Cecil Lee

Dear Marie, If you have Chinese guests, it would be a nice gesture if the host can wear Red. As this is considered a very auspicious colour for this occassion. If you country allows the use of fire crackers, this is a tradition, we Chinese use to ward off evil and usher in the new year. Furthermore, the pathway will be pathed with the remains of red paper (belonging to the fire crackers). If u are not allowed to do so, please don't do so. If you have give exchange, never, never, give a wall clock as a gift. This is very bad luck! If you have Chinese guests, try to find some lovely Chinese music. Otherwise, some soothing music would create a warmth atmosphere. And if you can obtain Chinese Red packets or we call it `Ang Pow' then, it is good to place e.g. a $2 or $10 note in it. Or any other amount that is even numbers e.g. 20cents or 20 penny etc... This token can be given to your friends who have children to take home with them. Always remember to casually check with them how many children they have. Do not end up, giving away one packet less. There is no issue here, but, don't hee... let the kid who did not receive one `hate one for life:).' Do not sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year (CNY) which is on 1 February 2003. CNY lasts a total of 15 days up to 15 February 2003. This is where 1 February 2003 is a full moon day. And the moon starts to wane until the last day. (15th February 2003. You can consider DAY 16 as a `very special' day to remember. Above all, FORGET ABOUT ANY OTHER TABOO! DO ENJOY! I like to share will all non-Chinese, the significance of each day of CNY:- Eve of Chinese New Year: We have a family reunion dinner. For example, a steamboat dinner where all family members gather in the evening to have a meal. Day 1: This is the day where many Chinese welcome their gods of heaven and earth. Many Toaist or buddhist Chinese do not eat meat on this day. Because, they believe that this can bring them happiness or long life. But, if u are having a function on this day, and if your invited friends cannot survive without meat (e.g. faint) then, oops! forget that you ever saw me mentioning about the " Day 1 ". Day 2: On this day, some Chinese who worship their ancestors, pray to them on this day. Between Day 3 and 4: On this day, in the past, the son-in-law would merrily go to this in-law's home to visit them or pay them his respects and give them an `Ang Pow' or red packet with money. (Usually, man are simply too lazy. It ends up with the daughter doing all these. Perhaps, she is the financial officer of the home? I am your God of Wealth! Day 5 $$$: The "smarter" Chinese itched this in their memory for life: This is the day they are suppose to welcome our God of Wealth. So that they can receive luck. PLEASE REMEMBER TO MARK THIS DAY DOWN IN YOUR CALENDAR! 5TH FEBRUARY 2003 Never visit your family or friends on this day! If you do, then, you are throwing away your luck!..... Between Day 6 to 10: Now you can start to visit your family, relatives or friends. Some Chinese have enjoyed themselves and some visit their favourate temples. Day 7: I personally enjoy this day as I get to eat RAW FISH. This is symbolic of " Every Year got Fish ". I believe, there is no objection from any Japanese who by second nature, eats raw fish. Please note that fish represents the food we eat or sustain us. But modern people may want or demand " Every Year got Money ". Well up to individual expections, even if may never materialise.... On this day, we also try to eat noodles that have long strands. This is symbolic of longevity. If anyone opens a restaurant, you can use this information to promote a special event on that day. For this year, it is on 7th February 2003. Day 8: For the Hokkiens like myself (decendants from the Fujian province of China) and many Taiwanese who exited from communist China to Taiwan may practise this. As they are also hokkien:- We have another family reunion dinner. (Maybe you can say that we did not had a full meal on the eve of CNY!). But I do not do this now, only when very young: Many Hokkiens still do pray to Tian Gong or our God of Heaven (Note he is not the CFO - Chief Financial Officer) of the Heavens. (The CFO is the God of Wealth which is on the 5th day of CNY). On earth, some wife's can be considered as the CFO of their family:) Hokkiens were saved by the sugar plantations... thus often one can find a pair of them tied to each corner of their altar to provide offerings to Tian Gong at 12am on this day. Day 9: On this day many Chinese offer their offerings to the CEO of Heaven. The highest ranking: Jade Emperor who rules the entire Heaven. Don't `pray' `pray' (play, play) with him. Between Day 10 to 12: Feel free to invite friends over during this period. Day 13: Well, seems like we had over eaten over the last 12 days or more. On this day, many Chinese take simple porridge with pickled vegetables and simple steamed peanuts to cleanse their body system. Day 14: This is the time when lantern makers are eagerly waiting to make money selling Chinese lanterns of any shape or design. Day 15: Last day of CNY. And on the night of 15th February 2003 this is known as the Chinese Lantern Festival. For kids reading this erh... please - don't burnt your house with candle lighted in these lanterns! Day 16: For all Chinese who have yet to wake up on this day, please DO! YOUR HOLIDAY FESTIVE MOOD IS OVER! GET BACK TO SERIOUS WORK AND DON'T DREAM! If you want to dream, please wait till CNY 2004! And after this date, if your house has better Flying Star Feng Shui, try to change your house to this new Flying Star for Period 8! I hope many of you will now better understand, our Chinese New Year customs. Please ignore Day 16 as this is just a joke:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Name: The Sovereign Condominium Location: 99 Meyer Road Developer: Thakral Land Pte Ltd Tenure: Freehold Total number of units: 87 TOP nearly 3 years ago in 1999. ========================================= This is a truly exceptional development. A top view will show something like a two U's with one end of a U fused together to form a three protuding blocks: These three ends of the blocks serves as protusions defending the units within its building. This is known as three wood that fuels fire on metal. Where the building has wood that helps fire grow. And this fire, `destroy's the metal (all round white) producing wealth. Because of the three prong design, all frontage of the house receive wealth. Anyway, if you do not have at least 2 million and provided the existing owners want to sell, you can forget about owning one of the unit. However, it is best also that the unit fits you first! Note: This type of configuration is very, very rare in Singapore. Due to limited land area and very expensive real estate. Most developers instead prefer to build rectangular blocks `closely knitted together'. A tell tale sign is that the smaller units alone costs nearly 2 million each and the larger ones now costs 2 to 3 million Singapore dollars. 1 US$ is equvalent of Singapore dollar 1.7 times. Each `arm' in blue colour looks like two hands clasp together to receive wealth in a virtual dragon water position.

This is a real life case study involving blocks of flats that are symbollically joined" together. In addition, the swimming pool can be considered as a stagnant pool of water since, there is minimal interaction of the water with its surrounding. This development has two miserable, water spouts located at locations marked `B' that spouts very little water into the pool. Please go thru this graphic illustration, to have an understanding of the problems. Here, it is said that the Dragon Qi cannot flow in and out of this development. If the developers were `smart' they should make a `hole' at the centre of this U shape. Much like the earlier condo reviewed i.e. The Sterling Condominium (as a reference). Or space the condo like the Cote D'azur or The Tropica. The Tropical is in a u shaped configuration. And other than the back blocks, many of the blocks are distinctively individual blocks not joined together. This forms the basis of dragon qi flowing harmoniously within development. If you are new and have time, do search for The Sterling The Tropica for more ideas of what I meant (above). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Hoa Luong, 1. Under the Five Elements concept, there is this saying " opposites attract! ". 2. Frankly, is a very common situation if we apply the eight house theory. 3. When u settle down and find a home, best to find a house that suits the main breadwinner (unfortunately under FS, it is still considered the man of the house). For example, a good direction at the main door. For you, it is good if this sector is say the irritation or spook sector. 4. For the bedroom, the partner who has the best influence sleep closer to his/her favourable sector. While the other partner sleeps further away. 5. For newly married couples, it is not advisable to sleep in an irregular shaped room or a bedroom without any windows. (this two are very critical). 6. In addition, for newly married couples, becareful where you place the fish tank (if any). As this can affect marriage. 7. In any relationship, all of us must aware that each partner is like two "strangers" which are dropped into a jungle. Each stranger has his own upbringing and personal likes/dislikes. And for some man, could also be their mummy's darling. Simple things like how you squeeze your toothpaste, although start up small can even irritate one's partner. And may eventually lead to a volcanic erruption of sizeable proportions. Thus communication and give and take is important. All these can be summed up as part of the building block of MAN LUCK. Man luck includes, dieting, healthy attitude with each other, communication and others. 8. More of how we cultivate our MAN LUCK can sometimes, neutralise or reduce bad earth influences such as #2 sickness etc.... Wishing you have a good and fruitful relationship which can blossom into a wonderful life, full of health (wealth erh... children ... and money)! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Users, 1. If you are new to this forum, feel free to use the SEARCH feature in this forum. 2. When you have clicked on SEARCH, simply type e.g. Fish Tank, Toilet, bed etc... I am confident that you should be able to find what you may need to know. 3. If you did not highlight any specific conference, the SEARCH feature will automatically search all public discussion conferences. In the Free Advice conference alone there are already over 6,700 real life situations, questions and suggested ways to handle it. 4. Feel free to post new questions, if you can't find them! Cheers!!! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Steven, 1. If I am mistaken, previously I had help one of my personal friends look at a unit here. The take up rate is very good and I think they are mostly sold unless u buy second-hand. 2. Overall, I personally find that there are no major issues with this development. Even with the central curved metal/water pool. As there is a gap between two huge blocks between them. This allows for good qi flow and exit. Which allows friction of air to mix correctly with the various water pools. 3. In the past (in my opinion), I mentioned that for developments like Costa Del Sol has two snakes or blocks joined together. And for old, old antique condos like Mandarin Gardens, this is the type I try to avoid. 4. There are several more of these. And each time if I use such swimming pools, you will see in a surfer's wet suite - because of the unnatural vortex of air near the surface of such pools. On certain days, swimming to me, is not comfortable at all. 5. Quantum Leap in Feng Shui For quantum leap in Feng Shui to exist, the unit must not only have good facing to collect wealth, but earn Free-of-charge FOC wealth at the expense of others. If u have such a house, no need even Feng Shui. One will grow prosperous (even the breadwinner and partners body grow sideways!) And with lots of children and money to spare for holidays. Certain units in Warren or any other condos, have this but only selected few - only. 6. This is not Feng Shui, but I personally can vouch that MCL builds OVERALL truly mostly problem free housing that even after 2 years, with proper maintenance, they are of good value and an asset to keep. Many other condos, if properly maintain, can also keep up, thru age. 7. Well wishing you Good Happy House Hunting! Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. Water dragon For a house at ground floor, we can try to activate the water dragon usually at the frontage of the house. 2. For apartments or flat, the higher we are up the higher we already have `virtual' water or clear space. A water position in such a home, is not `compulsory'. Unless, to improve or trap wealth. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Steven, 1. Yes, I truly agree with you with the statement below. 2. No two apartments even in the same development are the same or have the same Feng Shui. 3. A Quantum Leap in Feng Shui occurs as a result of F.O.C. (Free-of-charge) Feng Shui. This is where, your home gets a boost of luck or receive in expense of others. In additional the house shapes and form is excellent. 4. Usually a toilet alone at the centrepoint can still be sustainable. This is ONE major leak. But, when we first select a new home, most of us would like to `start' fresh with zero problems. 5. Usually, from my personal experiences, if there are TWO or more MAJOR leaks, then, one may expect usually financial problems. 6. In the case of one Major leak e.g. toilet at the centre, this would mean that most likely money comes in and out just as quickly. But, in addition to this, the house is not suitable to us and / or internal or external shapes and forms is no good, then, it is like `THREE STRIKES AND ONE IS OUT' OR OUR OF LUCK. 9. It is this worry that, Robert has mentioned that, there are homes that do not match this profile. 10. In fact, these two days, I have personally looked into:- Case 1:- ------- I received a fax yesterday from a new client who was facing trouble. When the fax came out, I saw a fish tank at the centrepoint of the mansionette (two storey public housing board flat) Furthermore, he was found to be a strong water person. Currently he is out of job. In addition, he marked out areas where he had previously consulted another FS practitioner: The practitioner asked him to:- 1. Place a Phoenix figurine at the balcony. 2. A jade horse facing inside of the balcony towards the living room. 3. A bowl of water with a tortise. It seems the phoenix bird figurine was facing South. And the bowl with tortise was at the north. But this is also the location of the main door. In my opinion, this is a classic misunderstanding of the 4 Symbolic animals. The previous Feng Shui practitioner could have perhaps literally see a picture of the four symbolic animals and ask the client to place it base on his interpretation. Unfortunately, this is a classic case of wrongly applying the 4 symbolic animals. Imagine placing a mountain e.g. tortise facing the front door. This is symbolic of placing an obstacle at the front of our house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Stacey, 1. The main disadvantage of an irregular room will be for marriage - especially for newly married couples. 2. Base on your simple sketch, it seems that your room still looks rectangluar to me. The closet does not seem to be a major problem. 3. For a bedroom, it is always best not to subdivide it i.e. making it too small as this can also affect marriage and harmony. Please see below:- Looks like your house has thin walls:( Based on your description, we have adopt a sensible approach in your case. Since, all of must have have quality sleep; it does not seem placing your bed at West is a good idea. Especially of the interuption close to your bedtime - perhaps early morning is not as bad. Feng Shui or earth luck is not a cure all. Sometimes, if we do not have a favourable room Feng Shui, we should increase more of our MAN luck. Man luck refers to: 1. Positive thoughts and attitude 2. Have funny and enjoy life to the fullest 3. Get support from family and friends 4. A sensible diet and exercise. Looks like the north wall seems a better choice. Do not place the bed against an open window. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Co Huynh, 1. If you are a weak metal person, the element that can give you a significant boost is earth. 2. Water element does not benefit you under Ba Zi. 3. Please note that water position in the wrong location of a house can affect one's marriage and even wealth. 4. Usually, it is best not to use water in the back of the house as most of the time it is inauspicious. 5. The most effective use of water is still at the frontage of the house or using Flying Star Feng Shui to detect metal positions:- 5.1 The most beneficial way to activate water dragon is to locate #7 (weak metal) and #6 (strong metal). Under the Five elements concept, metal supports water. This is a major consideration especially for a house born under Period 7 where usually adding water position to #7 and #6 can bring beneficial results. Note: not all locations can use water. For example not favourable if this is the centre-point of the house. If this is the back of the house etc.... If in doubt consult a competent FS practitioner. 5.2 For high rise living, activating water dragon is less of a problem since the higher you stay, there is `virtual' water. Sometimes, `virtual' water may be missing e.g. the frontage of the flat/apartment blocked by another similiar block of flat facing you. Sometimes, a water position can help. 5.3 If your Ba Zi is a weak fire or strong fire, try not to have a water feature inside your home. The above are some of the major considerations when applying water especially if it is merely on the context of Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Hoa Luong, Actually, you check out this `Wizard' link on lawsuits:- http://sg.geomancy.net/products/recommend-solutions/so-lawsuit.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kay, 1. Placing the figurines in the living room is indeed the most common location. 2. In my vast experience visiting Chinese homes, I have observed that the Fu Lu Shou figurines are typically placed on a display table, often on an open shelf. This practice is widely followed. 3. Placing the figurines under a waterfall is not a common tradition. 4. While some may pour virtual water on the figurines, I personally do not recommend this as it is best to stick to traditional customs. 5. It is crucial to ensure that the figurines are not placed below a beam and to adhere to other guidelines such as avoiding placement on the opposite wall of a toilet bowl or facing towards bedrooms. I hope this information clarifies your query. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Flannery, It is best to look at the home from the perspective of Shapes and Forms Feng Shui. If distinctively, one of the rooms is `meant' to be the master bedroom e.g. bigger with attached bathroom etc... then, based on Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, it is preferred that the head of the house (breadwinner) should where possible occupy this room. If there is no distinction between the master bedroom or other bedroom, then, you can sleep in the North-East room. Usually, if your daughter is to occupy the South-East room, then, it is preferred that the room is harmonized with her ba zi. And this is checked with the Flying star of the room. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In a major `leak' senario, such as a leak in wealth, based on many past observations; usually one major leak may not necessarily be a `downfall'. 2. For example, a toilet at the centrepoint or centre of gravity of a house is considered one major leak. But, on it's own, usually, and depending on the individual's ba zi (heaven luck), if it is reasonable or if the house is still an acceptable fit, one major leak such as a toilet can be considered as an irritation. 3. Usually, a major downfall occurs when there are at least 2 or more major leaks. When this happens, it is difficult to fix-the-leak. Thus, it is not good to have a toilet at the centrepoint. As it is like when are trying to start a 100 metre run, we are already handicapped. Which is not ideal. 4. Frankly, I am not too keen if an apartment is in close proximity to any apartment. Especially, no matter how, units next to or near to it, would be affected by metallic Sha Qi (friction of the wheels on the rails. And, there is a low frequency, disturbance. 5. Just a few days ago, I visited a new apartment which next to another block close-by. Some how, at floors above the level of the MRT track, one seems to hear quite a disturbance. For new HDB flats such as those parallel to the MRT track e.g. Woodlands Drive 75 and older Drive 73 flats. 6. Prior to your question on Yishun Emerald Condo, I had two clients who bought the flats as first buyers. They subsequently sold it in 2000 at a reasonable price. 7. I believe, many Singaporeans are discerning. And with or without Feng Shui aid, many go for good sites. 8. We cannot draw the parallel of Yishun Emerald Condo with Centrepointhomes recent release of Cote d'Azur. Since Cote d'Azur is in the prime district 15 area. http://www.Centrepointhomes.com 9. But we can compare Cote d'Azur with Costa Del Sol (which is along the east coast area). 10. Cote d'Azur sold like hot cakes and nearly sold out. While Costa Del Sol (at the last press release had sold no more than 30 percent. And yet, is almost - there closer to TOP). 11. Cote d'Azur has veru good Feng Shui. Development equal to The Tropica of Hong Leong. 12. While Costa Del Sol reminds me of Mandarin Gardens: which is in my opinion, more like two snakes because each major blocks are glued together. In my opinion, not too FS friendly to allow dragon qi from closer inland to `flow thru'. Sometimes creating compressed qi. 13. In this case, imagine the swimming pool area, the qi circulates in a vortex in many occasions and may make swimming uncomfortable due to high winds just above it's surface. 14. In my opinion, the Yishun Emerald will continue to be passed on for sale, first hand from the developer since, many would wise up and not take up the units. Much like, the Regency, which had TOP for a few years yet, still hoping to be sold. 15. If you can, try to do some pre-empative work like either place your name with developers or check out their website for new or upcoming developments. 16. In my opinion, in the past, I personally seen may Far East developments which, perhaps by coincidence, but left me with an impression of quality defects. 17. So far, I personally liked MCL land's quality control on many of their developments. Maybe, they do not develop as much but it is worth while looking at their development if new ones should come up. Often, very reasonably priced. Therefore, I have a good impression of them. Wishing you a fruitful House Hunting! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ling Tien, Thank you for attaching your layout plan. Within Flying Star Feng Shui, there are indeed many schools. Ultimately, when we super-impose the luo shu grid either the pie chart or the 9 grid, it should match the compass directions. Therefore, in all authentic schools, the centrepoint is determined. For a relatively small place like a house of 1,200 sq ft or even a house of 5,000 sq ft, usually, the centrepoint or centre of gravity is found. Here, the luo shu grid is laid on the layout plan. Actually, if we use the Flying Star (Xuan Kong Feng Shui), if the house was born in period 7, most likely even if the main door has been interpreted diferently, the characteristics of a Period 7 house will still usually show i.e. East (often not less than #5 x 2 (because, especially for this year, #5 flies to East. While #2 files to South. And often South may have #2 x 2 or more. Which is not ideal. Like different schools, quite often, using the loupan, some schools basically see where your main door is. And as you had mentioned, take an exact reading inside the house looking out. But if the main door is facing another direction, like what you had mentioned, this may not be practical. Some other schools looks at the location where there is most light coming into the home. For example, imagine if one's apartment is on the ground level. Given this idea, most of the time, the frontage is the location is where if this is a landed property, this frontage is the main door. In such a situation, usually, three readings are taken facing the frontage. One reading is at e.g. the right side, the middle and the left side. All these three readings are added and divided by three to get an average reading. This reading is then the `facing' or the main door reading. While the `sitting' is directly behind the facing. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daphne, Please see below:- Usually, for a condo, it is mostly `move-in' condition. And normally, few if any major renovations are done. Usually, Yishun Sapphire, will continue to be under Period 7. The main concern for a period 7 house is the East compass direction. Especially if it is a bedroom. As many of houses under Period 7, have at least #5 (misfortune/sickness) stars x 2 at this location. 2002, is worse-off because the year star also #5 at this sector. South also has #2 but not as bad as the East. Although, some homes (depending) on the main door, has #2 x 2 for the 20 year period. Frankly, this will bring down the Feng Shui luck tremendously. There is no cure here. However, the best one can do here is to maximize the home based on breadwinners ba zi. And fix any other major leaks if any. I believe, many of the first hand owners had paid a high price for it for a 99 year tenure apartment. Two years ago, the approximate price per sq ft was around $500/- to $550 depending on the level. Based on new developments of similar type, the price is very competitive and many new first hand condos can be purchased at much lower than this i.e. $395 to $460psf 99 year tenure. Personally, unless, there is a strategic reason for choosing the location e.g. upgrading/familiarity, within child's school, workplace etc... if it is me, I would try to source for other developments. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ling Tien, You can do it but, in my opinion, it may not be as effective. In addition, nowadays, a modern office table, has a monitor and for some even a PC cpu on it. And quite heavy. If it is not stable, it may topple down. not too good, thou. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daphne, In a tropical country such as ours, there is a quirk with the application of the East/West group of persons or known as Eight House. This is especially so, if the living room; several bedrooms and even the master bedroom is `bathe' by the afternoon sun (West facing) or even the morning sun (East facing). One significant concern is if these rooms face another block of flats. The direct sun light and reflected (sha qi) from other close-by buildings will totally reduce the advantage of having a house face our good direction. I feel that such cosmic `radiation' (especially with the ozone layer hole) may be detrimental to many of us in the long run. Especially if our apartment is exposed to it (directly or reflected from the walls of other unit). Here, the alternative is to install thick curtains etc... and by doing so, the house can become darken. In general, a North to South or close to this alignment is always a much better choice, overall. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Danil, The purpose of using Feng Shui, Ba Zi and other Chinese divinity methods is to try to boost our overall luck. The wrong way to approch this is to simply focus at one sector and cover it with gold etc... Let us not forget that there are more sectors than just this sector. The most promising way to enhance luck are: 1. Try to fix any leaks in the home, first. 2. Only after one has fixed these leaks, should one look at enhancements. Overall, Feng Shui should be practised in a holistic way. And, this involves many theories and concepts. And each theory or concept has a specific aim, strength and weakness. Frankly, if one were to do it on your own, then, there is a long way to go. But the most sound way is to understand this statement: do it right the first time round. If one needs to learn, try to start by getting fundamentals correct. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daphne, 1. Usually, the better units have been sold earlier if you are buying the property first hand. As Yishun Sapphire has been on the market for quite some time. 2. Generally, Yishun Sapphire sits on a good `earth' shape plot of land. My major complaint is some of the units may be affected by the MRT track running parallel to one side of it. I can draw a parallel to this with the Tropical Spring condominium in Simei. Some of the units in this condo and in one case, the sound of the moving MRT trains can be heard (loudly) within the master bedroom. 2. However, there units that face Yishun Avenue 2 which is very close to the MRT tracks which runs parallel to it. Some of these units cannot run away from the noise level generated by the friction of daily MRT cabins. Which may account for some of the units not sold. On a Feng Shui level, such units close to the MRT tracks may have quite alot of noise: metal element noise/vibration or sha qi. 3. If the unit which you intend to purchase does not have this noise and in general, it suits your budget and if you and your family members feel comfortable within it, this is usually a good step. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. In Singapore, another way of looking at a property is to see the take-up response of the public despite the property glut. The reasonably good ones have at least 70-80 percent take up after 6 months, placed on sale. Many of the not so desirable one's seems never to be sold. Recently in the local newspapers, there are a few condominiums that despite being on the market for more than 6 or more months had only a take up rate of 20 percent or less. It is interesting to note this article. Because, when one moves in, one may be moving into a `ghost' town. Imagine, staying on a unit where our unit is the only occupied unit. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Judith, 1. In my opinion, I feel that if the aloe vera is a `soft' (short) plant. And although it has some thorns, these are equally soft. 2. I personally do have several aloe vera plants and I also do not have an issue. 3. In fact, if they grow well and healthy, this is indeed a very good sign. 4. We can draw a parallel to having a TV set in the bedroom. Many of us grew up at an age where each room in the house has a personal TV set. There is no issue for many of us. This is about tolerance level: How thick is our skin? Some of us thrive on pressure. The key point here is that: we have a short life span on this earth. And, what better way to truly enjoy ourselves while we can. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Donna, 1. Yes, based on your description, this is indeed a threat to your home. The test is to stand inside the house looking out of the main door. If you can see the threat coming, then it is a threat or poison arrow. 2. If there is a small roof or rain shelter at the frontage of your house you can use a 6 rod metal wind chime to neutralise it. Since most roofs are constructed with wood. And under the five elements concept: Metal can destroy wealth. 3. Alternatively, in the east or Far East, Ba Gua mirror is often placed above the main door to serve as a protection from these. You can do a SEARCH for the various types. Or go to the conference: Photo Tours of Interest (with pictures) and locate a few postings on the Type of Ba Gua available. This is a traditional method. But I often find or hear many Western Feng Shui practitioners especially some of those practising in the west `cursing' or worse `swearing' at others for recommending this. I feel this is one of the difference that some non-Chinese practitioners may differ in their thinking. Frankly, I still feel that even in modern times, this practise will never die: in my life time or for the next several generations. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Josephine, Yes, usually, it is best to check for `leaks' in the house, first. It would be nice if we can enhance but often, we forget that we must first fix-the-leaks. From a Shapes and Forms point, there are several leaks in your home. (Frankly, I have not used other tools, it it involves more anlysis - due to a busy schedule). But from a Shapes and Forms and forms view, there are several leaks:- 1. Narrow hallway, which is on one side of the house. 2. Markings A to B:- The back patio sliding door. The path of qi from A to B is a direct path. And not auspicious. (Especially if the door is opened). In addition, because of this long corridor, there is supressed Qi. And it can also leak the other way thru the door towards the garage area. 3. Markings C to D:- Based on your diagram, it looks like there are widows at C or D. If so, there is a potential leak of qi especially if the windows are opened. Try to open alternative windows in this case. 4. Marking X:- The entrance into the house is close to the centrepoint of the house at Marking X. There is compressed qi (narrowing) at this area. Upstairs also has similar compressed Qi at markings E and F. 5. In your home, it seems that qi flow cannot properly meander from the living room area to the other side i.e. garage facing side and vice-versa. This has an impact or strifle your luck. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, If you have a sketch of the layout, I can help take a look at it for you. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Chuan Ho, Further to what I had mentioned, your Type B layout plan is acceptable. Attached please find the picture of the roof design of Dahlia Park. Warmest Regards, Cecil