Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. In my opinion, it is indeed very disappointing to reflect on the achievement of Chinese in China. Other than bringing `stability' to the country, I believe not much achievement is made especially since the Communist take-over. 2. However, if one objectively look at some of the achievements made by overseas Chinese, many overseas Chinese have contributed to the development of their `adopted' country abeit some of them (in my opinion) being discriminated in some of their adopted countries. In my opinion, these overseas Chinese have either contributed to scientific field and many are good in commerce. In commerce, many Chinese hold prominent positions and earned lots of wealth. For example, when Indonesian Chinese `were' discriminated against, many of these Chinese moved their capital from Indonesia and it had halted the process of the flow of goods into the country. These Indonesian Chinese were like the "gears" that operated the distribution, commerce etc... I do have many Indonesian clients that have purchased homes in Singapore because of the above as they have moved their children to Singapore for education. In fact, in the past when I was in Pre-University, many of my classmates are from Indonesia. Some of them are much older e.g. 3 or 4 years older than us locals. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Not all overseas Chinese eat dog meat. Especially the `English' educated or if they are staying in a more affluent country away from China. 2. In Hong Kong, it is still common for Chinese to eat dogs. These dogs are specially breed to be slaughtered unlike pet dogs. If you do go to a Chinese food store, or those that do stock Chinese canned food, it is equally common to find `Rabbit's meat'. To some of us, rabbits are considered pets and no way we want to eat them. 3. Like sharks fins, abalone, some Chinese find it a delicacy to eat dog's meat. There are even some Chinese shows that `suggest' that when these people eat dog's meat, when they go near to dogs, these dogs get `frighten' as they smell of some one eating their kind. Thus, in my opinion, it is hard to explain such things. For some it may even be `mancho' stuff or masculine stuff to `decare' that they had eaten something out of the extraordinary. As I have never eaten them, frankly, and honestly, I am unable to explain or even comprehen why these people eat these cute pets as I am also a dog lover. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. It should be `charcoal' instead of coal. 2. Usually, this is kept inside a built in cabinet e.g. in the kitchen together with the charocal stove indefinitely. (Especially for at least one year). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kaushal, Yes, overall, the description you provided is certainly not a good `Shapes and Form' position. Usually, if the bed is next to the bedroom door, the best `defense' is to have a reading or side table. A lamp is placed on it. The above is symbolic of having a `partition' between the bed and the toilet door. In your present description, usually, a `low linen' cabinet is placed between the end of the bed and the bathroom door. But I am not sure if this is feasible. But this is one remedy. Closing the toilet door, may not work but it should be closed. Other than this, check for #2 (sickness) and #5 (misfortune) in the bedroom. Usually if it is not `Shapes and Form' problems, it can be related to Flying Star problems. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Panya, 1. Having the main door at one's death location is not ideal but is not `the end of the world' senario. Here, we consider that the house is the least suitable to the breadwinner. 2. Try to look at it from a `bigger' picture: 2.1 Check also the influence in your bedroom i.e. places you spent most of your time at. The above is only one puzzle i.e. the use of the Eight House Theory. 3. Even if you have not so good Eight House intangible forces, you can take advantage especially if the house has good Shapes and Form Feng Shui. 4. Here, since the main entrance is the `death' sector, I strongly recommend that you do a Flying Star analysis. What the Flying Star analysis is to help reduce any problems (if any). Here, it is used to check the birth chart of your house (distinct) from how suitable the house to you. 5. With the conscious effort of improving the Flying Star of the house i.e. neutralize any imbalances, this would help greatly to improve the overall Feng Shui of the house. 6. Under the Shapes and Form, it is essential to `protect' your main door, your windows from poison arrows. Make sure that the interior conform to good Shapes and Form. A holistic approach to Feng Shui is a sensible option then to `worry' over one aspect of " Feng Shui " such as the Eight House Theory. Here, you try to tip the balance or increase or improve your `luck' dispite this `handicap'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I am glad you find this website useful. If you want to just understand Feng Shui `lightly' please do not hestitate to view the caricatures at http://mypictures.geomancy.net Most of them are educational and makes understanding Feng Shui Fun. Usually, it is best to use the compass readings based on an empty site. However, even in a empty site, make sure that the ground below also does not have metal. The best method is to walk the ground and take compass readings from several locations outside the building. For the Compass School Feng Shui: The Eight House Theory and Flying Star, as the name suggest, it is truly based on the Compass readings But if one is more inclined towards intutition or Shapes and Form, some people or practitioners can have a `feel' of the interior, based on just this `intutition. I mentioned in several messages that based on the Right and Left brain, some of us are more inclined towards intution e.g. spatial, graphic, diagrams while others are more factual, mathematics. Thus, those who are more factual, mathematics inclined.. etc.. would go for the Compass School of Feng Shui. While others may have developed a more keen sense of relating to the environment without looking at the Compass School of Feng Shui. But in my opinion, it is best to apply both. Under the Compass School e.g. Flying Star, if there is too much magnetic deviation: a good Flying Star practioner will use the Formula method to compensate for this. While if the regular readings are used, for normal non magnetic deviations. The above is the refinement in the use of the Compass School of Feng Shui. A much easier method, is to use a better compass with good mass. This has less magnetic influence especially in an office environment especially since there are lots of `metal' e.g. partition walls, computers, flooring, wires criss-crossing etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ng, 1. From what I understand, your child is only a baby. But if your child is grown up around 2 years or more, it is best not to be wonder too closely to the graveyard area. 2. If there is a `funeral ceremony' best to stay clear of the back of the house or see the activities. 3. Where possible, there should not be too large trees at the back of your baby sister's home. If it is, even in day time it would not be advisable to have your child in this environment. 4. Usually, in the day time, it is less of a problem. But if your child constantly cries at your baby sitter's home, it is best not to have him/her stay with the babysister, otherwise, it is still acceptable. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daniel Congratulations on your exam results:) Generally, since it is team, and that it is not permanent, any reasonable abode should be acceptable so long as they have a good rest:) More importantly, they are refreshed and are able to perform well. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Loi Chen, Grateful if you can elaborate further: 1. Is this a landed property or a condominum project where the swimming pool is at the lower deck? 2. Is your unit immediately above the swimming pool or on one side of the building. 3. If the swimming pool is directly below a room, which room is it. Appreciate if you can let me know more about it so that I can understand the situation better. Regards, Cecil

Dear Jack, Please see below:- Priority should go to using the Yearly Star report. Thus from to 5 Feb 2000 to 23 Jan 2001, use METAL to destroy and control WOOD. Since, the yearly chart is always available, one should use this instead of the 20 year Flying Chart. From 24 Jan 2001 to 11 Feb 2002, try to check the Yearly chart next year and use this instead of the 20 year Flying Chart. Use the Yearly chart solution i.e. Wood. Do let me know if you need any further advise. Many Thanks for making it easy for me to understand your situation and taking the time to draft your mail:) Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, Yes, there are some truth in this. But it is more a belief than Feng Shui. However, some `modern' bread that are rectangular in shape, do not meet the above `criteria'. These bread are machine cut and sits on the base of one rectangular side. Some may even consider the bread on a side but difficult to `differentiate.' Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, In my opinion, without doing proper FS audit first, the common water positions are: 1. Usually, at the front entrance of the office or areas where there is clear space. The frontage of the office is a good location as this is where people walk in and out. 2. It is not ideal to place it on a worktop as it can be quite distracting. Best is that it can liven a unused corner. 3. Avoid placing it at the centre location of the office. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carina, 1. Where possible, it is better to have children sleep on as you mentioned, proper beds rather than on the floor. 2. Usually, it is still not as bad if the floor is paquet or wood flooring. This is because, tiles are cold and the belief is that it is better not to have them in the bedroom. Here, the main belief is that when one wakes up, when our feet touches the floor, it is best not to immediately step on `cold' tiles. A floor mat would do. 3. It is best that the toilet wall is not on the same wall as the toilet bowl. Where possible (weighing pros and cons), if safety is the concern than place the bed close to the wall. If the bed has side bars, the bed can be placed slightly away from the wall e.g. 6 inches to 1 feet away. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jack, Grateful if you let me have the details so that I can assist you. Regards, Cecil

Dear Kem Chong, Please see below:- To `test' whether this is a Sha Qi or poison arrow, try to stand at the main entrance facing out of the house. Is the fire hydrant tangent to your main entrance i.e. slicing the main entrance? If no, then it is not a poison arrow. Especially if it is at one side. Does the storm drain approach your main entrance directly? If not, then this is also not a poison arrow. Perhaps, you can first confirm the above. This should not be an issue especially if (if I read correctly) that both are on different floors. In order to have a direct line, the man entrance should be on the same line of sight as the master bedroom door on the same level. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Paixao, Usually, this is what many Chinese do when they move into a new home:- 1. Select an auspicious date. If one is not sure of a date, the two dates that are considered always auspicious are the 1st Day of the Lunar Month and the 15th Day of the Lunar Month. This is where both dates are on a full moon. The most recent Vesak Day holiday or (Buddha's Birthday fall on the 15th day of Lunar Month). 2. Does one have an altar or worship any deity. If yes, bring the `deity' on the same day as the day, one is moving into the house. 3. On the day of move: 3.1. First bring in the charcoal stove (usually the stove is made of clay and either in red or wrapped in red.) Red symbolises auspiciousness. The charcoal is placed e.g. in a red `pail' and a large piece of red paper is placed on top of it. Charcoal symbolises black `GOLD'. 3.2. If one has a deity or deities, bring or `invite' them into the house and place them on the altar. 3.3. Since most of us do not light up the charcoal stove anymore, simply place it in the middle of the living room. 3.4. Next, boild water and use the rice cooker to make rice. 3.5. Next bring in the `huat' quay or a cake that has been steamed and it actually, `flower'. One also can bring in pineapple (for luck). 3.6. On the same day, bring into the house a bag of rice, a packet of salt and a packet of sugar also. 3.7. Turn on the lights for the house, usually for around an hour. 3.8. In the evening, try to turn on the living room or balcony lights for the first night. This is one of the practise in `house warming'. Of course, it would be difficult to obtain some of the items especially for many readers. In your case, you may like to: 1. Wash the house prior to moving in. 2. This is optional, but normally, we try to pick an auspicious date to move in. 3. Avoid, thick and dark curtains, since u mentioned that your house is `dark'. This goes for furniture. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kaushal, 1. Yes, some families use incense e.g. on a specific day of the week in their home. 2. Overall, it is not compulsory to use them especially if the air nearby is `clean' especially, if one lives in a landed property and there are trees or parks nearby. 3. There are `antiseptic' cleaners especially those used at hospitals for those who believe in them. Or the regular Dettol where a few drops are added to the pail of water. 4. The best `defense'is still living in a area (where possible) with clean surroundings. At home, try to ensure that the house has natural lighting and looks `bright'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. The Eight House theory is really meant to find out how `suitable' the house is to a person. 2. It also, is considered good to spent more time at an auspicious sector. And as a bonus, it would be nice to sleep or work facing a good direction. 3. Thus, in my opinion, it is not correct to link the above with the placement of a fountain or water feature. 4. One has also to question the motive of placing a water feature. Is it because you read that it is aupicious to have a water feature that you `suddenly' decide not only to have one but to have two: One inside the house and the other outside your house? 5. Based on `Trial and Error' Feng Shui if you feel that it is nice to have the two, and is comfortable or at least know where you want to place the water features, then go ahead. Here, we are using `Trial and Error' Feng Shui because, we have not looked at a proper FS audit where, Flying Star analysis has been done to determine whether a water feature is suitable especially inside the home. Or your element and strength. Under Pillars of Destiny, it is not advisable for a weak fire or strong water person to have too much water such as in their homes. Too much water or a water feature, may extinguish the `weak fire' person. While the additional water may overwhelm the person especially if he/she is a strong water person. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. A lot of people face difficulties when their desk is in front of a window with a beautiful sea view behind them. Choosing a low or back cabinet, if possible, is usually the best solution. 2. Another option is to position the desk in a way that allows for proper support, like against a wall, while facing a more favorable direction. 3. It's better to sit in this setup rather than having your back against a door or other less fortunate locations. 4. In these situations, one might have to consider other factors like luck, especially the Feng Shui of the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil +++ In Summary When setting up a desk in front of a window with a beautiful view, it is best to choose a low or back cabinet to avoid no backing or support for the chair. Alternatively, positioning the desk against a wall while facing a more favorable direction can also provide proper support. It is important to consider factors like luck and Feng Shui when dealing with less fortunate locations for a desk setup.

Dear Chan, Nowadays, because of the poor success after following such books, many people are disillusioned with Feng Shui. The following are the main considerations: 1. Usually, from my opinion, if a person has stayed in a house for more than 3 years and the situation is much the same; one cannot expect a Quantum Leap in Feng Shui. 2. Here, most of the time, there is either poor Shapes and Form for the house or the house is unsuitable to the person or a combination of both. 3. In addition, if one is frequently sick or have problems in the house, usually certain sectors of the house is not-balanced. 4. Imagine this: Many of us are too concerned or have been wrongly advised to concentrate on "enhancers" (whether they are beneficial or not). However, if there are `leaks' or imbalance in a house, no matter how much we enhance, if it is a boat, water will slowly but surely pour into the boat. If one is not careful, the boat will eventually sink. 5. In my opinion, such books comes close to Kindergarten Feng Shui and is a rich source of Fast Food Feng Shui. 6. In my opinion again, I feel that such authors are not doing anyone a favour. In fact it is a pity as it gives authentic Feng Shui a very bad name and `after taste'. 7. I believe it is real sad that even if the author makes money but if we look at it carefully, you not only had to spent money buying the book, but spent quite a tidy some buying eg. the three legged toad and other `enhancers'. 8. There are many Feng Shui concepts and principles and what we can do for the majority of us is to apply those principles that work for most people, in the `hope' that it will work for us as well. 9. Even if one approach a doctor, they will aways say or give a percentage of chance that it will or will not `work'. 10. In quite a lot of messages, I mentioned that the most `potent' Feng Shui school is the Shapes and Form. Here, if one is blessed with an excellent home, one can have a quantum leap in LUCK. Thus, there are many people, who bought a nice home and prospered, and never ever knowing what Feng Shui is. 11. For those who are `less fortunate' e.g. frequently have sickness or constantly have misfortune in the home are good candidates for the use of both Shapes and Form and Flying Star Feng Shui analysis. 12. For those, who live a life of work, work and work and play, could try to use Feng Shui to find out more of their Earth Luck. And use Pillars of Destiny to map out their Heaven's Luck. By knowing the Heaven Luck, one can try to change some of it. 13. If all the above sound too difficult to follow, there are two considerations: 13.1 One may seriously consider employing a competent FS practitioner or 13.2 Take time to understand each Feng Shui theory and try to apply them as realistic as one can. 14. There are two types of Book Authors. The good author focus on letting people understand the concepts and highlight the strenghts and weakness or what are the tools used to cure or enhance. But never recommending `Fast Food' Feng Shui to anyone. 15. The sad case about the author you mentioned is that, instead of focusing objectively on just the principles and concept, in my opinion, the author `leads' people to apply Feng Shui without due regard to proper Feng Shui. 16. We have to remember that too little knowledge is a dangerous thing and the sad thing is that when people are `in trouble', we end up looking to the wrong type of help. Authentic Feng Shui, does not necessary mean spending money to buy enhancers. It is also not Fast Food Feng Shui or kindergarten Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Cheui May, By taking the sector, North is water, this is one of the usage under a another theory known as Ba Zhi Feng Shui. However, there is some disadvantage with this theory. It is because, for those who are not sure about this application and simply take North is water thus assume that it is suitable to a person is not 100 percent correct. As there are many other factors to consider e.g. clashes, triple combinations, twin combinations, harm, punishment, self-punishment and the 24 mountain element. If all these are not taken into account, the Ba Zhi Feng Shui is as static as using the Eight Aspirations theory where SW is romance etc... If you really want to use this theory, wait till we officially launch the latest Ba Zhi Feng Shui module which Robert will so as he has already complete the major revamp of the site and features. Do look forward to this new module is available but not yet ready for launch. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Hi Everyone, This message is a follow-up, part II of the exhibit in the Fuk Tak Chi Museum. It has some interesting exhibits about Chinese culture. If you have the time, do "drop-by" this URL:- http://my.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/imagefolio.cgi?direct=Chinese_Arts_and_Crafts/Singapore_in_1800s_to_1950s

Dear Anon, The best example would be Taiwan. Many Chinese fled to Taiwan from mainland China after the near defeat of Nationalist Army defeat is a good example. For other overseas Chinese, in the past, prior to the Communist rule i.e. many Chinese wanted to seek better pastures overseas. Thus, many Chinese immigrated to neighbouring countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia in the hope of making money. Many Chinese, the poorer ones would make money and remit it to their loved ones in China especially in the 1800s to 1940s. Many Chinese are thus very successful in their adopted country. Majority of them control vast empires of commerce and the wholesale, middleman and retail outlets. One good example is due to first `mover advantage'. In Singapore, there is one such millionaire who came to Singapore from China with just a tincan suitcase. He built an retail empire. Many Chinese, started off with a retail outlet. Because of their first mover advantage, managed to become agents or sole agents of famous brands. This is how they started their road to success in business. Frankly, in everyone's mind, majority of Chinese normally are more concerned with success in business. Thus, this goes hand in hand in democracy as opposed to the previous extreme Communist idealogy. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Not all Chinese adore eating of exotic or endangered food. It may be `common' in the past, but today, these food are less consumed and rarely found unless one makes a conceited effort to search around. I am not too sure of what health properties eating monkey brain brings but rather, most of the exotic food eaten is based on belief that it either vitalises or eating tiger (certain parts) is considered to aid in sex life etc... Unfortunately, some Chinese love to eat dog's meat etc... As mentioned above, `normal' or `common' Chinese people do not eat or subscribe to these. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, There is indeed some validity to this idea. The traditional belief is that the East represents the dragon and the Yang side, while the West symbolizes the tiger and the Yin side - especially in a large macro environment. However, in modern times, this is less relevant concern to smaller spaces such as a home apartment. The impact of sleeping on one side or the other is minimal. What truly matters now is not the position in which one sleeps, but rather how to maintain a successful marriage. Understanding theoretical concepts is futile if it does not contribute to a lasting and fulfilling relationship. Warmest Regards, Cecil