Cecil Lee

Dear Eva, 1. Overall, under the Eight House concept, this would imply that this is the least suitable house for the breadwinner (your husband). In terms of degree of suitablitly, disaster and death at the main entrance is considered the least suitable house under this theory. 2. It generally implies that even if the house has excellent Feng Shui, because the house and the breadwinner's Ba Zhi does not match, overall, if the house is excellent or even if there is a `cure' if needed under Flying Star, it would be `average'. However, one must also look at the influence in the bedroom of each family members. Where possible, the bed room should be an auspicious sector and (not the disaster sector) if one can help it. 3. Other cross checks may be used e.g. one's Pillars of Destiny, the season one is at and generally it should be auspicious or the element of influence is not against (or clash with your personal element.) Generally, under the Eight House Theory, it is good to try to spent more time at sectors that are generally auspicious e.g. health, prosperity, longevity... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. The satellite dish is is a relatively new invention. 2. Frankly, more has to be looked into before proper comments can be made. 3. In my opinion, it is less concern if we term it a `poison arrow' by looking at it's design. Because the `most threatening' look is the centre receiver and it also depends on the design. Most of the time, the centre is circular and rounded (although) it is a `stick'. 4. More concern is the question of whether anything comes close to:- (1.) the "Dangers of underground water". http://www.geomancy.net/fs/under.htm (2.) Handphones, the danger of micro wave http://www.geomancy.net/fs/handphone.htm For certain models of Handphones, just try to make a call when you are near your Personal computer. One may see the screen `jump' and the nearby cord phone, having a faint interference sound. I do encounter it with a few popular model of handphones. Least I be sued, will not mention the brand/models. Do try it out for yourself. I have thus used the headset. At least, the antennae is not close to my brain. 5. Similarly, the dangers of underground water, cancer rate is highest where water (gases) run under e.g. the bed. 6. Thus if the satellite dish, assuming the worst senario, (I believe it is not true) emits high does of `energy' be it microwave etc.. in close proximity or linear, then it would be equally bad. I believe, situations like the above examples are of more concern than just simply the design of the satellite dish which I believe `looks' non-threatening if we compare it to the edge of the building pointing towards the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I believe this is an `open' question for now. 2. So far, it is my opinion that one should keep the shoe rack inside the house. In my home, I keep it in away from the main entrance door. I have a shoe rack at the back of my home. When I return home, I bring the shoes to the shoe rack at the back of the house (which is next to the waste bin). 3. This is my personal habit. Although it is quite inconvenient, I managed to do so. Don't ask me why, but this is how my family does it. 4. In Singapore, I do notice quite alot of private homes, do not leave their shoes outside the house. Perhaps they are too expensive. 5. However, I do see many people, do have shoe racks either outside (immediately outside their house) or just immediately inside their house. 6. Frankly, as there is little study on the overall effects on Qi in the home, one has to decide for yourself. 7. Some of us will always have the habbit of leaving their shoes, understandably out of convenience especially if it is a landed property. 8. For others, it is for fear of being stolen especially if expensive shoes are left out in an apartment. 9. Each of us have to make our own personal judgements. 10. Under Feng Shui, the main entrance door is like the `mouth' of the house. This is one consideration, for Feng Shui `believers'. And this topic can be subjected to different views as it is "invisible" to everyone and secondary to Feng Shui. Where we should get our basics right first. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- 1. Overall, we are only considering the Year of birth sign of the three persons. 2. In general, under the Year of birth, since the three persons, share the same `birth' sign, it is considered that (very generally again) that their characteristics are considered similar for e.g. a dog is faithful and loyal. 3. Like its `Western cousin' the Zodiac sign, it can filter down to the Month of birth, day of birth and time of birth which may be different for each of the three persons. 4. Another `School' of thought is based on balance. One should not have too many of the same element together. This does not mean that it is no good to have all `dogs' in the family. 5. What this means is that, if a family have all `Five elements', Earth, Water, Wood, Metal and Fire element (based on the animal sign plus their element), this is a good thing because, the family possesses a balance of the Five elements. 6. Overall, it is not necessary good nor bad to have all family members with the same animal sign. In fact, one can as mentioned above look `deeper'. A dog can also be different e.g.: Fire dog, Water dog, Metal dog, Wood dog or Earth dog. For example a Fire dog may be more tempermental. While a water dog may be more easier going. 7. Once again, we can see that authentic Feng Shui is all about reducing each person or object or situation into the Five elements. 1. Generally, it should be your immediate family as your close kin. 2. If your sister-in-law or aunties are staying with you and if it happens that everyone combined together has all Five elements, so long as everyone is staying together, you have all `five elements' in the home. 3. This is opposed to `remote-control'. Where, if one family member, even if it is an immediate family member but is not staying with you cannot be `counted'. For example, if your son is studying overseas, one cannot do remote control and assume that he will be influenced at `home'. 1. I believe I have written on the clashes in the Applied Feng Shui course/book. But not to the extend of using numbers. 2. If one looks at the graphic of the 12 Chinese animal signs at http://www.lovesigns.net For example, year 1 is the Rat. It's worst `affinity' is the animal opposite it e.g. the Snake (directly opposite it or we can call it 6 O'clock from the Rat). If one notice carefully, each three animals form a `grouping'. Thus animals in relation to each other at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9' o'clock. Dragon, Monkey and Rat are excellent matches and if one looks closely form a distinctive triangle. Thus the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock forms a triangle. Animals within this triangle shows affinity to each other. While the animal opposite it (e.g. Snake) is it's least compatibile or worse affinity. And the animal opposite it (e.g. Snake) has two other animals that share affinity with it. Since it shares the `same' nature and interest as the Snake and are its best friend, naturally, it is not that compatible to the Rat. Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear Glyn, Usually, the most important consideration is when one is moving in i.e. the date one moves into the house is the most important date to `note'. For changing of the hot plates, some over zealous people, may look at the dates but, in my opinion, it is not that important. All these falls under `Chinese beliefs and customs' rather then FS. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Eva, 1. Usually, this is quite common situation. Sometimes it can be a home, on other occasions it could be an office unit or even a shop premises. 2. For some Chinese, they would use a pair of Lions as shown in several photos under "Photo Tours of Interest". 3. While others place two pots of plants on each side of the entrance. 4. More importantly, if there are no poison arrows aimed at the main door, this situation is (although not 100 percent ideal) but is acceptable. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Niki, 1. If you can, you could perhaps show us a small graphic file. As it is quite difficult to visualise what you are mentioning. 2. Where possible the stove has to have a support or backing. Can it be placed in a different location and for you to still enjoy the beautiful view. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. The lotus root is a `root' grown underground. It is equivalent to potatoes where it grows underground and `harvested' by digging it out. 2. Like all food, it is much `respected' because of its cooling properties. For example, if one has a sore throat, some Chinese steam it with water and pork or peanuts or other ingredients. The soup is usally drank and the lotus root slices are eaten or thrown away after the soup is made. (Some people like eating it while others obtain the soup). The tea-pot in one of the links is a replica of how the lotus root looks like. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I believe, you are still young so try abit harder:) 2. It is best to watch your weight. There is not much in Feng Shui that relates to weight. 3. However, a sensible diet would usually help: 3.1 The Chinese often use the chopsticks to pick food. So that they are forced to eat slowly. You can still do so with the fork and spoon. 3.2 I am not sure if it will help but one should take breakfast, eat a healthy lunch and dinner. Avoid supper food. Here, it is believed that we burn more calories in the day time (activity) and at lower activity time, eat less. I believe that breakfast is the most important`meal' that should not be skipped. 4. For a mountain star, it has to be analysed using the Flying Star analysis. If a sector happens to have a mountain star, it can only be activated if the location is a wall (in a room) or the backdoor. Else it cannot be activated. 5. A mountain star, need not be purposely purchased. You can use any object readily available in the home with mass (solid mass) e.g. a paper weight and non moveable e.g. without wheels. A decorative object with `mass' can be a mountain star. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. If the tree is in your property, the best recommendation is to simply trim it neatly. 2. Yes, especially if the tree comes too close to the window one can use a fork (which is a safer object than knife or blade). If a knife is used, it is preferred that one uses a butter knife (not so dangerous). 3. But the most effective, is to either trim it or if you do not own it but by the municipal, write to them to trim it. Or simply close the curtain (if you can). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The main principle to remember is: "If one no longer sees the poison arrow(s) it no longer becomes a threat." Thus, if the container of sand is high enough, between the `offending' poison arrow and the home it is considered effective. Usually, Feng Shui practititoners do not normally use EARTH is because, this can be risky considering the `Five Yellow' or the inauspicious Flying Star 5 (for misfortune). One must remember that in a Flying Star Chart, the occurence of 5 is 3 times e.g. it `appears' once for the Mountain Star, one time for the Water Star and one time for the Base Star. If there are any further inauspicous combinations plus a person adding more `Earth' or sand, it may cumulate to a recipe of enhancing this `Five Yellow' and causing Misfortune. With this reasoning, you can see why it is always safer not to use EARTH. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Eva, 1. This has more to do with `safety' then Feng Shui. But because of this, many Feng Shui practittioners (advise) that one should not have the bedroom above kitchen stove. (Especially if it is directly. As some may argue that it may `burn' a relationship.) 2. In my personal opinion, you are not using a business stove with very high flames and is not cooking at night. 3. If you have a smoke detector, all the better. More concern is the million to one chance of a kitchen catching fire and as fire travels upwards, this is the `cause for concern. ' Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, If you do come across it again, please let us know the rationale for doing so. As far as I know, there is `no truth' in this statement. However, the closest on this is perhaps on the application of the Yin and Yang. Perhaps, the author is trying to create a more Yang environment by using brighter colours. Otherwise, there is very little link to it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

If you see the picture of the "paranomic view" of the picture, the dragons are on a high wall facing the road/street. The dragons are no where facing inwards the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In the picture, there are also two Lions guarding the `huge' main door. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Users, Shot on Location: Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Singapore For the first time, you will see paranomic view of shots: 1. The first shot is a paranomic view of the Nine dragons on both side of the entrance wall of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. If you notice carefully, the wavy patterns below the dragons symbolises the dragon floating on clouds. 2. A bird's eye view of the frontage of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The building has eight floors plus a single ninth floor at the top. My Pictures site is forever growing and now already has a substantial amount of resource and higher quality photos. Follow this link and Enjoy!:- http://www.geomancy.net/pics/chamber/index.htm May you be blessed with business success! Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. Snuff bottles Chinese snuff bottles are unique because they are not only hand painted but painted from within the bottle. Imagine using a brush and inserting it into the small hole on the top of the bottle and painting a `mirror' image of landscapes etc.. inside the bottle. Truly amazing! 2. Stone paintings Usually, happy children faces are painted on stones. In one of the stone paintings, can you spot a child eating a water melon? 3. Golden Roosters This is a 24K gold plated Golden Rooster from RISIS Pte Ltd at www.risis.com.sg The owner certainly has `No taboos' displaying it in the house. Oops.. am I referring to myself:) *JOKE* Click here: http://www.geomancy.net/pics/stones/index.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. It sadden me to find that you faced so much problems. I believe what you wrote would be an inspiration to many who have fewer problems. 2. We would be very glad to provide you with as much assitance as we can free of charge. 3. More importantly, the emhasis would be to check on your child's health and the overall house. Please sent a private note to robert-lee@geomancy.net so that he can provide you with the necessary credits and to see if you would prefer using the Home Audit or generate the Flying Star. However, both would involve getting an ordinary compass. Take care! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chandra, A hallway does not create Sha Qi (negative Qi). However, because of its shape, Qi cannot properly circulate. The most common remedy by many Feng Shui practititioners (provided the hallway is not too narrow) is to place plants spaced out along the hallway to `slow' down the Qi. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This is a collection of interesting Chinese tea cups and animal bone carvings: 1. One interesting object is the lotus root design tea cup. 2. There are two animal bone intricate carvings. Click here to find out more: http://www.geomancy.net/pics/teacups1/index.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below: 2. But if you are a strong fire person, then water would be a better alternative as it helps `cool' down the strong fire. If wood is used, it would further increase your strong fire resulting in health or competition at work. A small plant would normally make little impact. This should be ok. Generally, this is more towards `belief' than Feng Shui. It should normally be ok. This would be considered `inauspicious' in Feng Shui. On one hand, it does look like a overhead beam. The other (not FS), is to check how secure it is. Under Chinese beliefs, it is not so much of one wearing old clothes but rather, avoid wearing torn clothes. `Torn' clothes symbollically imply `poor' or cannot afford to buy clothings. I know some people would `squeal' especially those who both torn (but fasionable) jeans:) *Joke* Generally, the `older' folks avoid wearing `feasonable' torn clothings:) It is best to take down Chinese New Year decorations a few days after Chinese New Year. Yes, it is the general belief to remove after the last day (15th day). The test is to stand at the window. If you can (at eye level) see the /\ it is a poison arrow. But based on your (above) description, it does not sound like a poison arrow. A curtain would be effective to shield from such a poison arrow. Usually, this is not a threat to the master bedroom. If it is on the right of the window, it can be considered a `penmanship peak'. Where if one studies on a table overlooking it (on the right), it is said that `the child can become a scholar.' I have covered this in some past messages. Perhaps can search for " penmanship " or peak. The worry concern would be if this object is directly outside the frontage of the house. Some Feng Shui practitioners may consider it the equivalent of a joss stick. But the direct `threat' is usually a chimney stack e.g. thin and narrow shape. Which may spell `death' to the breadwinner. This falls under, Symbolism in Feng Shui and Shapes and Form School of Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lysa, 1. As a `beginner' to Feng Shui, I suggest you take your time to `digest' all the various forms of Feng Shui. 2.The main consideration is that most of the time, most of us do not really need Feng Shui to enhance our lives (contrary to what some may think). 3. Some of the questions one can ask if one really (or desperately need Feng Shui is):- For self: 3.1. Does one or a family member falls sick often? 3.2. Does accidents or misfortune occur? Usually, if the answer is No for both 3.1 and 3.2, one do not really need Feng Shui. As these are no longer `life threatening' situations and if one can live without Feng Shui for so long, why not live without it. Many Feng Shui concepts are based on commonsense approach and usually, our `sixth' sense are equally good. For example, there are so many people in the world where the find a nice house, live and prospher i.e. good health, good family, good occupation. For business: 3.3 Is my business doing well or fair badly when compared to other business in the same industry. If the business fair badly when compared to other business in the same industry, then this is a candiate for Feng Shui to help improve the situation. 4. The reason for not using Feng Shui for some of us has been mentioned in a few recent forum messages. This is based on the concept under Pillars of Destiny where, some of us are blessed and literally handed a sliver spoon while others no matter what `Feng Shui' we do lead normal lifes. The distinction here is that our lives are normal but NON-death threatening. Thus Feng Shui may not be needed here. Thus one should spent more positive time doing something rather than pin our hopes on `Feng Shui'. In fact, many people live an enriched life doing something they love. For example, resulting from a hobby etc... 5. More importanly, if you have a studio apartment, do keep it tidy and less clutter. Other than this, as mentioned above, do take your time to `learn' more of what is more relevant to many people. 6. Not all Feng Shui theories can work for everyone. But do try those that can work for most people. This is the most sensible approach to Feng Shui. 7. Remember to `question' the purpose of each concept or theory, its advantages and disadvantages. This will go a long way to the proper use of Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, As the protusion is a wooden cabinet, and acts like a overhead beam, you can try to use big metal `6 coins' tied together with a red string and stick it below the cabinet (less obstrusive) from view. However, if the cabinet is made of metal, fire element would be needed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kevin, 1. Under Feng Shui, the advise would still to have a frontage facing the street. However, the frontage can have a main door but opens inwards towards the `balcony' area. (Where possible the main door should not be in the line of sight of the balcony or back view. Thus one can still position the living room area towards the `back' of the house. Please see below:- This is usually not the norm. But at least if the main door is available this side of the house, it can usually open towards the living room facing the good view. However, you may need to be careful of the placement of the toilet. Best to have one side share an external wall. Avoid having the toilet next to the main entrance door or above the door. For example, see if the toilet can be placed on the side. Frankly, this would break the tenant of Feng Shui unless the plot of land is large and there is a driveway thru it. Here, if there is a water position, the house can surround it e.g. `L shaped' As I mentioned earlier the easiest for the house to conform to Feng Shui is to make the back side the living room area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

If you need to unwind or once awhile, find something `entertaining' on "Feng Shui" do log on to the only newsgroup on Feng Shui. Point your newsgroup reader to: alt.chinese.fengshui I find it quite amusing, just for relaxation when I occassionally need to `unwind' or for a good laugh:) Unfortunately, there is too much Sha Qi from it. So, do so once a while! Sad to say, the newsgroup has gone to the dogs, entertainers and actors. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I totally agree with Kam's comments. You have little to worry about it. One day, I will relate about the Japanese `coffin' worship. A very disasterous kind of worship. Warmest Regards, Cecil