Cecil Lee

Dear Peck Wun, The approach to the placement of sofa, should be based on the outline of your living / dining room area. For example, if your living cum dining room is in an `L' shaped configuration. It is best to (top view) divide them into have two smaller `rectangles'. The purpose is to form more of a rectangle. If this is the case, you can simply use your sofa to arrange (even a long rectangular) room into smaller `rectangles'. In such a case, there is really no need to place a divider or `supporting' cabinet behind the sofa set. Usually, do watch out if the sofa is underneath a beam. Otherwise, it is still perfectly acceptable even if the sofa does not have it's back to the wall. This is also the case, in many homes with a fire-place. Where the sofa surrounds the fire-place. And they are often not placed against a wall. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Myra, Please see below:- Based on common perception, the three-legged toad should be facing inwards (from the main door into the house). This is the most common advise, for those who want to place it in the house. It would not be advantages to do so. The rationale is that the toad has an open mouth. And instead of `so called' giving you `wealth' it is sucking the wealth away. There is an interesting story about this in Dr Evelyn Lip's Book - Basic Geomancy. Where, there was this owner who had faced calamity where it was observed that during low tide, an object such as in the shape of a frog with open mouth is facing the house. Here, it is considered in a `hungry' pose. Based on the reversal of the above story. If the toad or frog has an open mouth, it is best not to face inwards of the house. If the main door is constantly open, what your friends tell you make much sense. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carlos, Sometimes indeed we may have a hard time figuring out an element of an object. But, it does not necessarily mean that an object should only have one element. In your case, please see below:- Hexagonal shape is often regarded as `Earth element'. While the glass cover, because of its density (e.g. tempered glass) can be considered as `Metal' element. Yellow cloth can be consdered as the `Earth' element. Following, what was mentioned in the earlier responses, rather than be specific with just one material, one can have a combination of these to make up the Five elemets concept. To answer your question, since your table has quite a lot of elements, and if it is your desire to change it to an element, then, usually one should:- 1. look at what gives the highest volume. In this instance, if you do away with the cloth, then, visually, if one paints the entire wood bamboo side tables red, then, it has a high content of fire element. 2. Alternatively, following the ruleset, if one cannot see it, it no longer is dominant. Thus, if one covers both side tables that was painted in red with e.g. a yellow table cloth each, then, the distinct element would be the Earth element (because of yellow). 3. Majority of time, colour is important component. As it can cover quite a large area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Juliet, 1. First of all, welcome to the forum. 2. Most of us sincerely believe, and I personally do, that all one can ask is an honest living. 3. In my opinion, door to door sales is quite tough. But again, selling cutlery is truely an honest living and should be seen in that context. 4. There is really no issue nor inauspicous with regards to this. So far, the only auspicious beliefs are in relation to gifts:- It is a no no to give a loved one either shoes or a clock. 5. In Feng Shui, the only other issue is more of a common sense, in to living any sharp knifes around. This is especially not safe for younger children. Wishing you all the best in whatever you do:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The best remedy is based on the concept i.e. if one cannot see it is no longer a `threat'. If possible, a screen should be placed between the stairs and main door. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The main consideration - especially on the placement of the main door is to look at the plot of land. For example, if the land is not flat but there is some sort of hill behind the plot of land, the main entrance must not be placed at the back or facing the hill. This is an important consideration. Since you have so many concerns, you can look at our International `worry-free' package on layout assessment to suit you and your family member's Ba Zi:- http://www.geomancy.net/shoppingcart/store.cgi?action=link&sku=OFFPCHUNT2 Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Siew Keng, Apologies, if you can give clear information e.g. more descripition, it is appreciated. Important information such as your house in relation to other homes. The gradient of the plot of land in relation to the one at the back, both sides and the frontage. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear May-Ying, 1. If one is using the Kua method or the East/West Group. 2. It is preferred to look at the suitablility of the house with regards to:- 3. The breadwinner. Majority of the time, it is the husband. (Nowadays, it can be the wife. Especially if the husband is a homemaker or if he earns significantly much lower salary). For example, it is good to select a house with the main entrance that suits the breadwinner. 4. Next, try to see if each of the bedroom can `fit' each family member. This so especially for the children. For the husband and wife, it is preferred that combinations e.g. prosperity (husband) / wife (irritation) Or any other combinations with good sectors for the husband (prosperity /longevity /health / excellent) with wife on:- (irritation / spook) or vice versa. As opposed to combinations where the location has death or disaster for one with prosperity /longevity /health / excellent for the other. More importantly, it is of utmost (overriding) consideration if the house has good Shapes and Forms Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carrie, It is best to use 6 (hollow) rods. It can be made of brass or even (silver) aluminium. The centre `clinger' or the support roof can be made of either metal or wood. I personally find a wooden material the centre `clinger' that hits the 6 rods better than metal. Since it is lighter and with the slightest breeze is easier moved by the wind. For information, the rationale for using 6 rods is because 6 represents `BIG METAL'. And metal is often used as a cure. Alternatives for wind chime is to place six coins (preferably the Chinese coins with square holes at the centre) into a glass jar (e.g. a glass jam jar). Add a spoonful of salt and water. But this alternative needs constant attention because, the water often dries out (depending on humidity). And that it should not be placed at a corner unless there is sufficient ventilation. Preferred location is next to an open window. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sor Lan, There are three alternatives to your situation:- A. The use of bamboo flutes hung in such a method:- http://www.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/mypictures.cgi?img=0&search=flute&cat=all&bool=and&x=6&y=16 B. Please see attached two photos:- One photo shows a support strut. While another shows two bamboo flutes `holding' up the beam. For the support strut, it can be a simple arch construction. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All 1. As mentioned earlier, the key sucess factor in applying one of the principles of the Five elements is to try to harmonise the use of it. 2. For example, it is not ideal to place two elements e.g. Fire element and Water element `next to each other'. 3. Here, if we refer to the Five Elements concept, we should introduce a third element e.g. Wood element. 4. Under the Productive Element flow, we will now get: Water -> Wood (the above missing element)-> Fire. 5. I find the best example for understanding the productive cycle of the five elements is the following:- Assuming this house or office is at the ground level. If one looks out of the house or office, there is a lamp post slicing thru the window. The three element concept is also applied here i.e. the usual recommendation is to place a fish tank with goldfish. Here, imagine the lamp post, it is tall and thin. (Even if it is made of metal or wood). As it is tall and thin, it resembles a tree or wood element. Because the tree trunk is thin much like the lamp post. If one analyses all the elements closely:- Water in the fish tank = water element. Goldfish has two componets: Metal element (gold fish) and sometimes the fishes are red (fire element). The lamp post (as mentioned earlier) represents the wood element. To counter the lamp post, we use a productive cycle:- Metal -> Water -> Wood goldfish -> water -> lamp post (if we add fire element) Metal -> Water -> Wood -> Fire a good 4 element flow This is why, also under the Flying Star Feng Shui, if a location has #7, #6 metal elements and if it is an appropriate location, water e.g. water fountain may be used in such a situation. A plant (wood) and even the stones (earth) and even lighting are used to form a 5 element flow. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carlos, Usually glass (especially tempered glass or even ordinary) is considered as the Metal element because of it's density. The two bamboo hexagonal sidetables, if they are e.g. brown in colour or (green) in colour would represent the Wood element. Yes, yellow cloth should be associated with Earth element. One of the key success factor in applying good Feng Shui is to use a combination flow e.g. under the Productive cycle. For example, under the productive cycle, there is:- Metal -> Water -> Wood -> Fire -> Earth and then to Metal again Reference URL:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm Take for example, the Suntec City fountain. The url for reference can be found here:- http://www.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/mypictures.cgi?img=0&search=suntec&cat=all&bool=and&x=9&y=9 If one notice carefully, the Suntec City fountain is made up of three continious flow of elements. Eg. Earth (water falling down to the earth) Water (actual water flowing down from the circular brass [metal] ring. Metal (metal element is represented by the actual brass ring. And also, round [ring] represents the metal element. If one plots this to the Productive cycle, it becomes a proper flow:- Earth -> Metal -> Water. In your case, your object is missing one element to obtain a flow:- - Assuming side table is brown or green = Wood element - Yellow table cloth = earth element - Glass top = metal element If we combine all three of your elements it `nearly' becomes a flow less the fire element:- Where there is WOOD -> missing FIRE -> EARTH -> METAL You can introduce a `Fire element'. And if you want to a `Water element'. Especially if the material or object is in the colour of e.g. pink / red = fire element. And water = blue, black or grey. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Preferably the staircase should have 1, 2, 5,10 ,13 14, 17 or 22 steps. You can check out more information about staircases under this reference:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-stairs.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sharon, 1. It is best not to sleep with the feet towards the door. As under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, having one's feet facing the bedroom door is symbolic of the `coffin' position. 2. I can quite understand that perhaps, some western Feng Shui practitioners may `pooh pooh' the Ba Gua mirror. As this is not ingrained in the Western culture. But in the East, the Ba Gua mirror is commonly used. 3. However, in Traditional Feng Shui: I am not talking only about this site but; many (many) Traditional Feng Shui Schools especially those practising some form of Xuan Kong or Flying Star Feng Shui would look at the use of e.g. 6 rod wind chimes. 4. In my opinion, for financial security and health related matters it is best to go for a `holistic' approach encompassing:- 4.1 Shapes and Forms Feng Shui There are lots of rule-sets. For example, if a practitioner does not really understand, proper Shapes and Forms, e.g. leg facing door etc... than take the advise with a pinch of salt. 4.2 Or placing a piece of iron below the bed. This is not appropriate. As usually if iron or 6 coins (represent big-metal) is required, it has to be `visible'. And not hidden. This (cures) usually shares the same concept as a `threat'. For a threat, if it cannot be seen, it no longer becomes a threat. This is the same for cures such as hanging 6 coins. 5. However, there are exceptions e.g. to increase the strength of some cures e.g. 6 coins, some traditional Feng Shui practitioners may advise their clients to place the 6 coins into a small open jar of salt water. (The jar can be the size of a small cup.) Sometimes, even a piece or flake of gold is placed iinto this `concoction'. And it is placed near a open window at that sector that can help neutralise bad earth elements e.g. #5 and #2 (Misfortune/Sickness and Sickness). 6. While, bad elements associated with bad wood e.g. #4 & #3 legal entanglements etc.. should also be neutralised. If sectors have bad imbalances of these. 7. In some instances, after a Feng Shui investigation, sometimes, a wind chime is not used e.g. the place require quietness and a wind chime is detrimental to that sector. 8. Therefore, windchimes even if they are used in Feng Shui are always used for a specific reason. 9. In a recent posting to the "Feng Shui Tips and Guidelines" under this forum, I mentioned that if one stays in a condominium, and if it happens that there is distinctively a good water position infront of the unit, perhaps, a wind chime can be used to activate the metal. A metal-water combination can bring good results in some cases. The caution: place it only after obtaining good advise. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Marta, Simply e-mail: robert-lee@geomancy.net privately to give your date of birth to find a suitable date, with our compliments i.e. in this case, free. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For a weak metal person, the best element to increase a weak metal is the earth element. Under the productive cycle, earth is better at increasing a weak metal as compared to `adding metal to metal'. Since, Earth element is generally constantly strong throughout the year, and that too much earth may trigger bad element elements like `sickness' or `misfortune', best to confine to to occassional wearing of e.g. clothes e.g. yellow. In your case, you can wear good or silver chain. But a pink quartz has qualities of the `fire element' - pink. Such a necklace may instead control metal and may not be beneficial. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Marta, In my opinion, the first house you mentioned e.g. the toilet wall(s) share the same wall as both bed headboard. Although this is not ideal, it is still much better than if the house (near the cemetry). Especially if the house is either situated at a North-East to South-West alignment with the cemetry. Or if the main door is located at the North-East (devil's gate) or South-West (devil's backdoor). For the toilet wall / headboard, try to see if you can place the bed further away from the wall or better still try to place the bed on another wall (if possible). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Yes, even in the internet, it is very common to find a windchime with silver (hollow) rods of different lengths. Here, the top roof or the top support roof can be made of wood. And the `clinger' can be made of wood. It is best not to have red on the windchime. As you are correct to say that red (fire) will control metal and at the same time increase the bad earth element. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Clarence, In my opinion, no. For the external, if hte roof (entire) is removed, then, it would be considered as a major renovation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Eva, The least confusing way to go about it is to locate the centrepoint of your house. If you need to you can scan or even fax to us at: 065-64822057 so that we can find out the centrepoint for you. From the centrepoint, you can use an ordinary compass to locate where all your room locations are. For example, if the compass North points to your bedroom, then your bedroom is at North. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Marta, Yes, the 7th lunar month is coming. The 7th month starts from 9 August 2002 to 6th September 2002 (last day). This is considered as the Hungry Ghost month where it is said that ghosts are let out to the earth. And considered not good to move in (and even travel). As it is considered that the ghosts can create mischief. Since, there is still sufficient time; usually an auspicious date / time is chosen for the move. For those who do not want to choose an auspicious date can; symbollically move-in first. For example, one may consider performing a house move-in procedure as shown in the attachment or simply by moving in old items into the house; one is said to have already moved-in. For example, if one has already brought in e.g. existing furniture from `old' house such as table, chair, computer table or suitcase of clothing, this is considered moved-in. Otherwise, if one purchase new appliances or doing renovation e.g. new furniture etc.. this is not considered moved in. For cleaning new house, so long as one buys new pail, broom etc.. this is not move-in yet. Thus, if you can try to `move-in' before 9 August 2002. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, What I meant is that often, at the frontage of the house, has many openings. For example, at the frontage; there is a main door e.g. 2 wood doors plus a full set of sliding glass doors for the living room. In such a situation, the mouth of the house is too big. (In proportion to the frontage of the house). It is similar to the layout mentioned in this message. Where, there is a main door and immediately next to it is a balcony. This two are taken to mean a large `mouth'. Where the house is not proportionate i.e. too many openings in relation to the `frontage'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. From my past and present experience, I found that many owners who had moved into such homes e.g. especially with toilet positions in `bad' locations. 2. I am not sure if it is a coincidence, but, in many situations, many of such owners have problems with their finances. Especially also if there are equally poor Shapes and Forms. This is my main concern. 3. In fact, just this month alone, I have done on-site Feng Shui audit and again (if this is a coincidence): many of the owners who had such `problems' encounter financial problems. Most of the time, it is compounded with other Shapes and Forms problems. 4. Two months ago, a past client, had success in his life. He sought my advise on the condo at Sandy Palm (location: Singapore - Jalan Loyang Besar, ready this year). (Try to do a SEARCH for Sandy Palm in this forum) I have indicated to him not to `touch' such a development. He obliged as in this development not only is the water position at the centre but it is on the same wall as the stove position. Please see below:- Yes, you are correct. It is impratical or not feasible to relocate the toilet. Especially in a flat or apartment. This is why, it is hoped that everyone is made aware that it is advisable not to purchase units with such configuration. The intangible forces congregate at the centrepoint. Thus, it is best that centrepoint is `clear space'. And it does not matter if death, spook, disaster congregate here. Another serious consideration is to avoid water positions at the cnetrepoint e.g. fish tank. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I understand from your private correspondences that Robert is helping you with home. In many of his correspondences, I have included my feedback in his replies to you. Overall, based on the comment on your layout plan: 1. It is not advantages to have the main door open directly (with the balcony to the right side). Usually, even if one does not fully, it will affect the Qi flow. Usually, houses with `open mouths' would have (in my opinion) romance/marriage problems. In my opinion, this is very general. Some other books would have it that the romance sector is at SW. Robert, is corresponding with you with regards to both: Shapes and Form and Compass Schools e.g. Flying Star. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Fanny, In an open cubicle system, most of the time, we have to make do with the sitting position imposed on us. In a room concept, or one occupies a room, usually, the office desk may be able to be tilted to a good direction. Unfortuantely, in an open concept, we may have to take on any table. If this is such the situation, then, hopefully, we can face one of our 4 best directions. If you have not used the Free Eight House report on sitting position, you can use it to check out your sitting location. This is simply taking an ordinary compass and looking at the direction you are facing i.e. sitting down and facing to work. Warmest Regards, Cecil