Cecil Lee

Dear Chloe Lin, In my opinion, bringing in items on the chosen auspicious day varies with different dialect groups. Overall in my opinion; you can see if some of the items can be available to you (and some perhaps - optional). Prior to the auspicious day; one can consider buying the following:- 1. One packet of rice (5 Kg) is OK. Not necessary the 10 kg bag. 2. One packet of sugar. 3. One packet of salt. 4. For the Hokkiens; they would buy a pineapple with the flower intact on the top. A pineapple to them signify: " ONG " or LUCK. (Optional) 5. " Huat Quay " or a cake which is baked by adding e.g. coca cola or 7 up so that when it is baked it becomes `full' at the top. For the Chinese it is easy to find this in the market especially on the 15th day of each month. Alternatively; one has to `book' or pay a deposit a few days earlier with a baker. (Optional) 7. Charcoal wrapped in red paper. Usually, this is placed in a tub full of charcoal. A red piece of paper is placed on top of this bin. This bin / tub preferably should be red in colour. Here charcoal represents gold. (Optional) 8. Para 8 goes with Para 7. Purchase of a charcoal stove. A small red one. (Optional) 10. In the market some even buy a packet of sweets or "sweet offerings." 9. In the past, a charcoal stove is lighted in the middle / centre of the house to bring in `warmth' to the new home. On the day of moving in: A. Choose a time and Look at the clock. For example if one choose a time such as : 8.28am then the breadwinner can open the main entrance door and (for the Hokkien) he would roll the pineapple (inwards) into the house towards. It does not matter if it rolls to any specific direction. B. Then bring in the charcoal / charcoal stove and bag of rice / salt and sugar. C. Go into the kitchen and boil water. This signify bringing warmth into the home. D. Some also cook rice. (Optional) unless one is eating the rice. E. At the same time; turn on the lights for every room. F. In the evening it is preferred to turn on one light at the living room area or balcony area and leave this light on till midnight or next day. Other lights can be switched off soon after the initial moving in. Some `beliefs' or taboos:- G. For a new home; some feel that it would not be good to bring in existing furniture before or prior to this `auspicious' date. For example; it is considered not auspcious to bring in used furniture from existing home prior to this. But if one purchased new furniture or electrical items; this can be brought into the new home. Note: the above is just a belief. However, to some; this does not apply where you are bringing in e.g. some present clothing or cleaning items to clean or wash the house. I believe there are some pictures you can try searching under the pictures gallery under this website. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jing Jin, Yes, I have encountered the toilet bowl immediately above the main entrance door of several terrace houses in Singapore last year. One estate is in Coporation Drive, Jurong. I have advised the owner to seal up the toilet bowl. He has agreed since there are sufficent toilets in the home. I personally feel that the above is `bad feng shui'. - Based on Shapes and Form School. Please see below:- I agree with you. Ideally, it would be best to have the toilet outside of the home *JOKE* This happened in the past. But we have to be realistic today. So long as the toilet occupies 1 external wall; this would be good and as you mentioned, preferably, it should be above e.g. another toilet or storeroom and not the dinning room or bedroom etc... Please note that the Flying Star chart should take into account the breadwinner's Gua. While other rooms and especially bedroooms should take into consideration the Gua (Kua) number of each family members. For the master bedroom or the living /dinning area or most of the other parts of the house; the binding element of both partners would be good. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, the main concern here is the `T-junction' which is bad Sha Qi. This is quite a fundamental problem and (frankly) in my opinion very hard to cure. Some FS practitioner may advise placing a Ba Gua or cannons aimed at the road. One could perhaps try this. Stand at the main entrance door and check to see if the lamp post slice it. Or through a window. If it does, this is a poison arrow. You should also check the tree trunk does not slice towards the main door area. Yes, the main door can be slanted but you may have to consult a FS practitioner to do it properly i.e. on site and as mentioned by you check the Gua (Kua) etc... In my opinion, the items you had purchased are considered decorative items. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Linky, 1. For the 6 small Buddah's place them as you would i.e. decorative items. General locations include the living room or a corner location or in a display shelf / unit. 2. Frankly, in my opinon, there is nothing mystical or special about a three legged-toad. Based on the `belief' or those who sell these items would like their believers to place it facing inwards into the house all the time preferably with a coin/gem in it permanently. The advise given is usually to purchase a dragon headed toad and have it's mouth `full'. Do not remove the coin/gem. And do not rotate it outwards during the night. In my opinon, I feel that it is a decorative item... consider the chip as part of `wear and tear'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jing Jin, I understand your predicament. As much as we would like to avoid shoe rack/shoes facing our main entrance, this may not always be possible since it is immediately outside of the neighbour's house. And is a `convenience' to them. So far, it does not `pose' a threat other than the `Qi' element where one may not be too happy that the qi from the front door. In my opinion, it would be best to close your main entrance door when not in use. You can make use of Qi from your frontage of the house e.g. the living room / kitchen area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chris, In my opinion, a holistic method of analysing a specific unit is to:- 1. Although Suntec City has been `feng shuied' not all `fingers' or areas within the building can be considered to have "exceptional" Feng Shui. 2. This is where, Shapes and Form comes in. Other than offices; if one is looking at locations of activity or e.g. a food outlet; it would be ideal to be located near to the region of the fountain. This is where, in reality most of the restaurants and food court is located. 3. For office complex; one needs to look at it in relation to other `fingers' and also to check on external threats. 4. For the unit on level 28; one can still look at it interms of the centrepoint towards the main entrance door to get the compass direction. The Ba Zi of the people in top positions should be considered. 5. Yes, there will always be differing views from many FS practitioners on the above. 6. In my opinion, since each of the buildings are linked to the lift and entrance; it would (in my opinion) not to take this as the direction of the "main entrance." 7. I would also base more considerations on the Shapes and Form of each finger in relation to the external view. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Under the Eight House Theory; there is not much one can do i.e. as the Eight House Theory is not directly related to the Five Elements where imbalances can be neutralised. Other considerations under the Eight House Theory include - what is the `intangible' force at the main entrance of the door - to determine (or one way of finding out) how suitable the house is to the owner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Angelina, 1. If one is using either of the Compass School Feng Shui i.e. Eight House Theory or Flying Star; one has to rememeber that for most cases (unless it is e.g. an `L' shaped design etc...) We should take compass reading only " once " i.e. from the centrepoint of the home and measure this to the direction of the main entrance door. 2. With the above information, we should have a copy of the layout plan and mark the North to South / East to West. A protractor helps here. 3. After the above is done; one should then find out that the bedroom is located e.g. in the " East " etc... One do not need to take compass readings from the centrepoint of each room. For majority of us; it is not necessary since each of our rooms are small (by definition). Unless one's house is a huge mansion and each room is like an apartment. Warmest Regards, Cecil Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear Anon, Under Shapes of Form Feng Shui what is more important is that: 1. There should be clear space at the frontage of the house. (The bird or red phoenix) 2. There should be a solid backing at the back of the house i.e. tortise. These two aspects of Feng Shui are two very important factors. So which ever a house is facing where best have the above. Thus no matter if it is a `west' or other facing house; it should have the above. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Under the Eight House Theory one can still sleep at different positions or `switch places'. For example; if the bed is located at the North sector: Husband's intangible force is `irritation' while wife's intangible force is `prosperity' The wife should sleep closer to the `North' sector. The husband can sleep further away from this North sector. 2. For the kitchen/bathroom at the centre of the house. It is preferred that at the `centrepoint' of the house (best to have clear space). Hopefully; try to avoid if possible: the toilet bowl / stove directly at this centrepoint. Objects that are `off-centre' to this can still be acceptable. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Megan, The following questions can be asked: 1. Owner of the building For a owner of the buidling; he/she may ask the question: What is the `Feng Shui' of my building like? 2. For the owner of an individual unit or flat or apartment? The question asked is: How good is the Feng Shui of my individual unit. Therefore, usually for a homeowner; he/she is more concerned with Para 2. Therefore the compass reading of the main entrance door should be based on his apartment's main entrance door. And he/she should apply e.g. Shapes and Forms to analyse the building. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. A `caution' on Eight Aspirations or also known as Eight/Life Assocations is too general a concept to be used. Here, for example as you had mentioned North = Career `sector'. Although it sounds so easy; this is too general. It is not practical to say that for everyone or the entire world; everyone's Career sector is at the North. Similarly; it is also difficult to accept that South West is the romance sector for all of us. What happens if each of us `outdo' one another to `decorate' this sector? 2. The Eight House although is a `static' concept; it takes into account at least one's Year of birth. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. The rationale for some books to say that South is a good direction is because the author felt that South = Fire is suppose to be a good direction for sales / marketing activity. (As Fire represents heighten activity). 2. This does not necessary mean that ALL shops should have their business premise facing south. This is also not feasible especially in a Shopping complex. It would not make sense to have a row of shops facing south and non in other sectors. 3. Ba Zi of the proprietor should be considered also. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Linda, 1. Yes, you can use the 6 coins to neutralise #5 misfortune. 2. Generally, if the flowers at a specific location is not `doing well'; can be considered a good guide. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Linda, I am not sure if it is a coincidence with the yellow crysanthemums: 1. Usually, a reasonable good `test' is to place the plants/flowers at a specific location. If they usually die; then this is not a good sign. 2. Currently many homes may have the dreaded #5 misfortune or #2 `bad earth' elements at the main entrance. 3. As Yellow stands for `earth' element; it would not be ideal to use them at sectors such as the main entrance i.e. as it may inadvertently enhance the bad #5 (Bad yellow). 4. You can generate a free Flying Star report to check where the numbers #2 and #5 are. It is best to avoid - activating these sectors with Yellow or earth element (sand). 5. In my opinion, the yellow of the crysanthemums may have a result in your problems. If there is truly #2 or #5 at the main entrance, you could try to neutralise this with metal element (not the brass base with sand) but rather 6 i-ching coins. Sample of coins can be seen under: http://www.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/imagesearch.cgi?img=0&search=coins&cat=all&x=19&y=10 You can use the i-ching coins. Caution: However, ultimately the above advise should take into consideration interactions of the #mountain / #water and base #. If your problems have `faded' away... you can leave the sector alone and remove the brass containers. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear RosaLinda, 1. Usually, it is best to apply marketing techniques to the sale of the home. Equally important is the price / price per sq metre of the home. 2. If the home has some good Feng Shui `properties'; and provided the potential purchaser believes in Feng Shui; it can help. 3. Where Traditional Chinese beliefs are concerned: 3.1. Some people have chosen `auspicious' date/time for viewing etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear S L, 1. If one visits some Feng Shui site(s); one may come across quotes like " 60% or 70% of one's Heaven Luck can be " changed ". 2. In the olden days; if one is fairly rich or well to-do or say of the middle income would: 2.1 Marriage Many would seek professional advise to see if the Ba Zi of the couples match or clash? If the match is good; the wedding would normally take place. 2.2 Birth of Child Immediately after the birth of a child; for example; the grandfather or the father of the child would normally consult a Geomancer. For example if the child lacks `water' element; " Water " would be included in his/her name to compensate the shortfall. 2.3 Ba Zi Feng Shui (Or Pillars of Destiny Feng Shui) Some Feng Shui practitioners place high importance in the person's element. For example; if the person lacks `wood element'; some FS practitioners would ask this person to `decorate' his house with e.g. adding more wood in the decoration. (This is just a simplistic method - more advanced method used include:-) 2.4 For example; if I were to do a House audit; I would:- 2.4.1 Look at each family members element and strength i.e. father - weak wood; mother - strong water; 1st son - strong metal etc... 2.4.2 Binding Element In the parents bedroom i.e. father and mother: the binding element is looked i.e. an element that can help both the father and mother `grow'. And also it can be applied to the living room / dining room of the couple. 2.4.3 Each family members element The element of each family member is looked at in relation to their i.e. bedroom area to harmonise with it. 2.5 10 year Luck Periods The Pillars of Destiny Luck periods is looked at to see whether there is any imbalance during that period for the person. Here, cures may need to be relooked at. For example if the season affects the person; then it is looked at in relation to the cures. 2.6 Ba Zi is also looked at: 2.6.1 Elements that are auspicious to the person 2.6.2 Elements that the person should avoid. 2.6.3 The wealth element and how; it can be used to help the person. 3. Ba Zi also has as an interesting area: Suitable careers: 3.1 Career with wealth 3.2 Career with power / authority.. 4. Ba Zi also can be used to help design a logo for the person. The above are some of the instances where Ba Zi or Heaven's map can be used to help one understand our heaven's map and use some of the information; to help " influence " our life. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bri, 1. You can see the interpretation of "missing" corners or protusions under the url:- http://www.geomancy.net/fs/building.htm 2. Frankly, it is difficult for me to comment on non-traditional Feng Shui information as mentioned by your message with regards to career wall ... my front door etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Maria, You can go to www.geomancy-online.com for more information. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Keng Joo, If you are a Toaist or Buddhist; try to approach or ask around for a priest who can help you to do this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear SL, 1. In my opinion, for those who would like to really find out what is real Feng Shui can get their `clue' from "academic" Feng Shui books especially from Dr. Evelyn Lip. 2. Some of Dr. Evelyn Lip's book include: " Feng Shui for the Home " and " Chinese Geomancy. " One can easily search for the author especially under : amazon.com or other online bookstores. 3. It is sad that today.. many may not want to `touch' her books because it refers more towards: history, origin and various concepts in Feng Shui. However, many people (I believe) feel that it may not have strong advise or an A to Z application of what they perceive as Feng Shui. Unlike another famous author who usually gives you all the advise. I believe many people then feel that this is the `real' stuff as it is `suppose' to be applied (EASILY). 4. Alternatively, one can buy some of the "first" generation Feng Shui books such as by the author: Derek Walters. I find that his work is authentic because: 4.1 He wrote few books on Feng Shui. 4.2 All his books have reference to either Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. His classic book " Handbook of Feng Shui " has concepts on the 5 elements. While his pictorial book on Feng Shui has lots of illustrations. 5. Frankly, I believe book authors should follow these two authors who help one to understand Feng Shui concepts instead of `bragging' about what cures one should use here or there. Such authors WILL (in my opinion) do more harm than good. And feed the frenzy of commercial companies who earn lots of money making wind chimes; figures etc.... 6. If one has the time; one can also go thru some of the messages in this forum. It is hoped that whatever advise or messages written would help to distinguish between Feng Shui ; Chinese beliefs ; Ba Zi (Pillars) and others. Warmest Regards, Cecil

I personally recommend to those who want to take accurate readings can use the following brands of compass:- Brand A: SUUNTO of Finland Link to Suunto's Website can be found under: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/recommendcompass.htm Brand B: SILVA of Sweden Models to look at include their: SightMaster model or Mark IV or Precision M80 or Ranger series... Their website can be found under:- http://www.silva.se This page is particularly interesting as they have various models to choose from:- http://www.silva.se/outdoor/products/prof_intro.htm I personally feel comfortable using either SUUNTO's or SILVA's brand of compass as the professional `series' compass have mass and are not affected as much to magnetic influence especially reinforced columns. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear SL, Thank you for bringing up very interesting questions. Frankly, I can only provide my opinion and as many of us are aware; one can get many (many) different replies to your question. Or even.. it can turn out to be highly emotional or over-charged if this question is posed to forums. Therefore, I hope that for those reading this; ultimately; you have to make your own value judgements. As I can see it; overall; Feng Shui should be seen at a macro level. This is where a city has been Feng Shuied and it should apply to macro Feng Shui at the largest sense. Here, generally, those living within this `city' or many within this city can accumulate wealth. This is where, there is some sort of a Dragon Qi flowing from the interior of the city towards e.g. sea. Usually, along the bank of a river. For example: River Thames..... in England... Although Feng Shui can be applied at a micro level; this is less effective for MOST people. Example of Excellent houses: One where it can siphoned off wealth from neighbouring homes. E.g. a house in the lowest trout of e.g. a Horse shoe shaped housing developmentj. When we talk of `Feng Shui' luck we also `talk' about: 1. Accidents / Misfortune - death 2. Sickness We can be affected by bad Feng Shui and it could result in accidents / misfortune or constant sickness. There are instances of some houses where human beings cannot live in. And to live in such house(s) may result in death. In other situations: if one chopped off the `head' of the house (where the profile of the house looks like it has a head and body): Usually if one chops off the head of the house to rebuilt it e.g. two storey high.. the head of the house becomes too heavy. This may result in the death of the breadwinner. A house with two houses on each side of it and where these two houses (form something like a U shaped) can mean death to both the breadwinner and his/her spouse. Bad Feng Shui can result in accidents or sudden death or sickness. Houses where there is underground courses below e.g. the bedroom area may result in Cancer to the family member living just below this room. Yes Feng Shui should be looked at in a holistic way and as far as possible: the home and office should be Feng Shuied. When you mentioned "patt chee " for those who are not aware; it should be also known as Ba Zi or Pillars of Destiny. Some Chinese companies or especially businessmen choose their partners `wisely' and they do look at their Ba Zi and the Ba Zi of their potential partners or even managers. Those they consider not auspicious or in harmony with their Ba Zi is not likely to be hired. Frankly Ba Zi (Map of one's Heaven's Luck) and Feng Shui can be utilised by many. Not necessarily by selected few. Here, if one is only considering `material' wealth then Feng Shui may not be the ideal choice to follow. This is because as I mentioned earlier: Feng Shui is to look at one's earth luck and the harmony of the home with the earth. Here, Feng Shui can be used effectively to help prevent: accidents / calamity or misfortune and minimise sickness. Many of us feel that Feng Shui MUST be equal to $$$$ (WEALTH). Here, wealth can mean different things. I can live (barely) without savings but have a good family e.g. good wife / children .... So does this not mean WEALTH? Wealth can be subjective and wealth can mean a good wholesome familiy life (perhaps lacking in money). Many of us think that Feng Shui can immediately bring us out of Finacial problems. Another thing Feng Shui can help is to `help us to' be healthy; have a good rest and if we have good positive atitude; we are on a good footing to try and help ourselves. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Eng Choon, 1. Please note that what you had mentioned has to do more with `beliefs' than Feng Shui. 2. Under the Five Elements Concept - destructive cycle: it is where metal destroys wood to create wealth. Ref: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/5element.htm 2.1 One interpretation is as follows:- Use 3 coins to be placed under the floor mat: This is where 3 represents = wood element and the metal coins represent metal. Here, symbolically metal is used to destroy wood element (represented by the 3 coins). Result: When one steps on the 3 coins; it is like one stepping on or touching gold. 2.2 Another interpretation: 6 coins represent metal. Since metal = gold or in the Five elements concept: instead of the `western' interpretation of METAL; METAL in mandarin refers to or is called GOLD. Here, since 6 coins represent BIG GOLD (METAL); the belief is that if one steps on "6 GOLD" one is stepping on large amounts of gold. 2.3 Some other FS practitioners or book authors indicate another version: Place 8 or 9 coins under the floor mat. Here, they believe that the number 8 or 9 are lucky numbers. 2.4 If one follows the above; these are generally beliefs rather than Feng Shui. 3. There is even one School of Feng Shui which beliefs in asking their clients to bury " the Eight Treasures " for example at each corner of the house and under the centrepoint or even below the main entrance. The idea is the same: when one steps on the floor of the main entrance... one is said to step on gold. Warmest Regards, Cecil Since the above is relatively simple to do; and as it is based on beliefs, I do not see any harm in anyone trying it out. (I am not sure it will work for everyone though). But as mentioned in past forum messages; the use of metal element at various places in the house is `less harmful' then the danger of activating bad earth element or bad wood element. Since metal is used as a cure. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Rosie, 1. If you can upload a sketch of your house, I can help you to determine the centre-point of the house. Or to see if there is indeed a missing corner or it's significance. Here, either the Eight house or Flying Star can be used to help analyse the house. As to what u mentioned: I use Usually, these options should be treated more as part of `interior' design or something one "likes" rather than to improve the energy. Warmest Regards, Cecil