Cecil Lee

[Published on July 2004] Seven (7) Commandments of Stove Placement 1. Shield from vibrant wind. Avoid having a big window behind the stove. 2. Do not place next to sink. If you have to, try to leave a gap or distance between the two. 3. The stove should not face the main door; a toilet door; a bedroom door and the kitchen door. 4. The stove should not be under a beam or below sewerag or drainage pipes. 5. Do not place it in a corner. 6. It should not share the same wall as a bed-head. 7. It should not share the same wall as the toilet bowl or toilet sink. A Cook's Harmony The kitchen is a central part of the home. Where many of our basic needs are met. With good Feng Shui, you can enhance your kitchen's healthy flow of abundance. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the tantalizing whiff of bacon and eggs and chances are, you will be looking forward to the day bright eyed and bushy tailed. Kitchens are the nucleus of every household. It represents both wealth and health. This may explain why Chinese families boil plenty of water at the start of the day - to ensure a never-ending abundance of the Earth's life force. "In Feng Shui, each compass direction is associated with an element, "says Cecil Lee, Principal Consultant and founder of GEOMANCY.NET: Center for Applied Feng Shui Research. "In any kitchen, there will always be the interplay of water and fire elements. Ensuring a good balance between yin (water) and yang (fire) will result in favourable fortune. Upsetting the balance could result in poor health, loss of weath or both." A key factor to harmony in the kitchen is the location of the stove in relation to the door, sink and window. The metal element, which is common in this area of the home and represented by cooking utensils for example, is often used as a bridge between the water and fire counterparts. So what happens if there are imbalances? According to Lee, it depends on the severity of the situation, "The solutions can range from the re-orientation of the fridge, moving the stove, using a mirror to renovatng the kitchen." Comfortable surroundings breed content so it is vital that the person who spends the most time cooking in the kitchen has a conducive environment. Any disturbances could affect the cook's energy and the overall ambience of the home. Having enough working space is a good start to encourage a steady flow of chi. Practise basic Feng Shui hygience such as keeping the area neat, orderly and clutter free. This can be achieved by having plenty of storage space to put things away. Take note that a refrigerator stocked with fresh foods symbolizes prosperity in the household. "Make sure you have a well-lit, properly ventilated kitchend and preferably one where the person who is cooking can see the door way," suggests Lee. Airflow ensure that heat and vapours do not permeate the rest of the house. The cook needs to be aware of the presence of visitors or other family members to avoid unwanted surprises. Dangerous situations can present itself in the activity zone of the kitchen when an suspecting cook could accidentally spill extremely hot contents and hurt someone. More advice On the location of the kitchen and stove 1. Avoid placement in the North which is associated with the water element: water drowns fire 2. Avoid placement in the Northwest or Heaven's gate as it also represents the head of the household, that is, the father. On the location of the fridge and sink 1. Avoid placing them next to the stove as this can cause a conflict of water versus fire.

The following developments are handed over for those who can take over the units before the Chinese 7th month, this year:- 1. Changi Rise Condo (Just TOP a few weeks ago) 2. Goldenhill Park Condo (TOP a few months ago) 3. Goldenhill Villas (Just TOP, this week) 4. Amaranda Gardens (TOP a few months ago) 5. Springside Walk Villas Others: Looks like Nuovo EC is ready but, TOP is just a stone-throw away! In my opinion, this EC took quite sometime. But in my opinion, in long term, because of it's proximity to the MRT and Yio Chu Kang market plus schools, a very good buy for first time home owners. Congratulations on new home owners! who are collecting their keys. BTW, 1, 2, 3 belongs a major developer CDL Properties. P.S. Chinese 7th month is between 16 August 2004 to 13 September 2004

Dear Oliv, Please see below:- 2. It is equally nice-to-have the stove not at the NW sector of the kitchen -- if possible. 3. The first point is like "must-try-not-to". While the second point (para 2) above is like "nice-not-to-have it" at that position. While a sink (with a tap) and dish washer etc... contain or have water. Thus = water element. Thus it is best not to have opposing forces facing it directly - clashing with the stove. The washing machine and sink can be on the opposite wall -- is ok so long as they are not in direct-line "facing each other". This is OK. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Crisa, In very general terms, often, some Feng Shui practitioner will look at the direction or location the home is. But this is very general. For example, some FS practitioners could suggest that e.g. since Singapore is in the Southern part of earth, a main door that is white is ok. Since, metal controls fire element. Generally, it is quite common to find doors that are real wood (varnished in different types of wood tone colors) or simply light pastel shades of e.g. neutral colors like white or cream. For the proposed red colored main door, in general, it is best not to be painted if the door is located at the north (water) direction. If possible, it is not favourable, if the main door is located at the North-Western part of the home. This is because many Traditional Feng Shui practitioners feel that NW = the trigram that represents the head of the home e.g. the father and also it represents "Heaven" emblem. And red represents fire element. Thus, again the idea of " Fire at Heaven's gate" may make some FS practitioners shriek! This may sound a little more complicated -- since one has to have a good grounding in Flying Star Feng Shui. Thus, if one is knows numbers like #5 and #2, and if the sector has such stars, then, red which represents -- fire is not exactly good idea. Equally bad is if there isa water star #8 (current prosperity) at that sector. I know, you may perhaps, then ask this question: In such a case, what should I do? Well, red is in-fact one of the most yang colors. Thus, on the safe side, usually, wood tone colors or pastel shades such as white or cream or beige is often a safer color. Than either red = fire or blue = water. Since these two colors often have it's associated "enemies". Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Joan, In my opinion, this is although not the best position, but it is (based on your earlier description) may seem to be a better position. The only thing is that one may perhaps have to get used to it. However, some of us get used to it, but should you feel uncomfortable, then, may have to revert back to the old. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Holly, Welcome to the forum! In the last message, posted, I have mentioned that it is good to have a good grasp of all under-ling Feng Shui concepts by using a three-step approach: 1. What is the purpose of the concept 2. What are it's strengths 3. What are it's weakness. The idea of using Geomancy or meta-physics is based on a Holistic approach involving: Heaven luck, earth luck (Feng Shui) and human luck. In addition, Shapes and Forms as well as Flying Star Feng Shui is equally important. Thus, if the both of you are opposites and given that you are now at a disadvantage, you could explore the application of Shapes and Forms and Flying Star Feng Shui. For ba zi Feng Shui, it has to do with the use of colors and for ba chai or Eight House Feng Shui, you can still apply it e.g. facing direction e.g. for the work area etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Remy, In fact, this is a very common situation. Since each of us belong to either the East or West group. Thus 50-50 percent. Frankly, there are so many messages posted on this subject alone in the forum -- in the past. The key to understanding this concept and other concepts is to use the three-step-approach:- 1. What is the PURPOSE of the concept? 2. What are it's strengths? 3. What are it's weakness? If one is able to understand this concept based on the above three-steps, then, one can fully grasp how to apply it. And when not to apply it. Perhaps, one can use the SEARCH feature in this forum -- and let the fingers do the walking..... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bea, 1. Under this current Flying Star period, in general, the best colour is light shades or beige or cream color. 3. In such a situation, one should be realistic: 3.1 One way of doing is to find the binding colours of two parties first. And then look at all four. If colors does not match or some colors are inauspicious for some, then: 3.2 For the breadwinner and partner, colors can be seleted on the basis of their binding element. For example: If husband is considered a weak wood person and wife is considered a weak water person; then the binding element or color is the water element i.e. blue, black or grey. Since water (blue, black or grey) helps weak water and at the same time also helps weak wood person. 3.3 Thus for the breadwinner and wife, these colors may be considered for the living /dining and their bedrooms -- subject to looking at the colors and elements under the Flying star Feng Shui. 4. For other family members: we can look at color(s) to harmonise their personal bedroom. Thus, given that you have four persons in the home, it is nearly impossible in most situations to find a right color that matches all four of them. However, as a last resort, if one really , really does not know what colors, then play safe by using neutral colors such as white or very light pastel shades of other colors. The morale of the story here is that we live in a realistic world. And to find a perfect color that matches each of us (combined together) is often wishful thinking. This is like the case of one call of received last year. This person (newly wedded couple), wants to hire a Feng Shui practitioner to find a goodapartment for him in theentire Western part of theSingapore.(Little does he know that hiring a FS practitioner just for this could cost abomb!Yet, he does not want to or couldpaythe fee). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Oliv, Actually quite alot of concepts on the stove position comes from the interpretation of the 8 tigrams. For example, the two major concerns of many Traditional Feng Shui practitioners are:- 1. The North-West. The North-West is suppose to be the represented by THE FATHER or HEAVEN. Thus one may come across this often used term " Fire at Heaven's gate". Although you selected NW = H1, many FS practitioners consider it inauspicious to have a stove at NW. Since this is like having a fire at the Heaven's gate. Or letting the father or this is suppose to be the head of the house under fire! Hello. I've read that the front of a stove where the oven door is located should face a favorable direction based on the trigram of a house and should sit in an unfavorable direction. For a Xun house (315 degrees facing NW), there doesn't seem to be any really good directions. F1 = N, F2 = E, F3 = S, F4 = SE, H1 = NW, H2 = W, H3 = SW, H4 = NE. The only ways the stove can be placed (based on the particular floor plan for this Xun house) is sitting NE (H4) facing SW (H3); sitting SW(H3)facing NE (H4); siting NW (H1) facing SE(F4). Which is the most favorable choice? Also, is there any objection to placing a stove in acenter island in a kitchen? Thank you for any help. Oliv

Dear Nhan, In particular, especially for stars like #5 misfortune and sickness or #2 sickness, evidently, it would be a good idea to try to neutralise it. For example, if say the bedroom is that the second storey (floor) and so happens that #5 is in the bedroom; then a Feng Shui cure could be placed in the room. And similarly, it could be placed at the first or ground floor. However, for cures like salt water, it would be better that this location or this cure should be placed in a well ventilated place i.e. close to or at the window area. And not placed at a corner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ammie, The Jade at 9 Bukit Batok Central Link. Usually, if the MRT track runs parallel to the unit, this is acceptable. However, if the unit directly faces the MRT track, it can be quite noisy during the day (when the MRT is up and running). And usually, from a Feng Shui point of view, can be considered as "noise pollution". Some of us get used to it; others tolerate. But, if given a choice, best to avoid it -- if one can. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bea, Actually, we should also consider the current state or condition of the exterior of the building: Is the building in good repair or is it totally worn out? Often, if the exterior is given a new face-lift or is very well maintained, and also the lift lobby and other walkways -- this is a sign that we May consider it as being in a period other than say built under 1964. If the whole block of the apartment looks really run-down, than, for sure, we can consider it as under 1964. In addition, does your interior condition match the exterior? If the exterior looks reasonably clean and bright, and similarly your apartment has new coat of paint, then, this is a "stepping stone" to it as in a better period. For example, if both interior and exterior looks "bright", we can do certain actions to fly it to a new period -- if the new period is more advantages.. for example, having yang activity and/or celebrations etc... This area of how to fly to period 8, has been discussed in past forum message(s). Please do a search for Period 8. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jesline, In my opinion, there is nothing magical about the bell. Like all other decorative items, it is acceptable to treat the worn out bell as any other dirty decorations, throw it away. Given that this is not an authentic Feng Shui object, but decor, whether one wants to get a replacement or not is entirely up to your own Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned, this attachment, shows how -- often; when the dining room is lower than the living room, it could perhaps suggest that the back of the home could be lower than the frontage of the home. Here, under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, it is often mentioned that usually the back of the home should be same level or better still higher than the front i.e. the back should be equal to the tortise support. This attachment will give a good understanding of what I mean by this.....

Dear Ray, I would have to say: "it depends". Much of Feng Shui has to do with commonsense approach. For example, if the property is already at a low level, often it is not advantages to have a low lying living room. This is because, if there should be a severe flooding in a location that has frequent floods, it would mean that the entire room will be affected by water. However, in many new condos, which is elevated, having steps going down to the living room is perfectly ok. As you mentioned, 2 steps down. Two steps down is considered OK or auspicious as found under the attachment : methodology for the number of steps. However, in Feng Shui, it is not that favourable if, we have a split level and where the dining room is lower than the living room. Often, it is very (very) common to find the dining room higher than the living room. Again, if we observe carefully, usually, the dining room is further behind the home (closer to the kitchen). A dining room higher than the living room suggests often that the back of the home is higher. Contrast this to having the living room lower. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Please find some pictures on mirrors....

Dear Anon, 1. Number of pieces of mirror Ideally, it is best to have one single piece of mirror. One piece mirror However, in Singapore, for those who live in a high rise, and often at high floors, the contractor, for convenience would simply provide e.g. two pieces of mirrors.The rationale is because, usually the wall is wide, but because of the lift (escalator) can only accomodate smaller piece of mirrors. Two piece mirrors Usually because of the above i.e. for convenience, the contractor would want to "push" for two pieces mirror. In fact, unless one insists, no one wants to cart or bring up pieces of mirror from the stairs. However, two piece mirrors are considered inauspicious. Because, imagine, after installing the two exact pieces, if one stands atthe centre of this joined piece, it looks like a "split" or divorce! One or Three piece mirrors (Acceptable) If possible, try to insist on only one big piece. But if this is truly impossible, then go for three piece mirror. For example the centre piece is biggest and there are two exact 2nd and third piece on each side of this largest piece. Yes, the Cantonese (Chinese dialect group) often favours having a mirror at the dining room area to reflect onto the dining table. To them, it is doubling of abundance of food. However, there are two ways of looking at a mirror:- 1. If possible, avoid it facing a window, as you had mentioned, even before luck comes into the home e.g. thru the windor or opening, it is bounced back out of the home! This is a general way of looking at it. 2. Under Flying Star Feng Shui, a mirror at the wrong location, may inadvertently bounce back twice the bad luck! Mirror facing a staircase Frankly, this has more to do with "commonsense" than Feng Shui. Imagine this: One is in deep thoughts and just coming down the stairs. Suddenly, one sees an image or reflect of what looks another person. The worse case senario is falling down the steps. Usually, the permanent solution is to remove it. But if one does not want to, could consider using opaque film i.e. to be placed on the mirror. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear De Pei, Actually in real life, there is truly no authentic "Feng Shui" music. However, in modern times or recently, there are some who started composing music which they themselves interpret as "Feng Shui music". This can be classified more towards commercialisation works of art. You can view my past resource on the subject of "Feng Shui music" under this link:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/art-music.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Robyn, Yes, the action to be taken, seems reasonable. So long as the pointed edges does not create a sha qi towards the main door, this is good i.e. cut it or "flatten it". There is no issue if it looks like a "crown" - with spikes above. As this can become a sha qi to neighbouring buildings. For the higher floors, just be careful to avoid it being seen inside the premises. For example, if one works inside the same building, the pointed spikes should not be seen inside the work area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bea, If one is not too sure or does not apply Feng Shui, the best colours are often pastel shades or neutral white or colours that are white but with a tinge of other (light colours). Often, colours like bold yellow etc... especially where there are sectors with #5 may not be appropriate as this may result in sickness. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Christina, Firstly, Congratulations! To your brother! I will provide the write-up soon. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear David, I believe, in Singapore and everywhere else, needless to say, usually "better" Feng Shui homes or apartments (especially in choice) locations often common a higher premium than others. Thus, this is why for most condos, units facing "good views" such as the water feature (pool) etc often can command a higher price than say a unit next to, facing the dustbin area etc... Although Feng Shui is a major consideration, often when it comes to resale apartments, the usual "bad comments" are: 1. This is a "west" facing home or apartment - - quite hot 2. Fire station Yes, not so much of Feng Shui, but imagine the "noise" of the sirens ringing or the station activating their siren etc... 3. Temple In particular, best not to have the temple facing one's apartment. Or if one's home or apartment is low level, have the roof of the temple slicing or becoming a sha qi to the apartment. In particular, it is best that one's apartment or home is not in a North-east to South-west alignment with the temple. (NE = devil's gate and SW = devil's back door). Previously, I had written the senario that majority of Singaporeans are a country of salaried workers. And given this senario, and aging population, come 20 to 30 years time, and currently with so many condos, and new condos added, unfortunately with limited CPF, inflation and many are not on pension or government subsidy, there can be a substantial number of Singaporeans -- retiring (but with long life of more than 20 to 30 years). Down grading from a condo is a great possibility. And imagine, if one had invested in a common or "lousy" condo, how to sell it or even if we want to sell, sell at rock bottom prices! Thus, in my opinion, therefore, and not so much on Feng Shui, we should be very prudent on selecting our current dream home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- Warmest Regards, Cecil.

Dear Gayle, Would it be possible to provide a simple sketch. Thanks, Cecil

Dear Edmund, To bring "sanity" out of house hunting, it is best under such circumstances to: 1. First, try to find an apartment that has relatively good shapes and forms. Simple Shape and Forms clues include: 1.1 If possible, the view from the balcony is "unobstructed". 1.2 Where are the roads? If possible, the flat should not face the road (noisy) 1.3 Afternoon sun? (West) Are any of the bedrooms directly or partially facing into the West (afternoon sun)? Living room also? 2. Under the Flying Star Theory If one knows how to apply it, especially for a new apartment or one that will have an extensive renovation done; there are some homes that have better Flying Star luck than others unders say Period 8 etc.. 3. Eight House Theory Where possible, try to check where are the death/ disaster sectors. It would be good if these do not land at the main entrance or bedroom. If so, check the layout to see, who can sleep where. For example if the bedroom is your favourable but your partner's "death" sector, she should sleep further away from this sector, while you shield her. Warmest Regards, Cecil