Cecil Lee

Dear Fran, Thank you for taking the effort to draw an outline of your house in relation to the cul de sca. However, Apologies, I still cannot see a clear picture of the position of your main door in relation to the cul de sac. For example, if your house driveway is covering the stretch of road leading to your neighours in the cul de sac, I could not see a road leading in and out for the owners or your neighours. The main door seems protected from the road. But as you had mentioned, it faces the roof of a neighour. You further mentioned that there is a tree to block the view of the neighour's roof. This can be a double edged sword. The rationale is because, the tree trunk could inadvertently slice thru (sha qi/poison arrow) at your main door. If you have the tree trunk slicing thru the main door, you can either i.e. apply the Triange effect i.e. placing two plants on each side of the main door such that the tree (that is blocking the roof) together with this two other plants form a `triangle'. When we take a look at it from an aerial view, (by joining the dots of this three will form an arrow head pointing away from the house). Alternatively, you may use a Ba Gua mirror in this case. Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. This painting is by a very famous Chinese painter by the name of Xu Bei-hong. 2. Xu Bei-hong, born in 1895 and died in 1953. Nowadays, this paintings are much sought after by collectors. And many forgeries of this painting is floating around. 3. For many Chinese businessmen, they love to place a painting of galloping horses. It can be 6, 8 or 9 horses. 4. Here, these businessmen, would normally place the painting on the same wall as the Main entrance door. 5. This symbolises, the horses, galloping out of the main entrance door, to get more business. 6. Do note that the horses do not face inwards of the door. 7. Please note that I am suggesting that you go out and go buy such a painting. 8. This article is to let you be aware, of this practise. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In my opinion, `lucky bamboo' is a marketing ploy. And the usual marketing ploy here is perhaps to ask a person to place it at the `East' side. Or the Wood area. 2. These my following reasons why using `lucky bamboo' may not be effective:- 2.1 Although East or South East is in my opinion, belonging to the Wood element, there is fundamentally no reason to use it there unless it can enhance the element at that sector. Under the Five elements concept, Wood (lucky bamboo) enhancing Wood has less of an effect. Assuming that Wood direction East is favourable, then water would be a better element. As water -> wood leads to a harmonious Five element concept. However, I would take it that if the rationale that since East is wood element, and the recommendation to enhance it with wood... is in my opinion, `kindergarten type of feng shui'. 2.2 In fact, wood if used wrongly may lead to legal entanglements or romance problems depending on the location placed. Since wood is associated with #4. 2.3 In ancient China, bamboo is a very popular plant and it is used to make chop-sticks and various other items. In fact, bamboo fire-crackers were popular in the past. And fire-crackers made by inserting power into bamboo was used to `scare of evil'. Thus the result is a " peace of mind ". Thus, bamboo plants are grown in a vase. A vase in Mandarin is called a " Hua Ping " (flower vase) and when we use simply use "Ping" or the vase, this symbolises " Ping An ". These two words `Ping An' means safe. Thus bamboo in a vase would imply peace and safety. Please see below:- Please refer to above. Each Feng Shui concept or theory has a specific purpose (aim) and strengths / weakness. It is good that you try to understand the various concepts. The key concepts are:- 1. Shapes and Form Feng Shui 2. Compass School Theory Part I: 8 house More advanced topics of understanding are:- 3. Compass School Theory Part II: Flying Star - Analyse Birth Chart of House 4. Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny) - understanding element strength and luck periods. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Overall, the Castle Gate Theory has two main components:- 1. The information given earlier i.e. it is the tilting of the main entrance door 45 degrees to the main road. And this second part, the emphasis is that the Castle Gate Theory takes into account time dimension in Feng Shui. 2. One method is the combination of the use of Flying Star analysis with the Castle Gate Theory. Here, the combination of the Castle Gate with Time Dimension. Only in this situation then can the Castle Gate be effective. This is combined with finding an auspicious date to do the changes. 3. Let me introduce you to two buildings in Singapore that had effectively employed the Castle Gate Theory:- Reference map:- http://202.172.229.9/map.cgi?x=27864.5304851852&y=32232.1010851852&level=6&xyfile=&circle=&star= In the above map, try to locate two buildings:- 1. The Grand Hyatt Hotel (located along Scotts Road - somewhere in the middle right of the road shown in the layout plan). 2. Shaw House (located at the junction of Paterson Road/Scotts Road with Orchard Road - you should see this building at the lower half-middle of this map). Another building in Singapore also uses the Castle Gate Theory is the Cathay Building. (During World War Two, when Singapore was taken over by the Japanese, this building was the Japanese Propaganda Head Quarters. The reference map of this building is at this location:- http://202.172.229.9/map.cgi?x=29552.9305555556&y=31483.0694444444&level=7&xyfile= (bottom-centre building in the reference map). All these three buildings were not recent ones. For The Grand Hyatt and Shaw House, they were built around the late 1970s, there abouts. While Cathay building was built pre-World War II. It is not to say that the Castle Gate Theory is no longer popular in Singapore. It is because, many of the huge or mega buildings built today are designed by architects or rather `architects driven' and lesser influence from Feng Shui Masters. In the past, where an old tycoon, would entrust the building to the Feng Shui Masters first and architects have to `obey' their common. Nowadays, many of the companies are corporate companies or public listed companies who cannot afford to give top priority to `Feng Shui First concept' and architects second precedence. The trend nowadays, has `shifted' towards the affluent home or would be home owner who can afford to build houses. With greater Feng Shui awarness, many home owners nowadays do not necessarily take on ready made homes but if they can afford, they would likely take on `Feng Shui First concept'. In such a situation, when in doubt always check on the background of the practitioner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ling Hui, 1. Attached please find the various options for best siting of a single bed. 2. Please note that the layout does not take into account of date of birth. 3. It is best to place the bed based on the attached illustration under the file: sf-bed-position.gif 4. An added bonus is (if the bed) can be positioned under the file: sf-bed-position-favourable.gif Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Nadia, Please see below:- Yes, a small courtyard at the center of the house is OK. Except that one must avoid (never) have a tree or plant at this centre point. A tree/plant at this centrepoint combined together with the courtyard, is the symbol of `KUN' and an inauspicious. Yes, this is acceptable. So long as the road is parallel to the main door. And there is usually some distance e.g. at least 1 metre distance from the main door. It can still be located a the north east, but in the layout of the kitchen, avoid having the kitchen stove on a NE alignment i.e. the kitchen stove must not along the `imaginery' line of this NE or rest along this NE line. It can say, be away from this NE line. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Fran, 1. Frankly, it is difficult to advise you based on a few descriptions. 2. Perhaps, if you have a photo taken from the cul de sac, showing partially the cul de sac, it would be ideal. 3. This is because, usually where the major `force' hits your home, this is the vulnerable area. And if the vulnerable area is a wall, this is quite OK. 4. But if it `hits' say the main door directly or a window of the house, then, a cure should be used. 5. Even if it hits the house, but if the house is angled, this should not be an issue. 6. Let me illustrate a serious cul de sac situation. Please refer to the attached layout plan (not available to those who listen in using a mailing list). In this attached diagram:- 1. Houses on the left side of the cul de sac faced a `serious threat' because the road for the cul de sac is on the `right side'. 2. If one looks carefully at the cul de sac in the illustration, one can see a top-view `sickle' or `chinese butcher' knife carving into Plot 1 and the plot below Plot 1. 3. When we design houses for a cul de sac, we would normally design it as shown i.e. the house layout as per Plot 1. 4. Here, the edge of the house at Plot 1 will counter-act the `sha qi' from the cul de sac. 5. Facing the main door parallel as shown in the layout, eliminates the threat to the main door. 6. A further brick wall on the side of the house will `take-on' the "knife-blade" of the cul de sac. Thus, in this layout plan, there is relatively no-need to use any ba gua mirror. 7. In fact, if we can properly tame the cul de sac, we can contrary to popular belief, collect exceptional wealth. 8. For example, this cul de sac is considered as a metal element because of two `ingredients' i.e. 8.1 it is circular representing metal element. 8.2 from a top-view it looks like a chinese butcher knife. And symbolically knifes are always made of some kind of metal. 9. Thus, the rationale for a brick wall, in particular the use of red clay brick wall, (unpainted) simply red clay brick walls represent `Fire element'. 10. When, this cul de sac `chinese butcher' knife hits this wall, it is a combination of metal with fire. Under the five elements concept:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm fire -> controls -> metal 11. So far, we had the opportunity to work with our clients to build houses of such nature and so far, many of the houses especially in such a serious situation as shown in the illustration, has been good. Sometimes, when we all think that cul de sac are totally bad, is wrong. If we can `tame' the elements, we can take charge of the situation. 12. In the above, example, that is why, based on your simple description, a ba gua does not necessarily mean a good option. It depends. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Grace, If you can try to follow the method as shown under this illustration:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/art-cecilcompass.htm Based on what you mentioned, the door should be South-West door. If you are sure, feel feel to fax it to us at: 64820570 so that we can determine the centrepoint and on the layout plan mark out e.g. A and B. Where you will be advised to find the centrepoint from e.g. location marked `A' to `B'. Please note that for anyone who fax to us must include:- Note: Your e-mail address and we normally, re-scan the layout and post the reply in the forum. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Madan, Thank you for bring up this interesting report. My comments are as follows:- Lets first look at the three Periods of the Lunar Calendar 6th Period or Yang Metal - 1964 to 1983 7th Period or Yin Metal - 1984 to 2003 8th Period or Yang Earth - 2004 to 2023 If one can notice, that Period 8th is significant because we are entering a period generally of Strong Earth (Yang Earth). The observations could be true because Yang Earth unlike other elements has a lesser influence. Since earth element is strong throughout and prevalent. There was this study done on I-ching prediction some years back and a graph was plotted and the i-ching graph went into `infinity'. As this occurrence has never occurred during human being's life time, i.e. we only on this earth less than the period mentioned, perhaps, we may have to relook at the Compass School model when it hits us. With so much participation in Feng Shui today i.e. such a wide audience, more case studies can be made to find tune (if necessary) and in particular the Compass School model. However, for Shapes and Form Feng Shui, this does not really change much. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mimi, 1. In my opinion, as you mentioned that there is considerable remodelling (although no change of roof) usually, the house would take on Period 7's influence. 2. I believe that fortunately because of Period 7's is entering it's last lap, i.e. it is until 2003, where Period 8 comes in. 3. During this transition, especially when it reaches one year after lunar year 2003, I strongly believe that some of the enhancements done under Period 7 may not be effective or work. This relates especially to `wealth' positions e.g. water features that were looked at and meant to enhance qi during Period 7. This is more so for the fortunes of business. Where, many of those who had made fortunes between 1984 to 2003. May collapse. And emerging new companies, expand and gather strength. 4. Overall, for those houses built in Period 7 one good effect is that the key problem areas faced i.e. South and East which are the worst sectors (characteristics) of a Period 7 house will be much negated. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Gayle, 1. Basically, the Eight House theory or East/West group of persons are but just one of the several concepts in Feng Shui. 2. Overall, one can say that this theory looks at: 2.1 how suitable the house is to e.g. the breadwinner. 2.2 Other areas that can be looked at is the intangible force at the bedroom location. 3. In my opinion, this concept or theory does not really have a `cure' for the above situation. This should normally not worry anyone - yet. 4. Foremost, we should look closely that an important consideration i.e. Shapes and Forms Feng Shui. If you site and home has good feng shui, or even to `excellent' status, then, the Eight House is just a small fraction of the `luck' component. 5. It is difficult to say for sure, how good the Shapes and Forms of your house. It involves a physcial look at the site, location and house. 6. If say, your house as between good to excellent (range) under Shapes and Forms, the negavtive effects of the `unsuitability' will be greatly reduced. One can very well prosper in such a house. With or without added tools used e.g Flying Star. 7. However, if the site and house does not have good Shapes and Forms e.g. where it ranged from average to poor. Then this is a concern. In such a situation, one might try to use Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny) with Flying Star Feng Shui to correct any major faults and try to improve on the situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I have personally seen clients who even if they are missing out in their resource element, make a success in their Wealth or even Power element. In many of these success stories, another major aid is their home. Perhaps, I like to clarify here that maybe (just maybe) that their `excellent' homes has added a second dimension or `had replaced' their missing resource element. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. If it is a temporary arrangement, the major concern would be the lighting and the `cleanliness' of the place. (Not so much - crucial about Feng Shui). 2. However, in Feng Shui, try to make sure that you and your family are comfortable in this temp location. And since, it is a basement, the ventilation should be adequate. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Many of Singapore's oldest Shopping malls or shopping centres are opened in the late 1970s. Many of these shopping centres are now tucked away with poor mix of shops. Many of the older ones are popular with renovation contractors and maid agencies. These shops are not a popular draw of crowds in Singapore who wants to relax and `window shop'. Many of these shops were developed under Period 6. And when Period 7 started, the fortunes at these shops begin to wane. In period 8, or after year 2003 (giving it a further 1 year) before Period 8's influence start to increase while Period 7's go into obscurity. It is interesting to note this phenomenon as we will see many business started and that prospered under Period 7, will go down or have their fortunes dwindle in Period 8. These are Singapore's oldest Malls:- BUKIT TIMAH SHOPPING CENTRE, Opened 1978 - Majority renovation contractors, maid agencies. BUKIT TIMAH PLAZA, Opened 1978 - Major tenant is NTUC Fairprice Supermarket. Majority renovation contractors, maid agencies. BEAUTY WORLD, Opened 1983 - Clothes, shoes, household items & Goldsmith shops CITY PLAZA, Opened 1981 - Major tenants - Clothing Stores. TANJONG KATONG COMPLEX, Opened 1983 - Major tenant - Yokoso Supermarket. Clothing & Curtain stores. QUEENSWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, Opened 1976 - Eyeware, Clothes, Renovation contractors & maid agencies UNITED SQUARE (known formerly as Goldhill Square), Opened 1982 - Major tenant Cold Storage Supermarket. Watson, Times book shops. THOMSON PLAZA, Opened 1979 - Recently renovated ground floor and second storey. Major tenant: NTUC Fairprice Shopping Centre. DBS and POSBank branch. Piano and music stores, handy-fix, Popular Book store, handphone shops.

Dear Pam, Overall, this is acceptable if it is directly facing the front door. It is not ideal but, can still be placed there. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Ben, Thanks! Apologies! I have reposted the correct graphic below:- The model 3 layout where the toilet is directly at the centrepoint of the house. Therefore overall considered inauspicious. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Vince, 1. Attached, please find a graphic illustration of the " rectangular " court-yard + the Chinese (mandarin) character for tree. 2. The two combined is called " KUN " or trapped or imprisoned. 3. This is another aspect of Symbolism in Feng Shui. 4. However, so long as you do not place any tree especially a single tree / plant at the this centrepoint, it is still acceptable. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Yes, this layout plan has a toilet at the centrepoint. Again, not an auspicious layout plan. A bedroom 4 has attached toilet which is close to the garage door / main door? Where possible, try not to:- 1. Concentrate toilets at the centrepoint. Here, the toilets at the centre are does not share an external wall. 2. Furthermore, toilets close to the main entrance area is doubly inauspicious. 3. Scatter toilets all over the layout plan. Overall, between Model 1, Model 4 (shown earlier in other messages.) Warmest Regards Cecil

With compliments to Ben Jue, who has graciously provided the sample layout plans! In this attachment, the centrepoint is at a `clear space'. Overall, this layout plan is acceptable. As for the slightly curved staircase (or the `majestic' staircase), fortunately it is not in a direct path with the main entrance. However, an optional screen, not necessary full height (just covering) the door frame will do is acceptable here. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This learning series is with compliments from Ben Jue. Thanks Ben! Ben has forwarded four different layout models. We will individually look at the four models to see if they are considered inauspicious. In this first attachment " Model 1" layout, Yes, indeed, the toilet is right in the centre of the house. In retrospect, I believe, the architect usually does this is because it makes it very convenient for family members. However, in Feng Shui this is `dreaded' situation. The implication is finance related problems. The most common is the breadwinner does not seem to retain wealth or save money for the rainy day. As soon as income comes in, it quickly disapears .. equally fast! ----Start of message ------ From: Ben Jue Subject: Bad Layouts of houses I dug up some layouts from houses I looked at from the past. These I noticed looks like they have toilets either center of house or next to main entrance. One house as a spiral staircase in the middle but I'm not sure if it is considered inauspicious. ---End of message -----

Dear Anon, Under the Eight House Theory, it is very common to find partners or spouse with opposite gua numbers. If let's say the bedroom is located in the North-West of the house. Since North-West location is your best sleeping position, in your case, try to sleep closer to this intangible line. While for your wife, she sleeps further or next to you (further away) from this intangible line. Here, you are like acting as a shield for your wife. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Peck Wun, 1. As requested, please find the layout showing the centrepoint of your apartment. 2. Please use an ordinary compass to take a compass reading from point A to point B as shown in the layout plan. Here, you can then find the direction of your main entrance. 3. Based on your rough sketch or orientation showing North, I have added in `purple' a rough outline of the North-South and East-West orientation for your layout plan. From here, you can easily note down, the NE, SE, SW and NW locations. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Yew-Meng, Thank you for the sketch of your layout plan. I have marked the centrepoint of the house. The attached illustration will also show that you should take the compass reading from point A to B. Please refer to the above. You should be able to find the direction of the main entrance based on the attachment. From your sketch, it looks like your main door is at the North. It is a serious flaw if the house has its main door facing a hill. Ideally, the main door should be a the frontage or many of the windows for the frontage are located here. Sometimes, the main door can be at either side i.e. East or West. If one purposely built the frontage facing a hill (especially if the back has a hill) this spells calamity for the owners. And death can occur. Ideally, in your layout plan, although the toilet has one of it's side sharing an external wall, it would be advantages if they are side by side and preferably, at a corner of the house closer to the back. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Seeker, 1. In my opinion, even if we get the element correct for all these appliances, it means very little in the scheme of Feng Shui, today. 2. Another contention is that there are so many varied interpretations of these appliances. For example, some would say that Computer is of the fire element. (Electricity that goes into it) While others may say that is of the water element e.g. electricity is fluid. In your case, it may be felt that it is metal element. It is very hard to say who is correct or who is entirely wrong. If one looks at the outer casing of a computer i.e. Central Processing Unit `box' or CPU, many have metal frames to conduct heat. So perhaps this is the idea that it is `metal'? What about the screen or video display unit? Electricty goes round it. And nowadays, there are the LCD screens and the previous cathode ray screens. How do one classify them? How do we collectively classify the keyboard, the screen, the cpu unit, the mouse? Difficult rite? 3. The question asked is should we? Take all the trouble to identify these objects? What happens if we get it wrong or rite? 4. Since these objects are secondary to Feng shui, perhaps we all have better things.. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carol, It is best to look at a sketch. The rationle is that the main consideration is the Shapes and Form Feng Shui. In addition, it also depends on the country or climate. For example, if the weather is hot and there is no shade, a West room may become hot and not conducive to work. More importantly, as mentioned above, the Shapes and Form is the most crucial aspect. Sectors with imbalances, can easily be corrected at any location i.e. be it at the North-East or West. As mentioned, if you have a sketch, I can look at it based on the Shapes and Form (better positioning). Otherwise, it is difficult to provide a conclusive set of comments. Warmest Regards, Cecil