Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, Frankly, on the issue of the bedroom above the garage: there are two points of views: 1. Hollowness or no support for a bedroom ========================================= If the garage area is open space; on legs, in Feng Shui, some FS practitioners felt that the bedroom has little if any support. (And perhaps, the fear of collapsing especially during an earthquake). As many of us know, unless one stays in an earthquake zone, any building that does not conform to certain building code or even if it does, may also not necessary withstand an earthquake of certain magnitude. This is off-topic, but in fact, in Singapore, there is a "6 star" hotel that has been built on reclaimed land. And, to some, this symbolises a "sinking feeling". Since, it was felt that a building on reclaimed land may "sink". Therefore, this hotel is built on `stilts' or rather, it has support beams up to a certain height; and hotel floors, lobby, built above this. But because of this raised building, the hotel placed mirrors at each of the legs of the building; in case, some spirits, "fly along this hollow area". And the mirror is to "throw them off". 2. The rare risk of a fire ========================== Although it is very rare for a reasonably maintained vehicle to catch fire, but, there is always a risk that a vehicle in the garage may catch fire. And as fire rises, it may rise towards the bedroom. Frankly, in my opinion, Para 2 is a poor excuse. Unless, one lives in Iraq or has jealous neighbours associated with Bin Laden and company. As you can see, especially Para 2, has more to do with commonsense than anything else. Thus, make sure that if it is a garage, try to keep inflammable items out of the garage. Or keep it as clean as possible and not clutter with too much items.

Dear Darlene, Frankly, your question is really too general. The question is similar to a needle in a haystack. In Feng Shui or Chinese divinity methods, there are simply too many concepts & investigations to be made. Warmest Regards, Cecil Thanks, Darlene

Dear Anne, Yes, there are two schools of thought regarding this: 1. Any mirror (especially) facing the `mouth' of the house e.g. entrance, is like deflecting beneficial qi, out of the house (instead) of `bringing' in. 2. The other school of thought suggests that mirrors if placed wrongly, may not be advantages as mirrors are said to be able to "bend" light/reflect or qi. So, this is considered as a double-edged sword. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Regina, In my opinion, this is not a major issue. Unless, one has a huge pond that can support: flamingoes, ducks etc.... So far, bird-baths is not an issue. Birds coming to one's home is considered a "secret" weapon of Feng Shui, since, it suggests a place or location with (often with many trees/plants all round). This is indeed, very good. (But one must see what type of bird, is attracted to the place:) Hopefully not crows! *JOKE*) Warmest Regards, Cecil Regina Cohn

Dear Anooja, 1. For a protrusion, it is good to view it from a top-down approach. 2. Often, hopefully, if one can visualise air-flow into the unit/home, then, things like odd angled protusions, sometimes may create `vortex' or non-smooth air flow e.g. a U shaped building may not often be ideal, here. 3. Frankly, I cannot explain, to those who cannot understand what I said under the above paragraph. 4. For example, if one cannot visualise, then think in-terms of a wind tunnel experiment. Here, smoke is blown towards an object and the relationship of air flow is looked at. Much like cars with drag coeficient of less than 0.29 for cars such as the Audi 100 etc... 5. In Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, I personally feel that too much protusions or indents could sometimes create not too smooth qi flow, causing more "vortex" than a normal rectangular home. 6. For those who are not aware, little has been mentioned under Shapes and Forms of the ratio of e.g. living room to bedrooms. 7. For example, under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, if one's living room is significantly larger than the other rooms, this implies that the breadowner may be too overly ambitious. And the reverse is true for a small and narrow living room. 8. Therefore, just by looking at these few examples, one can understand why, there are "thousand-and-more" aspects of Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, than say the Flying Star which can often be `encased' on the number of fingers and toes of our body. 9. The morale of the story here is that although, Flying Star is an important consideration, it is equally important for us not to neglect Shapes and Forms FS. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Earlier, the opening of business on a second day is meant to be an overall (general) date for most business on the whole without considering the date for the owner. Sometimes, if boss distingtively, is concerned about his/her own business, and who "reign supreme" in the business, would like you have mentioned, find a ba zi date that is suitable to him/her (the owner). Often the time is either based on: 1. phonetic sounding timing This is a practical approach since, a business can open at a normal timing, to suit most employees. 2. Based on Ba Zi of the owner Here, sometimes, it is trickly to open business at a time not suited to the employees. Luckily for a person with the Rat (Chinese zodiac sign) his best hours are the Monkey or Dragon hours. Since dragon hours are 7am to 8.59am, he could select this timing. Since 3 to 4.59pm is kind of late to open business. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, In the event that a company wants to replace an existing company signage outside the shop. For example, the company has a new company logo and signage and needs to replace this with a new one. Some business would request the signage contractor to: Step 1: remove the existing signage and place it on the top rung of the staircase. Step 2: Put on the new company signage. Step 3: Only after having placed the new company signage, then, bring down the old signage. This is because, it is felt that removing the existing company signage IMMEDIATELY (especially for a going-concern) is akin of company "close-down" or collapsing. Thus, this is considered a `bad omen'. This has more to do with beliefs than actual Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Enclosed, below, an extract of my message posted in this forum 2 years ago:- Posted in: Info :: Feng Shui Tips & Guidelines on Friday, January 04, 2002 01:25 AM Office Warming (like Home warming) is considered an essential part in bringing good Qi and luck for the occupants in the new premises. Another major consideration (or superstition) is to `ward' off evil spirits. 1. First, an auspicious day and time is chosen for the move. If one does not consult a FS practitioner, than a good date is usually the 15th day of each lunar month. up. (Full moon). 2. On that day, all windows, openings, grilles or opening in the walls and if there is skylight into the building, it has to be be covered up e.g. with black paper. The duration of this `black-out' is for an hour before the Office Warming Starts. 3. Make sure that all electrical lightings and power (power-points) are switched offered during this time. 4. Often, the tradition of a red cloth banner is hung over the front door. Here is the interesting part:- 5. When it is nearing the time for the office warming, the owner or the manager would start the charcoal stove by lighting it up ..the coal and make sure that the charcoal is burning hot. This symbolises " boom " in business. 6. At the precise time (that was chosen), the owner has to place the stove at the centre of the main entrance. He has to walk over the stove with his left foot first, then followed by his right foot. His employees follow him behind and do the same. 7. The owner opens the main entrance door and takes down the red banner. 8. The black paper covering windows etc.. are quickly removed to welcome the `light' coming in. 9. Now, the power or lightings are switched on. 10. It is the belief that during this ceremony, all office employees stay around and should not leave the premises - symbolic of maintaining harmony. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Nhan, From a more serious approach, it is best to analyse the proposed cure based on the Five Elements Concept. 1. the number #8 earth represents = weak earth 2. white = metal element 3. #5 represents = strong earth Academically, this cure may not seem to work because:- a. adding 8 stones (without any colour preference) is adding additional earth to the sector. Thus, inflamming the #5. b. although white represents metal, it may not be enough since, it is neither #6 (symbolic of big metal) or #7 (weak metal). c. In order to neutralise #5, metal such as #7 weak metal may not be of enough strength. d. The current proposed equation of " Eight earth " plus 8 white stones, which I feel represents "weak metal" against #5. e. Under such a senario, in my opinion, this is either a weak cure or not sufficient under the Five Elements concept. Under the Yin and Yang Concept: If we choose to look at it only from a Yin and Yang concept then, academically, we should not only 1. match 8 = Yin and 5 = Yang 2. but also the strength of both Yin and Yang. Here, 8 = WEAK Yin 5 = STRONG Yang Given this senario, it would even be better to select a STRONG YIN vs STRONG Yang rather than Weak Yin against Strong Yang. Thus, both are balanced. For example, 6 = STRONG METAL (thus, STRONG YIN) vs 5 = STRONG YANG Given this senario, it is better to match 6 with 5. As opposed to 8 with 5. In addition, based on the Five Elements concept, this idea only `play' with EARTH -> WEAK METAL. In Feng Shui, in my opinion, a better success is, if this is say an office, environment, keep the centrepoint bright or introduce lights at this sector. This is often, another more highly used cure in Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mabel, It is best to investigate your interior office (qi) based on the office main entrance NW3. As this is often, the qi flow into the 2nd floor. If only, is much bigger, and closer to the passage-way, you could investigate it. But, since, you mentioned that it is a small business, and if it is not close to the main entrance or lobby or has it's own door at main lobby, but rather, need to enter the office via, NW3, then, in my opinion, NW3 should be used, here. Warmest Regards, Cecil I So which correct Appreciate your Regards

Dear Sybil, Frankly, the association with numbers, has more to do with cultural / phonetic preferences or sound like. This is because, there can be so many different interpretations under "numerology" both good and bad. In real-life, however, house number(s) do affect significantly - the resale potential of a new / existing home. On a more practical (real-life) approach; what often matters most is a general family consensus: like(s) or dislike(s), costs of purchase etc... Under Feng Shui (Earth Luck), it has more to do with the location (location & location): External, Site and internal layout plan. Which, can be commented on in Feng Shui. Otherwise, there should be more plus than (negative) side to the new home. Wishing You all the best! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Yes, based on your description, your house is a S2 or S3 house has double 8's at the frontage under Period 8. You can indeed take the opportunity to fly to Period 8 for your home to take advantage of the very auspicious double 8's. For the centre, since there is a combination of #4 with #3, yes, you can brighten this staircase landing. In my opinion, the easiest and most cost effective are to replace approximately 6 to 8 roof tiles above this stairwell with the transparent / translucent plastic type of roof tile. If you do this, the only caution, is to avoid placing any single mid-sized plant at the lift landing, to avoid forming the inauspicous word "Kun" at the centrepoint of the home. Prior to flying to the new Period 8, chart, if you can check for any imbalance, in particular bedrooms under the changed flying star number(s). As, although the frontage now will have double 8's but, depending on where the bedrooms etc... some of the stars can be inauspicious or needs balance to neutralise them (if necessarily). To "fly" to period 8, it is best to do so preferably anytime after or around middle of February 2004, onwards. Warmest Regards, Cecil My

Note: Chinese New Year (CNY) Dear Chris, Yes, not to add salt to old wounds, based on Chinese Astrology readings, next year is the most unfavourable for: IN GENERAL Rank 1 = Those born in the Year of the Monkey Rank 2 = Those born in the Year of the Tiger Where the Money will be "offending" the Tai Sui. While the Tiger will conflict with the Tiger. For Chinese business, for 2004, it is recommended that the first day of business is the 2nd day of Lunar New Year or Friday, 23 January 2004.

Dear Regina, In general, for western homes, often, there can be U or L shaped (top-view profile). Sometimes, depending on the situation, things like a garage or a patio (non-living / sleeping) areas of the home that may have "caused" the U or L often can be excluded from the "heart" of the home when doing a Flying Star chart. In some situations, two centrepoints or centre-of-gravity can be found; and two flying star charts plotted for the home. Again, this depends. And should not be blindly applied to all situations. Since, there are thousand-and-one layouts all over the world. However, again in general, unless one owns a large or huge mansion the size of a white-house or european palace; often, for a basic bungalow roughly the size around 10,000 sq feet, it would be better and more productive (and practical) to apply only one Flying Star chart). However, in an office environment, where several tenants share the same floor of a building, here, it is practical to draw a chart just for this office, even if it is a mere 1000 sq feet or less. Alternatively, the building owner does not care too much of the interior (tenants) and they on the other hand may request for a Feng Shui audit, done for their building. Mainly to look at external threats from other buildings and/or to enhance the external of the building. This is to demonstrate, the flexibility of the "ART OF applying Flying Star Feng Shui". From this, one can see that there is really no right or wrong or fixed methods to use. Here, like a scupltor, a FS practitioner, will need to understand their client's needs and focus on the best way to "read" the birth-chart for clues to it's vulnerabilities. Under the art of Management strategic planning this is known as: S.W.O.T analysis. Here S = Strengths (to boost qi flow) W = Weakness (to counter-act) O = Opportunities (e.g. to enhance qi flow) T = Threats (to neutralise sha qi) The lowest common denominator is also similar to the basic building block of the three-step approach: Step 1: What is the purpose of each concept? Step 2: What are it's strenghts? Step 3: What are it's weakness? Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned, please note the exact Lunar New Year dates: 1 Feb 2003 to 21 Jan 2004 Water-Ram 22 Jan 2004 to 8 Feb 2005 Wood-Monkey Thus, Lunar New Year 2004 starts from 22 Jan 2004. Therefore, the Grand Duke for 2004 starts from/on 22 Jan 2004 and NOT 1 Jan 2004. Please take note of this. Source: Lovesigns.net http://www.lovesigns.net/astrology/ayear/a90-2010.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chris, 1. For reference: Grand Duke is located at- 2003 Year of Ram South-South-West, 210 Degree West 2004 Year of Monkey West-South-West, 240 Degree South 2. Stand at the centrepoint of your home. 3. Use an ordinary compass to find the correct direction. 4. Hopefully, the location, mentioned below is not 240 degrees. If so, replant now. 5. If the direction is 210 degrees, than wait for next Lunar Year, safer anytime after middle of February 2004 to do the replanting. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Joji, 1. In general, the 20 Year Flying Star chart is the basis or starting point for a Feng Shui audit for any home or office. 2. The rationale is because there are 15 specific directions a home/office can fall into. 3. Some of the directions have favourable qi as opposed to other (directions). 4. Please note that the 20 year flying star chart has three variables: Mountain star, water star and base star. 5. And the Yearly flying star has only one base number. 6. Aparently, if you want to learn more, yourself, please do more research into the difference between Para 4 and 5. Alternatively, perhaps, if you want a quick method, should get expert help. 7. Frankly, I do not want to waste too much time, going thru the fundamentals of Flying star etc... 8. If you really want to learn, you have to do more research. Since, all the basic questions that you had asked, can easily be found - if one search, enough. For example, if you exercise your fingers and use the SEARCH feature, in this forum, you should be able to see more about the 20 year vs year or vs month or vs day Flying Star. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. From a Feng Shui perspective: 1.1. Like most condominiums, there are favourable and not so favourable units. 1.2. This condominium is under Period 8 influence, and one determining factor is the Flying Star analysis within the unit. And units facing the roads may be quite noisy - thus, not as favourable as those facing the pool area. 2. From a value-added point of view: 2.1 The plus points are: 2.1.1 It is quite near walking distance to the Yio Chu Kang MRT. 2.1.2 Or any bus can easily take one to either Yio Chu Kang MRT or to Ang Mo Kio MRT. 2.1.3 It will be popular to those especially staying at Ang Mo Kio Central, Ang Mo Kio North etc... 2.1.4 The key word here is proximity, convenience, markets, schools, roads etc.. Anyway, because of it's reasonable - price, it's overwhelming demand especially for 1st time owners or HDB upgraders. Previously, I have pointed some pertinent points about it's unique shape ..... in the forum Therefore, from an economic - or liquidity sense, it is easier to translate to $$$ if ever the need arise, without much loss of capital. Therefore, this alone, is a very attractive, buy given the price should be around or hovering at the $400-$430 plus psf type of price range. Anything higher than this, can translate to capital loss. Warmest Regards, Cecil Thanking you in Anon

Dear Steven, Firstly, Congratulations! On your new home! 1. As many of us are aware, Flying Star Feng Shui comes under two forms:- 1.1 Horizontal Flying Star Feng Shui This is often called the 20 Year Flying Star Feng Shui. And of course, there is also the Yearly, Monthly, Daily and even hourly Flying Star FS. 1.2 Vertical Flying Star Feng Shui This is the Apartment Number Flying Star Feng Shui. And the influence, here is also based on variables like: a. What period the home was built? b. What floor or storey is the unit located. Therefore, the rationale why, there is a difference in the Vertical (House / apartment no. interpretation has to do with not only the combined 81 combinations but also, the base value i.e. under Period 7, the base value is #7. While under Period 8, the base value is #8. And because of this, variable and the interaction of the number of the unit, it can change from good interpretation under Period 7 to bad in another Period or vice-versa. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Susan, 1. It depends. 2. For example, for Geomancy.net and all it's resources: from day one, we have considered, the lay-person applying Feng Shui. 3. Therefore, all our resources, reports etc... are focused on the ordinary compass (North) direction, first basis. 4. Thus, our all Compass School charts, and examples are converted to the North to South. (instead of South, top). 5. This is to cater for a truly International audience, with the same level of uniformity. 6. Other Sites: 7. You have to be careful, and read between the lines or fine-print on the layout and orientation of their charts. (This is because, some sites wants users to use a Luopan or Chinese compass. Instead of the more user-friendly ordinary compass). 8. Here, some sites may have South on top. (North bottom). While others may have North on top. 9. As a guideline, it is best to go thru the resources from each site or book in a step-by-step approach. 10. And unless, one is clear of such methods; avoid the common mistake of "pick-and-choose" different methods from various sites or books. In doing so, one can avoid the pitfalls of applying FS wrongly. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jimmy, I am afraid, your question is too general from a Feng Shui and Ba Zi perspective. Most likely, there is a leak somewhere. But it can be one or more issues e.g. relating to your home etc... If possible, if you are not able to personally pin-point them, perhaps, you may wish to consider getting Feng Shui help. Since you are in Malaysia, you can always consider, an on-site FS consultation, since, it is relatively easy to find one in your country. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anooja, Thanks for the file attachment:) Please see below. 3. For reference: Under the Productive sequence of the five elements concept: Earth -> Metal -> Water 4. Since all three elements #5, #2 and #8 are all earth element we have: 4.1 Earth (#5, #2 and #8) 4.2 You have or suppose to have added chiming clock(s) Here, the equation or flow becomes:- Earth (#5, #2 and #8) with Metal (Chiming clock) 5. If you have correctly placed 5, 2, 8 as 5 = Mountain star 2 = Base star 8 = Water star Under Period 8, water can be used at WS #8 to boost wealth 6. Under the Five Element concept: you can still add another "flow" Earth -> Metal -> Water Thus, one option is to use blue (e.g. sky blue coloured walls) at wall marking A (please refer to attachment) to create a smooth - 3 element productive flow, here. At this wall, a neutral colour is white/off-white. But avoid, red, pink or purple wall(s) at SE sector. Warmest Regards, Cecil PS: Please see attachment file

Dear Hendra, Most likely, your Feng Shui Master, is applying the Eight House or East/West group person's to find the best sleeping direction for you. Often, this has to be done in conjuction with the study of the bedroom (Shapes and Forms, first). And, if it is nice to have sleeping along a good direction. Here, the Eight House/4 East/West group, is part of the Compass School of Feng Shui. Therefore, sounds, reasonable. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Regina, Thanks:) A truly excellent insight and eye-opener on the state of "Feng Shui" today:)) Since the 1990's, many book publishers have also noticed that in order for books to sell (WELL), it should have some write-up in the name and holy trinity of Feng Shui:( Cheers! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Guest, 1. No, one need not have to get a divorce:) In such a situation. 2. This is because, statistically, 50 percent of married couples, would either fall under: Both same or Both different. And, this would be a lame excuse indeed to seek a divorce. 3. The key to understanding Feng Shui concepts or any other disciplines is to use a three-step-approach. 4. Step 1 : What is the purpose of this concept? Step 2 : What are it's strengths? Step 3 : What are it's weakness? 5. In fact, there are already, much documentation in this forum on the purpose, strength and weakness of this concept. 6. Hope you can do some home-work by using your fingers to type it into the SEARCH feature of this forum. I am sure, you will find the information, available. In my opinion, it is thru, a systematic understanding of each concept, one can than build a good and reliable knowledge base that will stand one in good stead. Warmest Regards, Cecil