Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. In the past, a butcher is a butcher, a merchant is a merchant. And job analysis is pretty easy to define. 2. For example in the past, a Chinese book-keeper involving in the counting of money e.g. metal coins can be considered under the profession of an accounting career. Thus, since, he or she is involved in money (coins) then, his/her career is associated with metal. 3. Nowadays, many of us are involved in multi-skilling i.e. we may not necessarily do one job but have various job-skills. 4. In general, we can classify the industry that you are in (Finance) as in the Metal element. But, a planner be it a finance planner or other planners is involved in "growth" or co-ordination. 5. Thus, if your job description has more (major) area in planning, then your CORE career is assocated with wood element. Wood element suggests growth. 6. However, if your career has a high skew or has much association with say doing programming (computer) or doing a Financial programming, then, it has more to do with the water element. 7. Nowadays, the two most common core skills are: Fire element = Public relations, marketing and sales Wood element = Co-ordination, training, adopting new technology 8. Thus, if you are a financial planner but your true career is associated with a "report-card" then, more likely, one's main area is in the Fire element. 9. For example, although one is suppose to provide "financial planning advise" but, you and I know that every month, the management has a report card that is served to us telling us that your monthly budget for sales is $1 milliion and each month one has to get that amount of sales. 10. In such a situation, although it sounds so very nice to say that we do "finance planning " for others but instead, we are "forced" to do Marketing or sales (Fire). If we fail, here, sooner or later (usually sooner) we may have to pack our bags and get shown the door -out - i.e. retrechment. 11. However, if we have the credentials e.g. has a Masters of Finance, then, is asked to do training, travellingin the bank or finance company, then, our career is associated with growth ie Wood element. 12. Therefore, I often emphasise that there is no right or wrong answer, here. More importantly, try to focus more on what is suppose to be our CORE JOB FUNCTION. And from, here, we should be able to classify our job into a specific area. This is more accurate than just basing on the industry that we are in. The industry that we are in is a very broad term. For example, for those doing human resource or employee relations or are customer service officers, these group often belong to the "Earth element". For those doing building management even in a Finance or banking industry, belongs to the Earth element. Hope the above, helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, Feng Shui cannot be done by "remote-control". Here, if one does not stay in a home, there is minimal or no influence at all. One must be staying in that home to have an earth (Feng Shui influence). Thus, if you are staying in your mum's home: 1. May consider the Feng Shui of your mum's home. 2. An alternative? If you have alternative or if it is feasible, sometimes, each home has it's specific Feng Shui "luck". Here, for instance, if your home Feng Shui can be considered as having better Feng Shui for example, such as a change in Period to Period 8 etc... one could (again - if it is feasible) look at both homes to see which is the better one. This is because, of factors like: external shapes and forms and flying star Feng Shui. Here, some homes may have "totally" no luck at all while perphaps, others have better luck - or there can be cases where both homes are equally ...hmmm... out of luck. Therefore,trying to squeeze out some luck may be like squeezing a lemon - very sour to the taste. Erh... I don't want to seem so complicated but if it is, please ignore Para 2, above. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Con, Actually, the greater "value" of a good Feng Shui apartment lies in the common saying: "Location, location, location". In fact, this is often the most critical key success in selecting a home or an apartment. From a "cultural" perspective; as you had mentioned, in particular, Cantonese (dialect) group do not like 4. But often, they do not like multiples of it e.g. 44 or 444. Otherwise, 104 (without looking) at the house no, seems often not a major issue. More importantly, bring along family members to the new apartment and ask for their comments on the location. This often is better. I personally feel that these are better key success-factors, than say the no. of the unit - which is often out of our control. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I have personally encountered cases where clients told me that they had placed (TOO) many windchimes in their homes and perhaps due to the wave-length of the chime, have attracted unwanted spirits into their home. Usually, traditionally, the number 6 represents "big metal". And big metal element is often used as a "cure" for bad #'s especially #5. This moving metal is suppose to "destroy" or neutralise sectors with bad influence. However, some people, do use 5 rod etc... And there are no known bad effects with these as they also serve to chime. However, it should not be used so widely in a home - since also asthetically, it does not make any sense. The worst type of wind chimes used "for cures" are the multi-coloured wind chimes. Wind chimes made of sea shells or glass as you had mentioned often are ornamental ones and often, it is not like the owner of the home overwhelms the entire house with them. In my opinion, placing one or two is ok - more as a decorative / personal "liking" sort of thing. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, When there is a double 8, often, the idea here is that "clear space" reigns over having a "mountain" at this location. This is why, often, it is best for the living room or frontage - be in this double 8 area. Depending on your layout of your home, between a storeroom or an open area, double 8's are better located with "clear - space". Given this, if it is possible to have a back door leading to clear space, than, your proposal to have a backdooris a possibility. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Clarise, Well not to worry. What was often stated in the forum has more to do with "living quarters" e.g. bedroom or a home. Since yours is primarily a shop, one should not translate what you have read to what is in your shop premises. For shops, often glass / shining metal pieces often elude an air of space or give an illusion of bright / and space. The saying goes: " A little knowledge, can be a dangerous thing!". Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chung Mi, 1. In the past, I have mentioned about the idea of mirrors in the bedroom and the concept of: "How sensitive (thicked-skinned) are each of us?" 2. The "mirror" example: 2.1 Many of us have different tolerance levels. Often, we do hear of many persons who can literally sleep with lots of mirrors in their bedroom e.g. on the entire cupboards etc... And, these people, can really sleep "like a pig!". 2.3 But, we hear of the fantasy story ofa princess, who despite placing a single needle under her mattress, and stacking up many mattress, she can "feel" the needle. 2.4 So how sensitive are you? 2.5 Unfortunately, nowadays, our sensitivity (I suspect) has to do with also reading too much - books and thinking of suchnegative thoughts. 2.6 Often, the offending "article" is that when we sleep, it is said that our spirit wanders out of our body, sees itself "gets" a shock!. 2.7 But, I have also mentioned, that, what if our spirit, wants to see itself, combs hair to look nice before, going off.... 2.8. So, just because of such advice, do we give up our TV set in our bedroom? Yes/No? 3. We are on this earth for a short time e.g. 60 or more years, so, if in the past, if we have a tv set, to enjoy in our bedroom, why not continue to do so? So far, we have not read in the newspapers "A places a tv set in his/her bedroom and .. something bad happened?". 4. Likewise, for the artificial flowers, or the horse, if it makes one "happy", why not keep it in the bedroom - especially if one does sleep well or ok with them in the room. 5. We should take control of our life, unless, there is some valid reason that affects most of us most of the time. Otherwise, anything else is "fair game". Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, You will be surprised to find some "hardcore" Feng Shui schools insist on one sleeping in an awkward direction, as you had mentioned. Some even let you sleep in this awkward position and one can literally see the bedroom door. Often, this is not recommended as you have mentioned, it is such an awkard position - and many of us do not seem comfortable in such a position. Worse-still, especially for some, they do not have the luxury of a large bedroom but often many only have a smaller bedroom. And placing such a bed often does not encourage "family bonding". In fact, I believe, not only in Singapore, but many small family sleep together in the same room. This is where, the parents queen or king sized bed is next to a larger mattress and all "four" family members: father, mum, son and daughter sleep in a cosy room. Imagine, with this awkard position, it may not have an opportunity not only for "family bonding" but also, what happens if one has a baby crept? Furthermore, if one places the bed in such a position, it may end up having an "triangle" void at the bedhead , especially for those who do not have a specially tailored bedhead cabinet. And, often also, it makes cleaning this void, more difficult. Usually, these are the Feng Shui schools that simply do not care for the practial things in life. The saying goes "You stay, here, we don't". But, some of these practitioners, simply don't care "too-hoots" about it! They simply provide such an advise, the poor (guy and gal) follow, and "suffer" much of their life! It is therefore, not practical to seem to have a "good" facing direction but as a result, the human / man luck factors get degraded.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Master Lee, I have read some of your answers (in the forum) ....you are a genius! Many Blessings to you for all your help. Regards, Irene Marek 31 January 2004 --- Hello Master Lee, By the way - you have a fantastic website and I love reading all the posts and your replies. Ronja Spangies 29 April 2004

Dear Emily, I hope you don't mind me saying this: But after reading your message, I personally feel a little discomfort over so many coincidences. Would it be possible for you to provide me your date of birth so that I can check out, also the date May 28, 2004 (favours you or not). You can e-mail me privately at support@geomancy.net so that I can check it out and e-mail you privately to your email : emilyz65@earthlink.net Take care! Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Andrea, To correctly apply Feng Shui, this involves a holistic approach. And the key elements of the holistic approach is the Shapes and Forms (external, interior) as well as the placement and another critical factor is the birth-chart-of-the home. Such as also using the Compass School reading of the interior of the home. Unfortunately, much of what you had given is piecemeal. And it is anyone's guess as to what are the real "leaks-in-the-home" right now. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wanama, Based on your description, yes, your main door need not necessarily be the facing direction.

Dear Yum Chinn, 6. The main idea here is to compare this to an examination. 6.1 Many of us have taken exams where we had to answer 4 required questions. 6.2 The goal is to get as many marks as possible. If there are 4 compulsory questions and 100 marks in total, each question is worth 25 marks. 6.3 In exams, we should not only answer 3 questions. If the exam lasts 2 hours, we should spend 30 minutes on each question. 6.4 Teachers often say that if we only answer three questions and skip the fourth, we might fail. But if we try the fourth question, we can still earn some marks. 7. So, judging a home as “doomed” just because of its facing direction isn’t the best way to look at things. 8. It’s better to look at a home as a whole. What you mentioned doesn’t even include shapes, forms, or other Feng Shui factors. 9. So it’s too early to say a home is definitely “doomed.” For example, it’s very unlikely for a comet to fall and hit just one spot on Earth, like a rooftop. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Futher to what I had mentioned, This are the traditional guidelines (note - Not bible, but guidelines):- Usually, the best facing direction of a home is one's Excellent direction. 2nd best facing direction is Prosperity. Even if it is the facing direction, this is equally find nowadays ("desperate people -desperate measure - since it is not so easy to find a house that fits to a T"). Often, for a CEO or Managing Director; a FS practitioner would try to (if possible) orientate his /her table facing these two best "work directions". The other two directions, often, is for the bed placement. But, often, it is still good to face the Excellent or Prosperity directions. But the qualifying condition is often based firstly on the Shapes and Forms Feng Shui. For example, if a toliet bowl shares the wall as the bed-head, then it is best not to place the bed against this wall. Alternatively, an extended low alarm/linen cabinet be built at the bed-head area. The rationale is because of the fear of invisible vapours - that we hope would not cause cancer. Resource link: Dangers of underground water or water from sewerage pipes: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/art-under.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I am glad that you have understood the idea /concept of the mouth-of-the house In my opinion, this is the key to analysing a home's Flying Star chart. And not merely employing only a fixed method of reviewing a home. It is best to go on the basis of "It depends", first. Often, the key success factor in selecting a home has, first got to do with the external environment i.e. the site, the block and the unit's view (obstructed or unobstructed). In your case, under the Eight House theory, the most optimium "facing" direction is often : 1st Choice (if possible) your Excellent sector. 2nd choice, in this case is South (Prosperity). As an added dimension, or bonus, since South is a good direction for you, in addition, you can also see if you can "TAP" on the auspicious facing directions of South 2 or South 3 homes PERIOD 8; where if the condition matches the living room at the facing direction. Alternatively, if your living room is at the "back of the house", then you could consider a South 1 Period 8 home. Or alternatively if the home does not need a major reno, one could see if one could "fly" it to say Period 8. Here, one should also try to match the eight house of family members to the prospective bedrooms (if possible). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Vincent, In my opinion, since you are so interested in Flying Star Feng Shui, it is best to learn (study) or take up a course on Flying Star Feng Shui. This is because, in order to answer your question takes much time and duplication of resources. For the enhancement of Step 3: What are it's weakness. I am very sure or confident that if you do find out the Water or Mountain star based on such a guideline, you will be better off in your quest for knowledge. Clue: It would be naive to only activate either Water or Mountain star. But what is more important is(are) does the location fit the criteria for activating a water or mountain star. For example, if a mountain star has been detected at the front door? What to do? Place a bolder above the door? Does this makes sense (or not)? Here, even if a mountain or water star has been detected, it does not mean that one should blindly activate such a star : be it a water or mountain star. Perhaps, in the above senario, if there is a Pearl-string formation, than we should examine, it. Please don't ask me what is a "pearl-string" formation. It is always best to let the fingers do the walking. Try to do a SEARCH for this topic etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lye Chan, It is great pleasure to meet you and your husband and two lovely children I have already sent you a private e-mail with the combined auspicious dates for both you and your husband. And in this e-mail, I have addressed all your questions, below. Feel free to e-mail me privately, if you require any further clarifications! Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. If you did not receive, my recent e-mail, please let me know

Dear Paris, Parc Oasis Site Plan 1. In my opinion, if the price is right, it may be considered. 2. From a Feng Shui point of view, these are "point" block units and relatively safe design. Majority of the units also has its main door coming into a "display" wall area - and not directly facing the window area. 3. Of course, the most attractive reason is due to it's close proxmity to the MRT (walking distance). And it is at the cross-road towards the start of PIE from Jurong Town Hall / and convenience to the business park as well as close proximity to IMM. A more popular or direct route would be to the ever busy or one of the busiest round-the-clock Jurong West Point shopping centre @Boon Lay. I am always amazed by the huge queues at the POSBank Branch as well as the large pedestrian traffic all day round this complex. 4. In my opinion, some of the units are better than the recently launched Lakeview condo. Yet this condo does have units that are very close proximity to the mrt track. 5. As mentioned, if the price is reasonable, it can be considered especially for those who have parents living near-by e.g. Jurong East area /and even slightly further Jurong West area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Muriel, Thank you for your message. Wishing you and family, Health, Wealth and Happiness! Cheers! Cecil

Dear Gerardo, It is good to do a SEARCH for this subject either under search engines such as yahoo.com or if you have the time, you can also search this forum for these two key terms. If you do so, I am very confident that you should be able to find the differences and the purpose of each of these concepts. Let the fingers do the walking..... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned, one can also look at concepts like S.W.O.T. analysis. This type of concept can both be applied to both Feng Shui audits as well as an audit of the viability of one's business / business model:- http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/ or http://www.mindtools.com/page5.html In addition, what are the key success factors of your business? http://www.gsu.edu/~mgtrhh/ksf.htm Looking at it this way, since Feng Shui is not a cure-all, there are much better concepts or theories relating to a business than such mystic art / science! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Often, one can look at the Tung Shu to find out a general date for move-in. Most of the time, a very general date is the 1st lunar and/or the 15th lunar month of any months other than Qing Ming or the 7th month. As for the auspicious date under Geomancy.net, these are paid report(s) and not free. The report considers both clashes in the Tung Shu and individualised to the breadwinner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Earl, Please see below:- 3. Nowadays, not many people can afford to make-to-measure furniture such as readily available tables (dining / living / study / work ) tops. 4. Again, many of us do not have the luxury of employing "an imperial carpenter" who in the past, have all the time to make-to-measure furniture. 5. Nowadays, frankly, it does not often matter if all or any of our common furniture need to be auspicious under the Feng Shui ruler or not. 6. However, for the Chinese, the most important furniture to look out is the altar (family altar or altar to place a god e.g. Goddness of Mercy etc..) Otherwise, it is less important issue especially if the furniture is mass produced. 5. On your question of Plants 5.1 Yes, generally all or most plants could be considered as a wood element. Unless, it has a distinctive colour such as a "red" plant or a plant with a specific major colour other than green or brown. 5.2 The major distinction of plants are the catus category or plants that have spines or spikes. Often, there are recommendations to place / or not to place such plants. 5.3 Anyway, if one is too free or has really nothing better to do; can with the knowlege of the Five Elements classify plants as under either / or:- 5.4 Element:- ========= Metal Fire Water Earth Wood 5.5 Reference: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm 5.6 For example, plants that have a circular shaped flower, this flower can be considered as belonging to a metal element since it is circular or round in shape. And especially if the flower is white or gold in colour. 5.7 Thus, for flowers, it can be classifed based on it's shape and colour. 5.8 Leaves similarly can be classified into the various elements. 6. Retiree? Retrenched? As I mentioned earlier, if one is too free, than by all means go and identify each variety of flowers and plants. What we should do instead is to look at EACH process that is or will be carried out. And determine / or try to classify it into one of the 5 elements. Nowadays, because of multi-skilling involved, many occupations do not necessarily belong strictly only to ONE specific element. As mentioned, one should use reason and logic to set out our personal reason(s) as to why we classific an act or action or process in that way. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, If you have the time, please check out my most recent reply (today) i.e. Part I and Part II - Facing direction of House I strongly believe that the above two write-ups will offer a good guideline as to the rationale for the facing direction and what to look out for a facing - direction. In your case, based on your limited information, it would seem that the facing direction should be North as opposed to NW (main door direction). Do check out the above information. I am sure, one can have a better understanding what to look out for. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Shannon, 1. First, Congratulations on your new business! And, I can see your two lovely children 2. Often, many business should depend on it's strategic model and built on it's key success factors in order to both survive and grow. 3. In my opinion, looks like you have a better success rate in going for both value for money (reasonably priced) and slightly differentiated products. 4. Ina business model, often, it is good to understand "Porter's Five Forces" to give one a good understanding of both an overview of your industry and other factors. 5. If you have the time, do go for Strategic Planning books or links like these various links:- http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/porter.shtml http://www.brs-inc.com/porter.asp http://www.themanager.org/Models/p5f.htm http://www.mba2.com/strategy/porter.shtml http://www.bplans.com/ma/article.cfm/156 (Please note that these links do not necessarily represent my view but rather, they are interesting reading for business). 6. From a Feng Shui point of view:- 6.1 In the past, I had mentioned some of the things related to "Feng Shui" or customs:- 6.2 Company or business logo / signage 6.3 Here, often, colours are chosen based on the industry / ba zi of the owner / proprietor(s). 6.4 Where possible, a logo or signage should have three colours. Since two colour signages imply "death" or "stagnation" of a business. 6.5 For a signage, often, e.g. the width should be e.g. even measurement while the length odd numbering. This is because, odd represents Yang. While even numbers representYin. Thus, this is said to be a harmony of Yin and yang. 6.6 Placement of signage 6.6.1 Under placement of signage, in Feng Shui, often, other than the logo harmonizes with the owners/proprietors; some FS practitioners also consider which direction is the main entrance / and check to see if the colour of the logo harmonizeswith thislocation. 6.6.2 In Feng Shui also, depending on the direction of the frontage, a company signage should harmonize with that specific location. For example, at some locations (directions) the logo should not be placed too high etc... 7. For the Chinese, auspicious dates are chosen for the opening ceremony. 8. Plus,on the day of opening, it is best that the business premises remain pitched dark etc.. I had previously posted a file on what to do during an office-ritual. Please do a search for this text file under the forum. 9. Feng Shui can also suggest or used to look at the location or site of business. And also, check the best sitting directions such as "facing the Prosperity and or Excellent" directions of the key personnel. 10. As one can see, other than the above, Feng Shui cannot be used as a cure-all situation. 11. For example, if your business is soley on the internet, one may unfortunately have a hard timeto market one'ssmall (local) site. Many internet start-ups will never see day-light at the end of the long road due mostly to cash-burn and unprofitability. 12. In the internet area, even if one's business is local, avoid or do try to get domains such as .com or .net or the first level domain names instead of those ending with e.g. .au etc.. 13. For example, although Geomancy.net has it's origin in Singapore, we are one of the few true - truly global geomancy companies in Singapore. Many of our competitors never have such a strong international presence, like us. And for one, we never used .com.sg etc... Wishing you all the very best in your new business! Most of all, many good companies, with a little luck, go for: 1. Things like "a tradition of excellence" 2. Giving value for money products or services 3. Honesty and frankness 4. Avoid "cheating" customers 5. The best marketing tool is often carried by word of mouth. thus this brings goodwill to the company. No amount of advertising can be as good as this! 6. All these are part and parcel of standards that set good companies apart from others. 7. Singapore is very unique because it has a very small population and this is why often 3 out of 99 start-ups do carry on to the next year or two. After these two years, some of these companies can even close down! 8. Like, one of our clients suggested, perhaps,we at Geomancy.net,should sitin our not so good directions, so that we will not be over-whelmed with too much business! Cheers! Warmest Regards, Cecil