hong-bao is traditionally done on the 15th day of the 1st month of the lunar calendar. Thus since this year's Chinese New Year (CNY) starts on 8 Feb 2005, traditionally the lion-dance is held on the last day of CNY or 22 Feb 2005. The lion dance actuallycame from Western Asia to China during theTangdynasty. For those with private business, do take note that for start of business, one shouldopen business either on the 2nd day of lunar new year or 4th or 6th or 8th or 10th day. Thus forthe service industry, you may have to start work on e.g. 9.2.2005. While for other business (which can afford to close for many days may startto open their business on15.2.2005); this year. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sophia, There are generally three meanings associated with birds:- 1. Longevity Paintings usually with white birds signify longevity. And thus one of the connotation can mean that "100 birds signify living to" guess what age? 100 years! Imagine! even by today's standard, living to a ripe age of81 or 91 years canalready be difficult for majority of us. Not say until 100! Thus, I strongly believe, a painting with 100 birds (usually whitecoloured bird such as cranessimply signify this. 2. The Phoenix 2.1 In many traditional wedding cards; one can find a motif on the invitation card with a Phoenix and dragon motif. The phoenix represents (female - bird or yin), while the dragon motif signifies a male(dragon or yang) 2.2 Frankly, a brush painting of 8 birds has no specific significance. In my previous message(s) in this forum, I had advised not to place a painting or picture of birds in the dining area - especially overlooking the dining table. Here, it is symbolic of birds, flying in to peck the food on our dining table. 3. This third significance can sound quite crude but this is unfortunately the fact. The phonetic sound-like in mandarin for bird or "niao" is the male genital i.e. penis. Thus, it would certainly not sound nice to have a painting that symbolises " 8 penis". Thus often, paintings of birds other than white crane which synifies longevity are used. Otherwise, if one often sees Chinese paintings - seldom do we see great details drawn of birds i.e. in blown up versions. Usually if we do see paintings with birds, they are just part of the scenery! And not the main objects. Unlike the paintings of koi / carp / horses etc... Apologies for writing above, Para 3, if one is or has been embarassed by the above. It remains a fact and take it as "education" and not other "dirty" things (or imagination)... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Hock Chuan, It is always best to think positive I believe, you have already thrown away the broken photo frame. And hopefully, have got a replacement frame... ASAP? If so, just think of positive thoughouts and you will be alright! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For this coming Chinese New Year (CNY 2005), yes brown is acceptable. Since brown represents wood. And the green in this sector is also OK; since both green and brown are wood elements. Wood element is much like a tree with roots (sink-into-the-ground) to crush earth (bad #5). thus, this is acceptable. This is based on the "destructive" cycle of the Five elements where wood destroys or crush earth element. Reference: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm Recommendations: 1. For this coming CNY, should remove the red mat since red can fuel earth element or inflame it. Thus the alternative is to usea blue mat. Here, water helps to draw-out earth i.e. #5 strong earth 2. Painting the door brown is no issue. Since this is the wood element. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Micky, If they are tiny lions, then often not an issue because of it's size. Usually, these should be considered more of a decorative item than anything else. Under the Five elements concept; lions are considered as a metal element. And often, it two huge lions are facing our door, then, the best approach is to place a red banner over our door. Or a red-semi-circular carpet radiating outwards of our main door. Under the Five elements concept: Lion = metal element Under the destructive cycle of the Five elements concept:- Fire destroys or melts metal. Reference link:http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm Thus, fire (red) can be used to neutralise the lions. "Melting them down or turning them into disabled pussy cats". Alternative, please DON'T QUOTE ME, HERE! (Please see below) This alternative is simply call " Disappearing lions":- Imagine this senario:- The neighbours do not have CCTV camera or are not in. SUDDENLY! the two lions disappear (stolen? robbed?) Usually, if they are missing or disappeared more than once or twice, the neighbour's would certainly give up placing them! Erh.... did you get the (clue) picture?? Please, please don't quote me on this! Warmest Regards, Cecil

The Chinese bury their day on "Yang" days i.e. on odd numbered days e.g. 3 days after death, 5, 7, 9 days etc...

Dear Anon, Actually, the gift of "chopsticks" isrelatively new. I hope, you don't mind me frankly letting you know:- In the past, it was not wise to lend or give chopsticks because of it has a similar sound like "zhu" or "halt". Thus is especially not good or an appropriategift. It is especially best to keep the gift or store it away. Nowadays, there is another set of "chopsticks" gift i.e. two chopsticks placed ontop of a bowl - kept in a glass display frame. This is again not favourable. This is similar to one praying to the dead ancestor i.e. it's offering to the dead. And this is thus also considered very inauspicious. Since chopsticks does not have any good meanings, it is best to keep them and not display them. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Master Lee: I'm new to geomancy and have found the photo tours of interests extremely helpful (just like they said "a picture speaks a thousand words"). Thank you for having such a wonderful website. Pam Landin Feng Shui Newbie 8 September 2004 Dear Mr Lee Thanks for the beautiful efforts made on your upated flying stars report. Its fascinating. Cindy 8 September 2004 Hi Cecil, Thanks for coming to my place last night and so punctual. I like your service :-) You are wonderful! Wei Ling, Rosewood Condominium, Singapore 19 January 2005

Dear Mir, Actually this is not Feng Shui. In Singapore, or more commonly, it is placed facing an entrance. For example, in many Chinese (local) homes in Singapore, it is placed on the opposite wall facing the main entrance. Perhaps, this is psychological as once one steps into the home; one is "immedately" greeted by a smiling "face". In Singapore, most Chinese business do not place a laughing buddha in their business whether be it facing the main entrance or otherwise. In Singapore, some Chinese businessman would instead place a "Guan Kong" (rather than a laughing buddha) with the hope of securing more business. Thus, in my opinion, it does not matter whether the laughing buddha faces the north or south -- is often a non-issue. But, let not the back-side of the laughing buddha face the main entrance. Hopefully, it does not have constipation problem or else could perhaps blow off some - germany gas! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Paris, Please see below:- If this intelligent child has good resources such as good family bonding and relatively good access to external (inputs), the child is sure to either top his class or futher pursue an excellent career in the near future. While a normal child, could perhaps be like drawing parallel to a normal home without a sum-of-ten. In both cases (in the above both the intelligent child and the normal child) has to interact with their external environment. And the key to the Flying star Feng shui is that it is not -static but is based on time-dimensions. This is akin to the parallel with the external environment. Thus it is good to have a sum-of-ten house. But it is equally better (or we call thisa parallel to a "higher" standard of living if we can further neutralise #2 or #5 or other bad star numbers based on the time-dimension (part of external factors) influencing our home.

Dear Anon, A statute of a galloping horse is often placed facing the main entrance. Here, this symbolises either: 1. Frequent travels e.g. for work or leisure 2. Horses running out of the home or office to get more business. Under the Chinese zodiac sign, the horse element represents the fire element. Thus it is on the opposite side of the Rat element. Reference: http://www.lovesigns.net In ancient times, a movement of a group of 8 horses running was suppose to represent a famous 10 century Chinese King. Under Flying star Feng Shui, if there is a mountain star #9 and say this is the living room area or an area where it looks nice to display the 3 red horses, this would be a great location to activate the future-wealth prosperity sector. Since #9 represents the fire element and the 3 horses (3 represents wood and fire horses means that wood further helps to fuel fire element). Thus, it is not necessarily required that this figurine has to only be located at the south side. Alternatively, the 3 horses figurine can also be placed at the location of the mountain star #8 (current prosperity) sector. Here, fire helps to fuel earth element. But beware! Avoid placing this figurine at a location where there are #2 and/or #5 (strong earth - sickness/misfortune) sectors. For example, if the sector has: MS #9 WS#5 Base #5, this combination together with the red horse statue spells disaster since additional fire element is no good for the sector which can result in misfortune (loss of wealth orsickness & or both) Warmest Regards, Cecil