Cecil Lee

Dear All, 1. Can we apply this reasoning to Pillars of Destiny? 2. Here are two sentences to ponder:- 2.1 Sentence 1: I am Strong: " Strong, Stronger, Strongest " And 2.2 Sentece 2: I am Weak: " Weak, Weaker, Weakest ". If one looks at the above two sentences, it may make sense if we read the first sentence: I am Strong. But, how come Weak becomes Weaker and Weakest? Does this imply poor health? 3. The key to Five Elements concept, is about balance. Thus, under Pillars of Destiny, one should neither be too `Strong' or too `Weak'. For example, if a person is a "Weak Wood" element, then he/she will need Water (favourable element) to help his/her weak wood grow. Similarly, if a person is a " Strong Fire " person, will need Water to help him/her reduce the amount of Strong Fire (favourable element). A strong Fire person will have to avoid Wood (unfavourable element). Hope the above, helps you to better understand the Five Elements Concept in relation to your Pillars of Destiny. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- Happy New Year! Since Chinese Lunar New Year falls on 12th February 2002 and the celbration lasts for 15 days, it is advisable to do it after 25th February 2002. If the leak is serious, you can do it say after 15th February 2002. Wishing You all the Best! Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear All, It is very common to use a pair of Lions (on both sides of the main entrance or gate) of many Chinese buildings. Under the Five elements concept, Lions are considered as of the Metal element. If you have read some of the messages in the forum, Metal element is overall, a good element as opposed to the use of `Earth' or `Wood'. Where in certain circumstances, these two elements i.e. Earth and Wood would not be suitable. As they may cause additional inauspiciousness. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank is indeed `famous' for using a pair of Bronze Lions on each side of many of their buildings. Lions made of concrete and white are still considered as Metal element. Since they are white (white signifies Metal element). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kieren, In my opinion, what you mentioned is the wrong direction to take in auditing a home. What you mentioned suggests that Feng Shui is akin to using `fixed templates'. For example, it is too general to say that North = Water. Although, that particular sector could be related to Water. But, it does not take into consideration: 1. A person's element and strength i.e. weak wood etc.... There is again a difference if one is e.g. say a weak wood or weak water. 2. If Feng Shui is that simple, and if wealth is so readily available, how is it that no one can yet come up with a book soley about `Wealth'. 3. Unfortunately, there are some books that may give reference to what you have mentioned below. But, I would say (honestly) that this is akin to practising " Kindergarten Feng Shui ". 4. In addition, by associating a sector with an element is like staying in a house without much care of the external surrounding. For example, the four walls holding up the house may be crumbling but the occupants simply don't care. What they may be concerned is the interior look of their `crumbling house'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, Besides accessing the exterior of the building (the environment, the site and the building/interior), for business: 1. Sole Proprietorship/Partnerships/Private Ltd Companies The date/time of birth of the Sole Proprietor/Partners are also looked at. 2. Public Listed Companies Often, in addition to accesing the exterior and interior of the building, the assessment is also made with reference to the I-Ching. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wendy, Usually if there are the edge of opposite blocks pointing towards your door; normally, the best solution is still the use of a Ba Gua mirror. Especially since, the main door is facing the common chute. The alternative is to use a semi-circular mat (raditating outwards) placed at the main entrance area. This is less effective to counteract the edge of opposite blocks. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Alison, The Eight House Theory, can only provide information whether a location is good or bad or the direction (favourable or unfavourable). Otherwise, there is not much one can do with this theory. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kieren, Please see below:- If your main door is Big Earth, then water is wealth not fire element. However, since you are a weak fire person, it can be quite disasterous for you to apply water here. Unlike a strong fire person, water at this position is favourable. But in your case i.e. weak fire (before, you even try to do the above) you will be affected by the repercussions of "water" element at this position e.g. painting the door blue. In your situtation, you can still use a red carpet for two reasons: 1. Red is always considered an auspicious colour 2. The second reason may not be that effective as adding fire to `fire' although is acceptable; it is not as effective as adding wood to help e.g. weak-fire person. It is good to learn that you have woods (plants) around. If you have plants and enjoy them, you can take advantage if it at the main entrance i.e. placing two plants one on each side of the main entrance. Here, plants can serve as a `binding' element and helps both ways: 1. Help destroy `Big earth'. 2. Help your weak-fire grow stronger. You can try all those you had mentioned above. The above is still secondary to the house unless it is located at the frontage or facing a main door or located at the centrepoint of the house. So long as it still shares a external house wall, it is still acceptable. Where possible close the door when not in use. If you have a sketch of the layout plan, I would be most happy to locate: 1. the centrepoint to take measurement. 2. advise you on the centrepoint to the main door direction to take a reading. Therefore, it is difficult to comment unless I have actually seen a layout plan. I have done away with this long ago. And the only time, I look at it is when I did the Flying Star course. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- In my opinion, it would be more appropriate for your office to be located at South-West (living room). Looks like North-West is the dining room so may not be appropriate or not as advisable. West is a possibility (2nd choice to SW). But in terms of these three alternatives, SW is still the best. Please e-mail privately to robert-lee@geomancy.net with your member's login account e.g. abc@def.com (password not necessary) so that we can credit you with a complimentary auspicious date report). Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Brenda, 1. From my personal experience, it may not be `worth' the while charting a small mobile home using the Compass School Feng Shui. 2. I hope you do not get me wrong but, for such a `confined' space, dividing the mobile home into e.g. 8 sectors or even 24 sectors may not be feasible as all sectors seems too close to each other. 3. More importantly, one should based the assessment using Shapes and Form School i.e. in particular: looking at the Landscape and the site. 4. For the interior, stand at the main entrance of the mobile (looking outwards) for any visible threats e.g. a lone lamp post slicing the entrance. Use the same method for each of the windows. 5. For the interior, instead of applying Compass School Feng Shui for each sector, if one prefers, sit facing a good direction or sleep facing a good direction. These are the best that one can use of e.g. the Eight House Theory. 6. The other general concept used is the Yin and Yang concept. If the mobile is meant more for sleep, then more Yin (should be enhanced) to ensure a good night's rest. However, if the mobile is used partially for work and sleep, then in the day time, try to make it more conducive to work i.e. more Yang than yin. And at night it is the reverse i.e. more Yin than yang. For example, with the play of curtains or lighting used. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Stanley, 1. You have asked a very interesting question. In the past, I have mentioned that both `parties' are correct. Only the way it is interpreted. Please see below:- 2. I can certainly confirm that a `Sun' type of house has it's facing at the South-East. In fact, there is nothing wrong with both interpretations i.e. at this site and in Lillian Too's book. The description used here is based on a person using an ordinary compass (North-South compass). While what Lillian Too described is based on the `original' South-North model i.e. usually based on the Luopan. 3. Therefore, I feel that neither parties are wrong in this situation. 3. What is more important here is that based on your Gua number, you are suppose to be a EAST group person. 3. And an East group person has favourable directions at North, South, East and South-East. Therefore, your main door should be facing South-East as one of the good positions. 4. Contrast this to a West person, whose favourable directions are: West, SW, North-East and North-West. Thus, North-West is not your good direction. 5. Please note however, that under the Eight House Theory, the `sitting' and `facing' directions is always confusing. More importantly, since your personal Gua is `Sun', the most suited house to you is a South-East facing house. 6. When a Luopan (SOUTH to NORTH) orientation is used, for this instance, it is considered as Back = South East and Front = NW (which Lillian Too book is not wrong in this situation). This is in my opinion called the original interpretation. 7. But if we are to use an ordinary compass, your compass direction or the house main door is located at South East. 8. Because of it was felt that the above may mislead people especially those using an ordinary compass or a luopan; this has been redressed under the Flying Star theory. In the Flying Star theory, we improve on the above by using the term " sitting " position and " facing " position. Warmest Regards, Cecil Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Further to what I mentioned earlier: 1. If one applies or simply use metal e.g. metal wind chimes; metal elements are a common cure used. 2. Thus, it could be that by coincidence, that particular sector e.g. at the cashier's need metal element there. 3. There was a time, where the old antique cash counters are really made of metal e.g. the old popular NCR metal cash registers. 4. Metal, or the sound of metal, is still overall (in general) a good element to use. 5. Thus, if the sector has bad stars especially combinations of #5 and #2 and #5 and #3, then, it would indeed be a blessing. 6. Again, one may be lucky as most of the time the combinations or imbalances are due to the numbers under Para 5. Or if the sector is neutral or no problems; metal, is still relatively safe. And therefore, for those who too recommendations from the book, may perhaps be pretty lucky. 7. For those, who are not lucky where unfortunately there is a combination of #2 and #3 at a specific sector that "demands' quiet" especially for those who are in politics, if one accidentally activate #2 and #3 - then one will be in for `hell of a bad' time in gossips or leading to legal entanglements. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, In my opinion, if one is applying Flying Star Feng Shui: 1. `Water stars' are suppose to bring Wealth if correctly activated. Therefore, water if applied correctly should help the water sectors grow i.e. wealthly. More effective for open space e.g. outside the frontage of the house. And inside the house, e.g. in the living room make it more `fluid' by having clear space there. 2. Therefore the `clue' here is the effective activation of the water star elements. 3. Many books would suggest the ever popular commercial use of " 3 coins " and place this e.g. in the accounts books etc... There is even (today) a Feng Shui `emporium' which shows a huge picture of this at their `ENTER' here page. The above are just `gimmicks' or sales pitch. And should be considered as `just beliefs'. If one has the money go out and buy them. 4. Coming to your question of wind chimes: Here, a good grounding of the fundamentals of the Five Elements concept plays a part. In fact, any question relating to the hypothesis of whether an object e.g. a metallic wind chime can be used has to do with the Five Elements Concept. 5. Let me share with you why this is so: If one understands Flying Star Feng Shui correctly, water stars are usually locations with METAL elements. And thus, we want to enhance these metal elements with WATER. Where water (true water) is beneficial to these water stars (Metal elements). Since, we need water to enhance METAL (water stars); then it makes more sense to apply real water to it. And not add metal to metal e.g. add a metal wind chime to a metal position. Frankly, so far, I have yet come across a windchime made of "WATER". If you asked me which element to use, naturally, to be effective to activate water stars (metal elements); water need to be use. Perhaps, one can start to paint an entire wind chime blue/black or grey. Ultimately, it is more effective to use water here. I am really not sure how ugly a black windchime looks. 6. For overhead beams: 6.1 It does not matter any more if one does not sit under a overhead beam. Here, lets say our home has 3 beams. If one really do not sit under it, there is no issue to how many beams there are in the home. 6.2. On the contrary, if the home is `littered' and every other segment has beams, then, in effect, the Sha qi (rather than call it poison arrow) is negated. Ineffective. 6.3 Again, the `cure' for a beam DEPENDS on the material. For example, if it is a concrete beam than two bamboo flutes are used here. If it is a wooden beam: 6 metal coins are placed on it. Some may find e.g. 6 metal stars as an equivalent or 6 round disks. 7. In fact, everything with regards to the `authencity' and use of Feng Shui can be if properly analysed - will use the Five Elements Concept. Otherwise, placing a wind chime without relation to e.g. the sector and the notion that it will bring one luck... may be questionable. This is how, many book authors perhaps, make tons of money selling them. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, 1. It is interesting to note that in China, a nunnery (for nuns) and a monastry (for monks) cannot be situated too close. These nuns and monks live a life of celebracy (singlehood) 2. This is due to the Yin and Yang concept. Furthermore, commonsense tells us that situating both too close may lead to temptation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mari, Yes, I really sincerly appreciate so much effort that you had made to make me understand your home at a glance. And truly, this is the first time every that anyone had taken much effort to make it so detailed and colourful. In my opinion, considering (at present Shapes and Form Feng Shui); I personally feel that you can use the `Family room' area or should use it for business: 1. It is at the frontage of the house and 2. as an added bonus, facing east (rising sun). 3. And since your bedroom is (I believe above it); it most likely have been feng shuied by you as good sector. 4. If the office can work around the `north' wall/window with say your table facing the main entrance this is good Shapes and Forms. Sorry, if I could have `upset' your present plans. But if you still wish to consider other rooms, do let me know. The other alternative, which if you want to `discuss further' could be (but see, that it may not be practical as your `mama' is staying and the `living room area'. If you are moving in before (Chinese New Year); I would be most happy to give you a complimentary " Free Paid Auspicious report " to find a good date for the move next month. Feel free to clarify further and I wishin you and your family: Health, Wealth and Happiness! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, According to the principles of Shapes and Form Feng Shui, it is deemed inauspicious to have a swimming pool or pond located on the western side of a house. This is due to the fact that the west side is linked to the white tiger, and having a pool in that area is akin to exposing the 'mouth' of the white tiger. It is advised against doing so, as a hungry tiger symbolizes financial loss or potential disasters. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chan, I1. I believe this concept leans towards modernity and common sense, particularly in a contemporary household where the kitchen, despite the abundance of electrical appliances, stands out as a crucial element, such as the stove. Therefore, the kitchen poses the highest risk of a fire starting. 2. It is common knowledge that in the event of a fire, it is likely to spread to the upper level, intensifying the heat on the ceiling shared with the floor above. 2.1. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to either minimize cooking in the kitchen or ensure that all flammable items are stored safely. 2.2. Additionally, the installation of smoke detectors, especially on the ground level, can provide added safety measures. 2.3. In Singapore, ACE, a US hardware departmental store at Novena Square, offers various models of smoke detectors. [Added: Is ACE still in existence in 2024?] 3. Similarly, in modern Feng Shui practices, it is recommended that children do not sleep on the wall opposite the kitchen due to the fear of a potential fire outbreak. 3.1. For houses on the ground level, investing in technologies like smoke detectors can offer additional protection. 4. A tragic incident in Singapore involved a second homeowner who had renovated his kitchen cabinets. 4.1. During the renovation process, a carpenter unknowingly drilled screw holes near concealed gas pipes behind the wall, leading to a gas leak. 5. Consequently, the leaked gas caused the death of the second owner's son, who was in the adjacent room. 6. I would like to express my sincere apologies if this account has caused any distress. 6.1. This real-life incident resulted in a verdict of 'misadventure,' with the carpenter facing fines. 7. The father of the deceased son expressed understanding and did not blame the carpenter, as he witnessed the carpenter's immediate emotional response after the tragic incident. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mari, First of all, thanks very much for providing all the detailed information. And also, you did a great job sketching a most colourful and informative sketch! 1. In your home/office: a. You should only activate mountain stars at the ground level (and not second storey) for a landed property. b. I have outlined the two `squares' that you can activate your home with the Mountain star. These locations are the West and South-West. If you still require any further questions, feel free to let me know. Thank you again for your thoughfulness and much effort! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chan, Is it possible to attach a simple sketch preferably: 1. The layout plan (it can be a rough one) 2. A sketch of the `bigger' picture i.e. the plot of land in relation to the location of the fire station; roads, neigbhouring houses etc.. In my opinion, it is best to understand the above, properly before I can comment further. (For Para 2, if not a sketch, perhaps can elaborate more about): How high is the property you intend to purchase, where is the ^ `pointed' roof shape `pointed to'. How high is the fire station. What is the distance between it and your house (is there any road between) and whether are there plants / trees in the house compound? If there is a road is this a major road? And what other buildings/houses are to the left / right/ front and back of the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Judy, Thanks for the picture of the layout plan. 1. Yes, you can use an ordinary compass. 2. In the past, I had investigated many years back the `long houses' especially in parts of East Malaysia. These long houses, even when they were made of wood had unusual compass readings where the readings internally vary in different compartments. 3. I hope you don't mind if you can: 3.1 Go to a barren land or an open space near to your home. And take a compass reading perhaps from different areas. (Becareful of some open space as it may be littered with (hidden) such as thrown away metal etc... 3.2 Goto the different "compartment" and take the compass reading to check if they are the same or have changed. If possible, take down the reading and let me know. 4. This is because, for such `long houses' taking the centrepoint - may differ from ordinary houses. Apologies, do take your time to find it out and let me know. Also, if you can briefly describe the `scene' at the front, back and side of your property/house. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

For those who are `thirsty' to find out more of Feng Shui, we should use a sensible approach. The term coined is " The three-step approach to understanding Feng Shui " In particular, if a concept or theory is being put forth to us: Step 1: Find out "What is Purpose of this concept/theory? " Step 2: What are it's stengths's. Step 3: What are it's weaknesses. If we follow the above three easy steps, I feel that you are on your way to have a solid grounding in Feng Shui. Anyway, let's look at it this way, many of the concepts in Feng Shui is based on commonsense. And the above is as easy as 1,2 and 3... In my opinion, I have always tried to take the above approach to learn and continue to learn and apply Feng Shui. Learning is always continous and as this site has to do with Applied Feng Shui, it is all the more crucial to use these three easy steps to approach an answer or a question. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Please refer to an earlier reply (under this same conference): Free Advice (General Topics) My reply to this question "What is activate? How to activate " 1/11/2002 2. My advise is to find out: 2.1 What is the PURPOSE of each concept or theory 2.2 What are it's weakness and strengths? If one is aware of these two questions, one would be able to understand better the various concepts. 3. The Eight Aspirations/Life Associations concept. 3.1 Purpose?: It is to understand that each Gua (Kua) or each trigram is associated with a `life association'. Such as the Gua tigram at North is associated with `Career'. 3.2 What is it's strengths? Unfortunately, it's strength is to make many book authors rich. And equally, perhaps make thos selling products for `you and me' to enhance a sector - at our expense. This is also the origin for which Lin Yun (Black Hat Sect) , "developed", in my opinion, a marketing ploy of using fixed template. 3.3 It's weakness: Because it is so simple to understand, it works both ways: The People who perpertuate this concept: "I can easily set up a business - and start playing with human being's GREED. The Consumer "Yeah, I am constantly always looking for easy ways to make MONEY". The saying goes: "Greed begets Greed" 4. We have always caution people that even in the report generated to be cautions when using this tool as it is considered TOO GENERAL to be of use to everyone. Contrast this to the Eight House Theory. Although it is `static' form of Compass School Feng Shui at least, it is personalised to a person's YEAR of birth. 5. Therefore, if one is new to Feng Shui, I recommend you look thru some of the various past questions and find out more of: Eight House Theory Flying Star Theory And ask the same questions: 1. What is the Purpose? 2. What is it's strength and weakness. It is good for you to do some homework here. If still need a response afterwards, do let me know so that, I further elaborate on your question. For now, I feel that it is time for you to do some work (first). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Judy, Thanks for your email. If you can draw a sketch and upload it to this forum, it would be great, as it would help understand what you had written below so that it can be related properly. If possible, if a second sketch could be given - with a sketch or brief descrption (first) of what is the back, next to or infront of your home - and any other details such as the elevation of your plot vis-a-vis the neighours. Ideally, we look at the landscape, site and home. And these three should be related. For landscape, it is harder because one has to be physically present. The next best alternative for looking at questions such as yours is at the minimum level the site and the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Before we discuss on the subject " what and how to activate "; it is good to understand or start trying to have a `solid foundation ' of Feng Shui. 2. The question often asked is " with so much information available out there, how am I to know whether it is the truth or some commercialised stuff ". 3. In my opinion, if it is a site or any site that purports to say that they use authentic Feng Shui: 3.1. If one has a doubt as to what was said, ask for a clarification. From the clarification, we can have a feel or guage the response. And perhaps form our own opinion. 3.2. Under Para 3.1, this can be `tested' most of the time. An authentic Feng Shui Master, has the Five Elements concepts at the `back of their hands'. 4. And if you ask them a question, they will always (try) to relate it to the Five Elements Concept. If certain concepts cannot be related to the Five elements concept then, they would relate it to a higher level " The Yin and Yang concept ". 5. This is because not all theories or concepts is easily related to the Five Elements Concept. But much easier related to the Yin and Yang concept. 6. For those who are new and eager to learn more (thirsty) for Feng Shui, should keep this in mind: 6.1. What is the purpose of this concept or theory? 6.2. What are it's strengths and weakness. 7. The rationale for having this open thoughts is then, that one becomes better at understanding authentic Feng Shui. And if you know better, and if you talk to a less knowledgeable " Feng Shui Master ", you then know that he/she may not be that `good' afterall. 8. Here, the caution is: " Not all Feng Shui practitioners are `created' equal ". There are many people out there who call themselves MASTER or The KING or other names. But, in the essence this is misleading. This title, I feel should instead be given by people. Not the other way around. 9. Lets get back to your question: What and How to activate. Again, we should find out: a. What is the PURPOSE of the Eight House theory? b. What are its strengths and weakness? 10. The Eight House Theory, belongs to one of the two Compass Schools of Feng Shui: The Eight House and Flying Star Theory. For example, Yap Cheng Hai uses this two theories in their FS audit (together with Shapes and Form). In my opinion, many of their practitioners do not use Ba Zi Feng Shui. 11. In general The Eight House Theory or East/West Four theories is more to find out how suitable a house is to a person. And to take advantage of sitting positions favourable to you or spent more time at these sectors. 12. Thus, if you do not spent time there, it is difficult to `activate' the sector. The rationale is because this Theory is `static'. It does not take into consideration time dimension (unlike Flying Star. In addition, one of it's weakness is that it cannot be related to the lowest common denominator i.e. The Five Element concepts. 13. In order to activate: How to and what to: in authentic Feng Shui WE MUST, know what element and strength is at a sector and then we can then use an appropriate `cure' to activiate. 14. Therefore, without knowing the appropriate element and strength, I have instead to ask you a question " HOW TO? ". Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anil, 1. For the sector, if it is out of balance, then #5 and #2 should be cured. Before this, it is looking at the three Mountain #, Water # and Base # together. 2. Applying the concept of " If one cannot see it; it no longer becomes a threat ". In such a situation, you may want to use e.g. day curtain to solve the problem. But if you prefer to open the curtain; one good remedy is the use of Two forks: Please see the attached illustration below. (Note: for those who participate thru this forum using mailing list, you may have to log in to the forum to view this graphic as all attachments are not sent thru the mailing list option.) On your window sill, you can place two forks aimed at your neighbour's `offending' spiral staircase to control it. In the illustration, it is called `Golden fork' but if you cannot find a gold or brass or nickel plated fork (ordinary desert fork) then use a stainless steel one. (Do not use any `cheap' plastic disposable fork. Note: the fork (metal) is used to control the spiral staircase and not to `destroy' it i.e. for those who look at the Destructive Cycle (ref: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm ) Fire is the element that destroys metal. But, do not paint the spoon red in this case. The pointed edge of the two forks (will help) to stabalise the circular staircase. Warmest Regards, Cecil