Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, It is not so important to find out foods belonging to the earth element but rather: 1. Overall, for food, it is more important to understand the Yin and Yang concept. "Food" under the Yin concept implies that they are boiled, steamed etc... Yang Food usually can be salty, fried foods, baked food etc... 2. We usually do not go lower to the Five elements concept: Top of the Hierarchy: Yin and Yang concept Lower Hierarchy : The Five elements concept. 3. Commonly, it is difficult to `practise' food based on the five elements. The major reason is because, we cannot simply eat only one category of food. As food nutritionist will tell us to eat a balanced meal. Here, under the Five elements concept, you will notice that this practise is similar. All of us, under the Five Element concept must have a balance of all five elements. This is the reason why Pillars of Destiny tries to map out all our components. For example, under the tradtional Pillars of Destiny report, and samples on this website you will see that each of our element and quantity is mapped out. Such as 1 Fire, 5 Wood, 0 Water etc... We therefore need to seek a balance of the five elements in our life. For food, it is best at the moment to classify them under Yin and Yang. Here, we also need to have a balance. For example, when we take salty food (Yang), we must have water (Yin) to quench our thirst. This subject will not be gone indepth at the moment as it is another considered another field. But we can look further into it in the near future. If you know what Yin and Yang means, it is easy for anyone to make a calculated opinion of what food belongs to yin and yang. This subject is also `complex' because, only the end result matters. For example, a food can be classified as Yin but due to the nature of cooking e.g. fry it, the end result is no longer Yin but Yang food. For example, if food is Yang, and you remove the skin, boil it. It turns soft or you only collect the soup to drink, this then becomes Yin. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is hard to associate electrical problems to Feng Shui. However, as Feng Shui uses the "commonsense approach", in a broad sense, such things can be associated with or co-related with Feng Shui. Basically, there is no past written information of the effects of electricity on Feng Shui as it has only been invented by Edison in our century. Based on "commonse", I believe, most of us feel strongly that this may be a potential for a fire if the problem is not resolved. The closest to this is that it is considered inauspicious to have the bedroom above a kitchen. The reason is because although incidents such as a fire in a kitchen is uncommon, this would be the most likely place (if ever) for a fire to be started. Of course, for a non-smoking (cigarette/cigar) family. But here again, the concept of " Priority " takes precedence over this. Since such `accidents' are rare and even if there is, the effects may be reduced by using smoke detectors etc... it would be better if say this room (above the kitchen) is auspicious for a family member to sleep in. He/she should sleep in this room rather than a room which is less/inaspicous for them (under the Eight house / Flying Star.) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jennifer, Please see below:- - Where is the bedroom door and avoid placing the bed where it can be seen when you open the door. - Avoid placing the bed with the headrest towards a window. - Avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the toilet. - Avoid letting any part of the bed face the toilet door. (Remedies can be applied thou). 2. Only after you have considered the above and check to see if the bed can be placed e.g. where you mentioned at the "parallel". If not, you really cannot do much with a slopping ceiling unless:- a. Hopefully the ceiling is high. The higher the better as this will reduce the `sloping' sha. b. Get a poster bed with four `pillars' on each side. Here, you can place e.g. a lace cloth material above it. c. I guess false ceiling is out. But this is one remedy. Other than the above, there is nothing much you can do. Better the two sha positions, it is a better choice to place the bed like you mention under the window running lenghtwse into the room. This is because there is no top down influence e.g. a sloping ceiling with sha qi supressing down. The only reason why both Feng Shui and (commonsense) suggest not to do so is more for privacy i.e. a thief or a peeping tomm. But look at it this way, if your house is of reasonable height e.g. two storeys, such things are rare. I believe that the windows above are opaque and thus should be fine. If it is not, you can easily get a contractor to install an opaque film over the windows. Under the concept, if you cannot see through the glass, it no longer becomes a threat. The opaque film is symbolic of a wall. Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. Suntec.jpg - Is a huge "city" complex in Singapore in the shape of a hand. The concept of symbolism is used in building this complex. This concept uses a hand with the fingers (representing 5 office tower blocks pointing towards the sky) and the palm with the fountain captures wealth i.e. with water flowing into the palm: 1.1 Blue squares - represent Five tower blocks representing a person's five fingers. (In the actual building layout, the fingers bend and point towards the sky - Unlike the one shown in the illustration. At the end of this message, you can visit the actual website if you want to view the image of the entire building. 1.2 The palm of the hand has currently the world's largest Fountain. The complex owners named it as "The Fountain of Wealth". 1.3 This city development is partially owned by tycoons from Hong Kong which includes a shopping complex and a convention centre. 2. Fount1.jpg, fount2.jpg, fount3.jpg and fleg.jpg are different views of the fountain. The unique Feng Shui concept about this city complex is this special Fountain of Wealth at the palm of the hand representing the collection of wealth for the entire complex at it's palm. 3. This huge fountain is called " The fountain of wealth ". The external ring of this fountain has a total of 12 Chinese Animal signs `circulating' around it. 4. Water falls down to the centre of the fountain representing wealth coming `in'. In the centre of the fountain, there is a small circular fountain spouting a small gust of water upwards also. This is also done on purpose to accumulate wealth. This is a unique example of symbolism in Feng Shui at work. Here you understand why Feng Shui practioners use symbolism at great lengths. The actual URL of this site is at: http://www.suntec.com.sg Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: 1. I sincerely apologise that the pictures are taken by a non-professional photographer (Cecil) using a simple Sony DSC-F1 camera. The only advantage is that this camera I bought a few years back is small and handy. Best of all I use the "infra-red" to sent to my PC. Sometimes I may take pictures in the evening as in this case. Thanks for your understanding:) 2. It is never my intention to promote the use of figurines. These figurines as I mentioned are quite commonly found in some Chinese homes. 3. It is for purpose of " education " only especially for non-Chinese to understand more about Chinese beliefs and legends. Some of these figures appear in Chinese historical shows e.g. Journey to the West etc... More Chinese figurines: 1. Pagoda.jpg - A Chinese figurine holding a `gold' pagoda 2. Joyous.jpg - A joyous "prosperous" Chinese figurine with lots of children climbing over him. This signifies plentiful children. Many Chinese figurines of Buddha has a face similar to " Joyous " although Joyous is I believe not a Buddha. 3. Boy.jpg - Chinese `fire' boy holding a ring weapon with a four claw `fire breathing' dragon. 4. Mercy.jpg - Goddess of Mercy: A legendary Chinese Goddess who is merciful and "takes pity on people." Sitting on a lotus leave. Note: This is not Feng Shui. But do take note that such porcelain figurines are not supposed to be placed in the bedroom. This includes the Fu Lu Shou figurines shown in the next picture.

Enclosed please find the pictures of three very popular Chinese decorative figurines found in many Chinese homes and even placed in coffee shops run by many Chinese: 1, Fu - Prosperity 2. Lu - Luck (Apologies, Lu usually has two side jade `fans' on his hat. I took the picture without it as I am afraid of `breaking' it.) 3. Shou - Longevity These figurines as shown above symbolises Prosperity, Luck and Longevity. Shou - Longevity is holding a peach. Here a peach signifies longevity for the Chinese. During birthday celebrations for the elderly, peach bread or bread shaped to look like a peach is often eaten during the birthday occassion. Note: This is not Feng Shui. I do mention that such figurines should not be placed in the bedroom. The reason is because it is considered `disrespectful' to these Chinese Gods as bedrooms are considered `dirty' locations i.e. a place of intimacy. It is the belief that Gods should not allowed to look at such `acts'. It is considered "demeaning" to them. Even if you stay alone in the room as one may sometimes change our clothings in the privacy of our rooms. It is again considered disrespectful to these Gods to look at "such things". Furthermore, do not place these figurines: 1. They must not be placed facing a toilet door. 2. Share the same wall as a toilet.

Dear Anon, Sorry for the confusion. The Chinese belief of the 7th Month is based on Chinese practises rather than on Feng Shui. Predominantly, you will find most Chinese Feng Shui practioners (in countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Far East) following this practise. Thus you will understand that this practise is not based on Feng Shui. Some Feng Shui practioners e.g. those migrated to Canada or the US may consider this `superstition'. One reason is because their clients may not be Chinese and therefore feel that this is not a `taboo'. Let me elaborate how most of us follow this practise: It is because, most of the time, our clients would not move in to a new house or do renovations and have asked us to find auspicious dates before or after this month. You will see that this is "driven" mostly by the client. The FS practioner do not even need to prompt them of it. I believe, if you were to discuss with some Western Feng Shui practioners they may say that this is all `rubbish'. I agree that this is not based Feng Shui but rather Chinese traditional beliefs. However, it is always best to leave it to the client to decide on it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Click this url: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/four.htm There is a picture of a "carved" pagoda in the above and a brief description of it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: Apologies, my camera does not have a zoom lens so the image is small. This new building has two `boomerang' roofs that is unfriendly to other buildings at the same level.

Dear Anon, Thanks for your words of encouragements. I will continue to add more pictures. Warmest Regards, Cecil

To add life to this forum, you not only get to read and participate in messages but also get to understand Feng Shui and Chinese practises through pictures! I have started to carry a digital camera and will bring you more pictures. The new conference is called " Photo Tours of Interest (with Picture attachments) " Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Most practioners do not take into consideration the covered porch as it is not a `living quarters'. A few persons I understand took it wrongly to mean that this is a `missing' corner or a `protrusion.'. Since you are using a pie chart, you should usually consider up to the Main entrance door area. I agree that using a pie chart, is much easier than using the 9 squares method. What matters most is to be able to know what influences is at each of the sector. From here, you can then better place your furniture etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Where possible, avoid having the toilet bowl directly face the toilet door as shown in Picture: Toilet1.jpg and Toilet2.jpg. It is equally not auspicious for the toilet bowl to face the dining table. Under this situation, it is best to close the toilet door when not in use. (Picture: Toilet3.jpg)

Chinese believe that the gates of hell is opened up during the Lunar 7th Month and ghosts are allowed to wonder on the earth. To ward of bad luck, this is an inauspicious month for marriage, moving house, travelling etc... I took a few pictures of a group of taxi drivers celebrating the Chinese 7th month Hungry Ghost Festival. In 1999, the 7th month started on 11 August and ends on 9th September 1999

This picture shows circular steps radiating outwards to ward of poision arrows or sha. This is similar to the Ming Tang or a circular pool of water outside a building radiating outwards. Similarly, one can cut a piece of carpet to be placed at the Main Entrance door to ward of a poision arrow. Warmest Regards Cecil

I believe there are a few viewpoints: 1. I am not here to create a religious " row " between Christians and Catholics but let me elaborate what Catholics `believe' and how some Protestants see differently. Catholics mentioned that they have statues of e.g. Mary, mother of Jesus not because of idol worship but as a respect and `inspiration' to them. By the way, I am a free thinker. However, I attended Primary, Secondary and Pre University in a Catholic School. When I was in Secondary School, I always come across a few teachers who passed by the statue of Mary outside our school hall. They would stand there and pause to collect their taughts. They do not use jost sticks to `pray' etc... Some Protestants, felt that the above is considered idol worship. Each has its own opinion. I am not here to debate about it. 2. The above is just to elaborate a point that there are many Feng Shui School. The Compass School of Feng Shui do not use statutes at all. 3. In fact, some traditional Shapes and Form School do not use statutes. What they use is `landscaping'. For example, the Ming Tang or a semi-cicular pool of water radiation out of the frontage of a building is one good example of how Feng Shui is practised. Many traditional Shapes and Form School do not use statues but `methods' such as tilting of the door to an auspicious direction etc... 4. Contrary to popular belief, it is the `mix' of religion with Feng Shui is where, you get people using statues in their homes. Feng Shui practioners usually do not object to these statues in the homes of e.g. Buddist, Toaist etc... This does not mean that these objects are `placed' by them or recommended by them. As I mentioned above, some FS practioners themselves are buddists, toaist etc.. and because of this, they may `promote' such use. Some "black sheep" practioners may even have their own hidden agenda such as wanting to make more out of their clients by recommending or even selling them such objects. For example, quite recently, there were a few messages in this forum where users asked whether it is auspicious to purchase a `three legged toad ' as they were informed that this bring them luck. But these are commercial objects without relevance to FS. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Although may not need to apply Flying Star Feng Shui to the home, we can apply one of te Flying Star concept of the " water star ". For those who are not familiar with " water star ", if we leave out the word star in this case, you can visualise that whenever there is water, usually the landscape is flat. This is the same concept under the " water star " Theory where the location should be `flat'. Contrast this with the " mountain star ". Where, a mountain is equvalent of a wall. The clue here is not to clutter the living room with tall objects. Objects in the radius of the living room should preferably be flat. For example as a guide it should not be taller than the living room sofa or seats. However, this does not mean that the wall surrounding the living room must be flat. You can have a `tall' living room cabinet etc.. Another good concept is to apply the Feng Shui Bagua `template' and place your furniture around this configuration. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Many Feng Shui practioners are fond of asking restaurants to place (instead of a fish aquarium but live fish or shrimps or other sea food. Usually, these are edible.) 1. Most of the time, I believe, it is part of an `advertisement' for the restaurant that they serve seafood. 2. Under Feng Shui, usually it is used to enhance Qi. For example, if there are two pillars on both sides of the restaurant, with the advise of a FS practioner, place the aquarium along the length of the two pillars to: a. make the pillar `disappear'. b. as a partition to provide privacy for the patrons and to curve out sections. However, this method is fast disappearing as most buildings now are `better' constructed and have few pillars or no pillars in the restaurant proper. The worst location is to have a mirror next to the Cashier's counter. This is inauspicious under FS. Other than the above, it is difficult to elaborate positions for the cashier as there are many building layouts and `flows' and it also depends on the type of food served for example fast food or high class restaurant or mid-class restaurants or coffee shop. Warmest Regards, Cecil

According to Feng Shui theory, sha or poison arrow always travel in a straight line. There are many real life examples under FS to show this: 1. We always talk about a sharp corner pointed directly towards a location e.g. the main entrance door or window. 2. In the bedroom, the corner of a table pointed towards the bed. From the above two simple situations you can understand that Sha always travel in a straight path. Contrast this with beneficial Qi where the advise is that it should slowly meander in a location. Hope the above helps. With this, you can better understand your personal situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bless, Under the traditional Feng Shui called " Penmanship peak ", I did mention sometime back that under this theory, you can place a pagoda on the right side of the child's table. What "penmanship peak" means is that if you look out of a window and to the right is a tall structure e.g. a telecomunications tower, this is a good sign as it implies that the child can become a scholar. Yes, I totally agree with Glyn that you can take advantage of the Flying Star Theory especially if the child "works" at the education sector. Warmest Regards,

Dear Anon, For the Jacuzzi, please take note of the following:- 1. It must not be at the centre-point of the house. 2. One wall of the toilet should share the same wall as the exterior wall. This is to ensure that it cannot be at the centre of the house. 3. If the person's element is Strong Water or Weak Fire, best to avoid owning a jacuuzi. 4. The size of the jacuuzi plus the toilet area must not be equal to the size of the bedroom. The bedroom must be bigger. The jacuuzi must not exceed 33.33 percent of the entire `floor area' of the bedroom plus the toilet together with the jacuzzi. Warmest Regards, Cecl

Dear Anon, I agree that some FS practioners may use wind chimes to attract wealth. However, the Buddhist and Toaist call the dead using bells. 1. It is best to avoid using metal wind chimes at West, North-West and North-East. West and North-West are of the Metal Element and Yin locations. North-East is traditionally the Devil's Gate and one may inadvertently attract imps or playful spirits as they may be attracted to the sound of the wind chime. 2. The above is the traditional reasoning or advice to take note. 3. Most of the time, due to human nature, we do tend to `over-eat' or go to extremes to purchase not one but many wind chimes. Normally, using our sixth sense, it is not a problem placing a wind chime at a location we feel comfortable with. But many cases, people will go into extremes to use more than one wind chime. I believe, even for book authors like Lillian Too, she do access the location using Flying Star theory before placing a row of wind chimes at a `correct' location. There is a difference between analysing a location, finding it suitable to place one or more wind chimes and another person who simply installs wind chimes. The chances are the person may install it in an inauspicious location. 4. Usually you are not affected by your neighbours wind chime unless their apartments are very close by i.e. it is placed eg on a tree and the tree is next to your window. I have mentioned that usually, one or even two wind chimes are acceptable as the probability of placing them in an `inauspicious' location is lesser. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is a good idea. However, a few issues need to be looked into: 1. The size of the file can be quite large. I have stopped purchasing any more Video cassette recorders as the head spoil easily. 2. One suggestion is if the user can upload to a site e.g. an account with geocities and create an AVI file. This may be quite difficult for some if they do not have a video recorder or able to create such a file. 3. As the video would be in 2 dimensions, it would be a nice try. Hopefully something is not missed out in the recording. My preference is still CDs which is convenient but many do not own a recordable CD. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Here symbolism is important in Feng Shui. 1. You need to look at each animal and determine their `looks'. Animals that are on the `prowl' or waiting to snare a victim is considered not auspicious. 2. Animals that looks hungry and " wants " to devour another etc... are best avoided. 3. Any unknown shape e.g. in the shape of a monster etc... are inauspicious. 4. Usually, toys such as teddy bear, goats are acceptable. It is always not adviseable to place animals as described under Para 1 to 3 facing a main entrance or any bedroom doors. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, You should take into consideration your current symptoms instead of (from) the Pillars of Destiny. What is the reason for this? This is because, Pillars of Destiny maps out our heaven luck from the time we are born. The Pillars of Destiny concept is thus suppose to map out our "Yin and Yang" at the time of our birth. However, if one understands Pillars of Destiny clearly, it also `mentions' that what was mapped out in our birth can be changed. It can be changed mainly due to our environment and education, our experiences etc... For example, when a child was born, he has more Yin elements than Yang elements. Yin elements usually implies more abstract e.g. artistic, spatial etc.. while Yang relates more to mathematics, logic etc... Here, if the parent of a " Yin " child makes learning mathematics interesting and makes it enjoyable, a " Yin " child then begins to enjoy it and develops his mathematics skills. From the above example, you will then understand what was `mapped' out in a person's Pillars of Destiny has changed due to his/her environmental influences, education etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil