Cecil Lee

Dear Kaushal, 1. Under Feng Shui, this is considered inauspicious as `beneifical' Qi is suppose to come into the house and meander slowly circulating inside the house and `exit' the home through other openings. 2. Where possible, it should not enter the house e.g. the main entrance and exit out through an opposite window. Here, Qi is not allowed to circulate in the home. 3. The best option is to place a screen close to the main door area to allow the Qi to meander into the house. The screen need not necessarily be of full height. It can be of a lower height where possible it can cover e.g. three-quarters of the door. 4. Another alternative is to close the window which is facing the main entrance door or install a blind or curtains (closing that window). Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- Original Message ----- From: "free-advice Listmanager" To: Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2000 7:28 AM Subject: Window Facing Main Door.

Dear Gema, For a flat, the best placement of a fountain is either at the balcony or in the living room area. It is best to avoid placing a fountain at the bedroom and kitchen. Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- Original Message ----- From: "free-advice Listmanager" To: Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2000 7:30 AM Subject: Water and my dog and cat loves to play...

Dear Jennifer, Usually, colors is secondary to Feng Shui, however it can ve viewed as follows:- 1. Intitutive or based on one's feelings. Here, one chooses (either consciously or unconsciously) colors that one likes in a room. 2. If one uses Traditional Feng Shui, then it can be based on two main factors:- 2.1 On the upper hierarchy, you have the Yin and Yang concept. Here, as usally the bedroom is meant more for rest than activity, it should be 'more' Yin than Yang. However, this may differ for a student living in a domitory. Here, there should be a balance between yin and yang so that the dorm can be at certain times, be used for `yang' activity such as studies, homework/assignments. When time for rest, it should be `more' yin. 2.2 Therefore, based on the color RED, red implies the most Yang so it is favoured that the bedroom walls be painted of a lighter color either neutral white or one can still use "RED" by using a lighter shade such as `PINK'. If one likes the color and feels happy with it then this is fine:) 3. Under the Five Elements Concept In Feng Shui, currently the only theory: The Flying Star uses the Five Elements Concept to analyse a sector. If there is an imbalanced caused at the sector i.e. too much Fire element, then, it would not be auspicious to use red or pink / purple at this area. Nowadays, paints can reflect, a pale shade of a color e.g. pink even if it is considered a `white' or `off-white' paint. Thus is considered quite neutral colors. Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- Original Message ----- From: "pillars-of-destiny Listmanager" To: Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 7:22 AM Subject: Red Bedroom

Dear Anon, Yes, I do agree with you that there are many different opinions on the Ba Gua mirror. 1. We can look at it primarily under two broad categories:- 1.) With a religious inclination 2.) To protect against Sha Qi such as a house with the main entrance facing a `T' junction or other poision arrows. 2. The advice provided is also based on the inclination of the practitioner. For example, if the practitioner is `deeply rooted' in religious beliefs, he/she may ask their customers to use a Ba Gua mirror for almost every door of the house i.e. the main entrance, the kitchen door and the backdoor (facing outwards). 3. Some practitioners even are not convinced about the Ba Gua mirror saying that it is ineffective. 4. Generally, there are several types of Ba Gua Mirror: 4.1. A Ba Gua mirror with a picture of the TWO door Gods. This type of mirror is said to offer protection to the owners. 4.2. Some Ba Gua mirror are placed together with a Charm (yellow paper) to protect the door. 4.3. Some Ba Gua mirror has a `simple' the First Heaven Sequence trigram and is used for any of the above with or without the Ba Gua mirror. 4.4. If two houses are facing each other and their doors are (facing each other), if one house uses a Ba Gua mirror (as mentioned under Para 4.3), the opposite house has "no choice but to a convex mirror (Ba Gua trigram shape) to deflect the Sha Qi back. This is considered `a lose lose situation'. As seen from the above, they are the most common uses of the Ba Gua mirror. 5. On my Feng Shui audit rounds, I know of several households who had consulted e.g. temple Priests and there is a case where: The opposite house (just across the road) has placed a four sided Thai shrine. It so happens that the shrine faces directly the main entrance. This household consulted a priest and placed a rectangle (flat) mirror) to deflect this "Sha Qi". 6. In my opinion, I would generally agree with placing a Ba Gua mirror under conditions as mentioned at Para 5. 7. As I do not have such a religious "fevour", I do not normally asks my clients to place a Ba Gua mirror. 8. There is one time when I audited an apartment. The apartment is tangent to temple crematorium housing the dead and this happens to be at the NE alignment. When I went downstairs to do a survey, the Luo Pan needle was moving erraticly. Thus, I had to advise the owner to place a Ba Gua mirror in the rooms (aligned to this NE sector). 9. If you are overseas especially in the US. One good `test' is to see if, Are you asked to buy several Ba Gua mirrors or if you are asked to buy one mirror to `hang' at the door? Are you charged for this and how much? Usually in my region e.g. Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, the consultation does not involve additional charges. Since the Ba Gua mirrors are easy to purchase, if there is a need to `hang' a Ba Gua mirror, after the consultation, one is asked to buy it themselves. 10. So, in my opinion, if one is asked to buy Ba gua mirror(s), crystals or even wind chimes... do question the practitioner closely. If the practitioner cannot answer you based on the Five elements concept, do question their them further. In traditional FS practise, it is all about the balance of the Five elements. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, When I have the time, will try to take some pictures. Generally, a good reference is a standing grandfather clock especially those with brass `tick-tock' metal pendulums will do nicely. Alternatively there are some hanging pendulum clocks. Here, try to get those with a `metal' weight pendulum. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Selyn, --- This is an extract from one of the past messages placed by a user in this form under the conference "Books on Feng Shui":- I found this book is interesting and allows one to apply "I-Ching" immediately taking into consideration all the above. Another user (posted this message in the above same conference). The reader's recommendation is as follows:- "Any one interested in the Yi Jing Coin Oracle book should find it at the back of the book called "Secrets of Chinese Astrology * A Handbook for Self-Discovery" by the author Kwan Lau. " Note: I personally have not read this book but you can try. Alternatively, you can go to Amazon.com to do a search for other similar titles. In my opinion, most if not all the methods recommended on how to `proceed' is basic and simple to understand (practically) in all books. What is more important is to find a book that provides one with the `interpretation' "afterwards." Here, in my opinion, "The Pocket I-Ching by author Melyan & Chu" is `value for money'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear JR, Thanks for sharing with us your personal experience. Usually, predictions under Chinese system can be based on:- 1. the I-Ching or Oracle 2. Using the Five Elements concept and using tools like using a Luo Pan and checking one's good direction of travel. 3. Weigh of bones and other methods under this. This is where, in the past, Chinese Monks, Priests try to `earn' some `keep' for themselves and their temples by offering predictions. This is the `fore-runner' of many fortune tellers along road sides conveniently located outside temple areas. Some use sticks, some use birds to pick out cards etc... 4. It also depends on the calibre of the Geomancer and his `predicition'. 5. So, far the most `accurate' predictions can be done using the Oracle by yourself:- A sample method can be found here: http://my.geomancy.net/fs/iching.htm Under this method, one has to concentrate and ask question in a proper way: Instead of asking a question like: "Can I travel west?" Try to be more specific in your question. I believe there are many books out there, where you can read up on this. The I-Ching is also used by some broking companys as models for Stocks and Shares evaluation. Thus, overall, the `predictions' can be based on many factors and some even out of our control. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jolene, Please see below:- Usually, the best cure is to hang 6 chinese coins with a red tread above this position. It is not as advisable to place the 6 coins in a drawer or envelope. You do not need to paint white. But leaving it vacant does not neutralise the bad 2 and 3 stars / star 5. Yes a clock with a metal pendulum is one good alternative replacement for the 6 coins due to the constant `metal' sound it makes. For this position, you can leave it i.e. no cure is needed. Generally, under period 7, no. 7 is neutral. You can leave it not necessary to repaint it blue. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Rich, Please see below:- ----- Original Message ----- From: "pillars-of-destiny Listmanager" To: Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 7:21 AM Subject: Bed placement and opposing doors and windows The concept here is to get Qi to meander slowly circulating into the room. The most effective method is as you mentioned is to use a screen closer to the door area so that Qi that comes in thru the main entrance can slowly meander into the house. - Usually this is the best method. The screen in such a situation need not be full height but it should at least cover 3 quarters of the door (height). There are other alternatives like closing this side of the window so that Qi does not flow directly out of the house. This is an option you can explore. Here, a curtain would be useful if this is the sliding glass area. For the bed placement, priority should go to it placed based on good Shapes and Form. Only after the above condition has been met, then you can look at favourable or unfavourable directions based on the Eight house. Even if it is an unfavourable direction, not much can be done about the situation other than to let the partner with a better auspicious sector sleep closer to it while the other partner or spouse sleep further away. For example, if the sector is SW and it is an auspicious sector for the husband, while it is an inauspicious sector for the wife, the husband should sleep in the bed closest to the SW sector while the wife, sleeps further to the other side. The husband, then `acts' like a `shield'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Iris, Please see below:- ----- Original Message ----- From: "pillars-of-destiny Listmanager" To: Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 7:21 AM Subject: Eight house - opposite to husband Based on what you had mentioned above, you should not be standing infront of the main door and then take the compass direction. (Reference on correct method of compass reading using an ordinary compass: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/cecilcompass.htm ) You should not be duly `worried' about this. As you are not the only person who faces such a situation. The key point is to remember that in the Eight House:- 1. Generally, it looks at how suitable the house is to the breadwinner i.e. it is good if the main entrance door is at a good or auspicious sector. It does not necessary mean that all members of the family should have in such a case, an auspicious sector for them. (It would be nice but not always the case - make use of other theories e.g. Shapes and Form and Flying Star). 2. If one is using the Eight House, sectors that one spent more time at can be looked at. So, it is more important to consider what is the intangible force at the bedroom for each member of the family. 3. It is also good (or nice to have) facing one's good direction for study or work. Other than that, you should not be too concerned and try to implement a `cure' at the main door: usually a `cure' at the main door should be reserved for `poision arrows' aimed at it. For the main entrance door, as a general rule of thumb, it should be reasonably `bright' e.g. natural light or keep it clean and bright as this is considered the `mouth' of the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Gabby, In my opinion, the most important thing in living in a college apartment is not so much of the utilization of "Feng Shui" but rather, the positive approach you take towards your college studies, relationship with teachers, friends and most importantly, your studying `techniques'. This is because a small room basicially have very little effect (other than psychological) in your life. What is most important is not to feel distracted when you `study' or do your assignments. As your room becomes either a place of activity (studying and doing assignments) and on the other hand, for sleep, both Yin (sleep and quite activity) and Yang (study, wake up etc)... comes into `play'. Most importantly keep the room clean and tidy. Don't worry, you are not the only one who will be going or have used a college lodging. Many people, have passed through this phase and have infact become successful. Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- Original Message ----- From: "free-advice Listmanager" To: Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 7:10 AM Subject: Staying in a college apartment

Dear Michael, Generally, a bagua or even a Luo Pan, can be displayed particuarly if there is a bad `Sha Qi'. This is what many FS practitioners generally feel. I know of some shops (shop displays) that display them on their display shelves - to deflect sha qi. In a `normal' office environment, so far, I yet come across, anyone who would want to display it unless, it is a tool of their trade. More importantly, you would have to make your own decision regards this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Han, 1. No it is my opinion, that the two round columns are part of the structure of the building and I feel that it is not `symbolic' of the two objects that can form a triangulation. 2. You would need e.g. two pots of plants on each side (as an example) to use the `triangular effect'. Well, this is based on my personal experience and it may vary with other practitioners on this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jolene, 1. I believe, Feng Shui is a holistic approach encompassing various Feng Shui techniques. 2. Under the Flying Star, it is good to make an effort to neutralise any imbalances which you are trying to do. If you have a sketch of your layout plan (and outline of items e.g. the bed, tables) and with the information you provided me below, I can assist to look at and mark the location and provide some comments. I believe, a layout with what you had provided would greatly assist and would be a valuable help. If you can, do sent an attachment to this file. But if it is too much to ask, then let me know, I can go thru the info below. Awaiting your comments. Regards, Cecil

Dear Madan, 1. Under Period 7, a Double 7 is considered auspicious. 2. Thus, if the house continues to remain under Period 7 and there is a Double 7, then it is still auspicious house. 3. For example, in the Year 2005, if there are no major renovations made, a house built under 1984 to 2003 will continue to have a birth chart based on Period 7. 4.If so happens that this is a Double 7 (under Period 7), the house will continue to enjoy this Double 7. 5. However, in a period 8, 9 etc.. house, and it so happens that there is a Double 7 e.g. at the main entrance, than this is a different matter altogether. 6. In the same `order' under Period 1, Double 1's is very auspicious; Period 2 - Double 2's Period 3 - Double 3's Period 4 - Double 4's Period 5 - Double 5's A "double ... something " if it occurs in a different period, is another matter and subject to the interpretation e.g of the 81 combinations or analysis using the 5 elements concept. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kavita, 1. In general, the advise is not to have toilets at `true compass directions' i.e. North, South, East, West, NE, NW, SE and SW. 2. In theory, this calls for relocation of the toilet to solve the "problem". In reality, it is difficult or impossible to simply shift some of the toilets. It comes as it is. Nothing much one can do here. 3. It is generally considered that a toilet is a YIN location i.e. becase of water element in it and it is generally `darker' and more YIN. The only thing which one can do is to: 3.1 Close the toilet door when not in use. 3.2 Make it more YANG e.g. keep it dry and bright. Frankly, in my opinion, other than the above nothing much one can do except to relocate it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Another `secret' ingredient in Feng Shui is the application of Shapes and Forum to provide us a quantum leap. This `secret ingredient' is hard to `apply' for many people. Basically, it is about using Shapes and Form to find the dragon vein i.e. a location where houses or office can accumulate wealth. What an expert FS practitioner does is to do an environmental scanning of the landscape and site/home/office and see if the overall site/home/office can retain "wealth". It can be a site where it is `blessed' with good overall Shapes and Form that allows `wealth' to be retained. It usually takes a keen eye to spot these. Usually, those specialising in or are experts of Shapes and Forms to do so. For vertical housing or condos, I have provided some examples under Photo Tours. Do search for "the Meyer" and "the Sterling" as examples of specific houses/units that can accumulate wealth (without needing to rely on say doing a Flying Star chart). Surprisingly, usually, such houses, so far, do equally have a good Flying Star chart. Maybe call this a coincidence. So try to apply the above, if you next look for a new house:) May you achieve a Quantum Leap in finding a good house! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Hi Everyone, I am happy to say that the Free Advice Forum alone has near to 3,500 forum messages! If you are new to this forum, you can always use the SEARCH feature (You need to login to this forum) to search for nearly any topic that you want to find out. Best of all it is 100% Flame Free! Many Thanks and Best Regards! Cecil Lee P.S. This new forum is currently around 1 year and 8 months old:)

Dear Users, 1. In several messages in the forum, I mentioned that we can draw a parallel with Examinations. 2. A smart person taking an examination would try to maximise his/her marks. For example, in an essay examination i.e. we are required to answer 4 compulsory questions. It is always wise to answer ALL 4 questions. Where each question carries 25 marks out of 100 marks (in total). Sometimes answering 3 questions out of 4 compulsory ones may be quite risky if we do not score well in the 3 questions. 3. Drawing a parallel, Feng Shui, Pillars of Destiny etc.. aims to maximise our EARTH LUCK Thus, simply trying to "activate" a sector e.g. South-West (assuming that one is lucky to get it correct... not withstanding no knowledge of the Five Elements... well call this luck!) 4. If we use the Flying Star analysis, it has 9 sectors and thus, if we divide 100/9 = 11.1% for each sector. Thus even if we `activate' correctly one sector, we only achieve 11% score. We have "failed" the examination! 5. If we apply for example, the Flying Star analysis correctly, we would have achieve at least 6 sectors (or more) x 11.1%. 6. Given that what we are trying to achieve is to increase/maximise our EARTH LUCK we also have to `take other examinations'. Thus, for example, in real life, schooling, we need to take several papers and pass them. 7. Again drawing a parallel, the examination looks something like: Paper 1 : Shapes and Form Feng Shui Paper 2 : Flying Star Paper 3 : Eight House Paper 4 : Pillars of Destiny Assuming we do not give weightage to all 4 papers, we must at least, pass all papers in order to " pass " our examinations. 8. Thus, many of us, who assume that paying homage to one sector would later on, find that "Feng Shui" is not working for them. If we look at FS in a holistic way, I am not saying that it will be successful for everyone, but, we always try to maximize or `play safe' to achieve a higher rate of success or the probability of success is much better by using tools that, should or could work for many people. Thus, I hope you can understand that I am not trying to belittle " Kindergarten " Feng Shui but rather, hope that chances of success is better if proper tools are used to maximize our `marks' just like in an examination. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee (C) Cecil Lee, 2000

Hi Everyone, I feel that this message provides an inspiration to all of us. In some of the stories, "It is like `after the bitterness, comes the sweetness'..." I am not sure who wrote this but here goes:- --- Start ---- *First ~ Most Important Lesson During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'" "I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. *Second Important Lesson ~ Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. *Third Important Lesson ~ Always remember those who serve you In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied." The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies - You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. *Fourth Important Lesson ~ The Obstacle in Our Path In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, But none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. *Fifth Important Lesson ~ Giving When it Counts Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her.." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. You see understanding and attitude, after all, is everything. --- End ---

Dear Kathleen, I have mentioned several formulas in my Applied Feng Shui book on manual calculations. A faster more accurate method is simply to go to: 1. http://www.geomancy-online.com and create a free Eight House Report. 2. Or simply goto: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm and under one of the steps select the date of birth to generate the Eight house chart. Please see below:- Under `good' Feng Shui practises: 1. Priority should go to placing the desk to benefit from good Shapes and Form Feng Shui. Here, the desk should be place where possible against a solid support e.g. a wall or alternativly against a partition and others such as the desk in relation to the office door... 2. Only after doing the above, then place the table (if possible) at your good sector i.e. intangible force. 3. If you still have the luxury, place the table facing a good direction. For example if East is your prosperity sector, then place the table facing `East' bearing in mind Para 1 and 2. This is based on Japanese beliefs. Here, one buys a pair of the cat. Where for each cat, a paw is raised e.g. right paw and left paw. These dwell more on beliefs then Feng Shui. Many books are available on Shapes and Form and those on more specialised form of Feng Shui e.g. Flying Star are either difficult to understand or quite general. Ultimately, it is my belief that one should combine the best of all available FS theories as none of them are superior than the other. Instead, selective FS theories and include Pillars of Destiny need to be used. It is not the amount of information that we obtain that provides good result but rather the end result is based on the ability to `summarise' and interpret the data and the secret ingredient is proper implementation of it. Many people, face the problem of using piecemeal FS theories and go into a vicious cycle when things don't turn out. Alternatively, if one has the opportunity to consult a good FS practitioner, this would be better. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Deborah, It would be nice if you can draw a sketch or use a paint program to draw and save as a .jpg or .bmp or .gif:- 1. A sketch of the house (if possible, proportionate such as where is the main entrance and the T junction) and roughly can see the distance of the ancient well and how far it is to the house i.e to the right, left or centre?. Roughly how deep it is. I hope you can understand that without a clear look at the outline such as the impact on the main door, any gradient. (I hope I am not asking too much but if it is not a sketch, it can be alternatively pictures). Apologise, if I asked too much. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chrinstine, Many thanks for posting the three pictures. I now can better understand from the pictures: 1. The plot of land where your neighour's house is (i.e. behind your house) has sha qi. 2. As for your house, once, the neighbour's house is up and you have a fence, it will be shielded from the sha qi of the `T' junction. 3. I understand from the picture that there are no trees (as this is a new plot of land). Currently with no trees, the land has sha qi from exposed `wind'. I believe, as more trees are ground around the estate it would be ok. 4. Under Shapes and Form of Feng Shui:- 4.1 A single house should not be surrounded i.e. an `island' of roads on all four sides. But for the twin house (with two houses on each side of the road), it is still acceptable. 4.2 I noticed that the land is relatively flat the plus point is this is a rather "straight forward" area where as I mentioned above, grass, plants and trees, later on would be good. On the whole, I believe, it would relieve you of your fears of the `sha qi' from the opposite side of the `T' junction. In my opinion, I consider this house, an average plot. In Feng Shui, most of the time we look at the dragon vein and check to see whether a location or estate, can accumulate wealth (overall) for the neighbourhood. This is more for those who are buying new plot of land or already built up housing. This accumulation of `wealth' is symbolic of some of the houses that I mentioned under conference: Photo Tour of Interest such as the Meyer and Sterling. (However, these are condominiums but are similiar in analysis whilst these are analysed on a vertical spectrum, landed property are analysed on a horizontal spectrum - Shapes and Form). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In several past messages and in my Applied Feng Shui book, I mentioned several "methods" used such as by: 1. Shape of the Fish Tank 2. Number of fishes i.e. based on Kua or Yin and Yang (even or odd number of fishes) 3. Type of fishes etc.. 4. Color of the stand used at different sections of the home Thus, I would like to clarify that usually, I do not `advise' but rather highlight the various practises such as no. of fishes used either to relate to a person's Kua number. There are `pro and cons' in using various methods. For the no. of fishes, I had on a few occasions mentioned what happened if one's Kua number is 1. Does it mean that one has to resort to the `fate' of rearing only one fish. In Feng Shui, if fishes suddenly die in succession, in a some of the replies I mentioned the `routine' of adding fishes (staggered) at a time. Overall, it is nice to understand that the rearing of fishes can be related to one's Kua number but is difficult to monitor or implement. 2. Thus, it would be best to use commonsense i.e. see how big the fish tank is and buy or replenish a reasonable number of fishes will do. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, What you mentioned would depend on a person's belief or religious belief and how strong is one's belief. For example, when you mentioned `killing' of animals, and one has strong buddhist beliefs, then one should avoid what you had mentioned below. Even in other religions like Muslims, they also have a ritual for `praying' before slaughtering animals. Muslims only eat food that are certified "Halal" in this manner. Therefore, it depends on how `strong' is your beliefs. Most of the time, nowadays maybe because of convenience, animals are pre slaughtered and we buy them, cleaned and `ready' so this should not be a major issue or concern for us. Some religions belief in reincarnation and "we may end up" reincarnated as a specific animaal or insect. This is up to indiviudal beliefs. Warmest Regards, Cecil