Cecil Lee

Dear Kenny, 1. I have just came back from that location - where you had mentioned the new flats > 22 storeys high at Kim Tian Road and opposite the pictures you saw. 2. Fundamentally, human activity and wealth will increase for the popular Tiong Bahuru market holders and food sellers. Since many of the centre's food stalls have made a name for themselves. Usually, they are successful individually and some expand. Excellent stores are: http://www.tiongbahruroastedpig.com.sg/ or the Tiong Bahuru `chwee quay' which also branched to many locations even to Jurong West area. 3. In the area of food; this area can certainly do well. 4. For homes, even the low rise, do appeal to those around 30's to 40's who aim to buy low rise homes. 5. We cannot discount that this is indeed a choice location with its proximty to the city area. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Gordon, If you live in a domitory or short of space e.g. a rented room, frankly, there is really no issue in this. Look at it this way, many educated people have lived in domitories and were successful after their studies. More... Some Feng Shui practitioners, I understand, are against this, because they were afraid that qi cannot flow underneath a bed. But, there are many families who allow their young ones e.g. age between 1 to 5 years old - to sleep on a mattress on the floor. And in many cultures, often, people sleep on the floor or floor mat. And there are no adverse problems. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kenny, This is my university, as I was a past student and alumni. And therefore, this is one way of `supporting' one's old school. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. This question is very interesting. 2. For the Chinese, many burial sites, both past and present, are chosen for their good Feng Shui. 3. The belief goes back to the Ching and Ming dynasties. Ancestors buried in special places are thought to bring luck to their descendants. 4. But there is a catch—a burial site that starts out good may not stay that way. Construction, digging up soil, or flattening hills can change how lucky the site is. 5. In Singapore, many of the best places were chosen for burials in the past: 5.1 For example, Orchard Road—across from Tangs or Marriott hotel and the current Orchard Road MRT station—used to be a special burial site. 5.2 Bishan—parts of Bishan were once considered lucky burial sites. 5.3 Yishun and Tampines—these were also lucky sites. My grandfather was buried at a good site in Tampines, but the government took the land in the 1970s and rebuilt the area. 6. If all the graves are carefully removed and the land is cleared, these places can be used for living and will still be considered lucky (yang Feng Shui). 7. It is believed there is no problem living near burial grounds, especially if the people buried there lived long lives and died naturally. 8. Personally, I think living near grave sites is fine, and some people even prefer it. 9. This is very common for churches, where graves are often found next to the building. If there are worries about living close to the dead, they are mostly in people's minds. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mr Low, I hope I got your description correctly. From what I understand, it seems like you have supporting structure which often is thicker than the wall or glass frame. Often this is not an issue. Unless, you are referring to a protuding corner (plastered with concrete). If so, often the sha qi from such a corner is approximately 1 metre distance. Otherwise, if it is just a tiny protrusion i.e. part of the support structure, then there is often no issue here. There is no harm in placing a crystal. No issue. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Audrey, 1. As mentioned in my reply, if one is basing it purely on the Eight House, then this is not an ideal home. 2. However, many other factors must be taken into consideration. The term "location, location and location" is still the primary factor. 3. More often, we have to buy within our means. And, I believe, in Singapore or elsewhere, one do not need Feng Shui to understand that price is often linked or associated with a location. 4. For example, a place with a `nice view' often can command a higher premium (with or without the word Feng Shui factored in). 5. This is why; the saying goes "the rich, gets richer and the poor gets poorer". Here, the rich can often go for the most expensive / beautiful real estate. 6. I am saying that others cannot enjoy good Feng Shui, but, ultimately, for `good things' we often have to pay more. 7. Therefore, if one has, for example a very tight budget, then it makes more economic sense to see if we can afford it; keep it; rather than paying a premium and risk it being taken back/repossed. Warmest Regards, Cecil If we have Reference your Once again, the details are 1. Door is facing west (ie. 2. Our My son of 4 years We Thank Audrey On 6/3/2003 1:05:10 PM,

Dear Jen, For a staircase, the major considerations are: 1. Number of steps 2. Avoid having the steps face the main door. (Here, a partition or screen should be used). 3. A set of staircase, should where possible have a landing or two landings if the upstairs is high. 4. Preferably avoid a circular staircase, especially if it can be seen from the main door. 5. Where possible, each step should be `covered' up and not `see thru' i.e. planks placed on each step. 6. For the position of the stairs, where possible it should preferably hug or share an external wall. 7. Anything else, will have to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. And therefore `it depends' on the full layout of the home. For your benefit, I had extracted a previous posting to this forum. It is good to do a search for staircase, if you want to find out more ... i.e. previous postings on this subject. Here goes the extract: Start of extract... Posted in: Discuss :: Free Advice (General Feng Shui) on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 07:41 PM Dear Anon, Introduction: 1. In Feng Shui, there are two traditional methods of determining the number of steps. 2. The first method is a 3 number combination. Where the first two steps are Auspicious but the last step is inauspicious. METHOD 1 - THE THREE-STEP CYCLE ======== 3. Thus under the `Three-steps formula' step No. 1 (Auspicious), Step No. 2 (Inauspicious) while Step No. 3 is considered inauspicious. Usually this 3rd step is known as the `death' step. 3.1 Thus:- Following this method, one should be able to work out the number of steps:- 3.2 Auspicious steps are:- 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 3.3 Inauspicious steps:- No. 3 is the third step No. 6 is the following third step No. 9 is again the following third step No. 12 is again the following third step...etc... METHOD 2 - THE FOUR-STEP CYCLE =============================== 4. However, Method 1 should be used in combination with Method 2 below:- 4.1 What is the four-step cycle:- Step 1: Auspicious Step 2: Auspicious Step 3: Inauspicious Step 4: Inauspicious 4.2 How to calculate under this method: Step 1 is Auspicious Step 2 is Auspicious Step 3 is inauspicious Step 4 is also inauspicious 4.3 Next 4 steps:- ================= Step 5 is auspicious Step 6 is auspicious Step 7 is inauspicous Step 8 is inauspicious 4.4 Next 4 steps:- ================= Step 9 is auspicious Step 10 is auspicious Step 11 is inauspicous Step 12 is inauspicious 4.5 Next 4 steps:- ================= Step 13 is auspicious Step 14 is auspicious Step 16 is inauspicous Step 17 is inauspicious etc... 4.6 One can do similar calculations for 17 or more steps..... 5. After finding out the numbers for both Methods (1 and 2) we now derive the following sets of steps:- 5.1 Under Method 1: The Three-Step Method:- 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26 5.2 Under Method 2: The Four-Step Method:- 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26 Thus we have to eliminate the following numbers which are considered inauspicious in either one of the above methods:- Number 4 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 6 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 8 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 11 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 16 - inauspicious under method 2 Number 18 - inauspicious under method 1 Number 19 - inauspicous under method 2 Number 20 - inauspicous under method 2 5.3 Thus the final result are the following numbers:- 1,2, 5, 10, 13, 14, 17, 22, 25, 26 etc... 6. Steps Landing Yes, the number of steps is important. Each step including the steps at landing is included as a count. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- As mentioned in my earlier reply on this subject; this is actually contingent on the Flying Star Feng Shui. Yes, it is based on the Flying Star Feng Shui. No, based on what I have understood of the concept, it has to be a reall hill e.g. as high as a 1 storey building. For tall trees and bushes; often; it is not considered as a hill (since, it still no matter what allows air to pass thru. Another senario is that i.e. it depends! Since no two situations are similar in every home). I appreciate; that in the future, it is best not to use the "Anonymous" on topics such as this one. Else, I may not post it out. The rationale is because this type of topic does not involve any private issues. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ling Tien, 1. Under symbolism: there are different pictures or pictorals of dragons. 2. A dragon is considered a yang creature. And this implies vigour and fertility. 3. Another symbolic thing about the dragon for past Chinese emperors is that it is considered to be the son of Heaven. 4. 2. Often if we see the roof a common temple, we often see two dragons facing a pearl (please at the apex of the temple roof). Often we also see a pearl in the mouth of a dragon. 5. Here, the pearl is equvalent of thunder where the dragons is said to `swirl in the clouds' and hopefully bring rain (a crucial substance for our survival). 6. As there is no picture to refer to, I believe that the ball represents the pearl. And a dragon holding it down is akin to being taking control or mastery of the situation as mentioned above. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I certainly wish, Feng Shui can help, here. But there are several considerations: 1.1 To-date, this is indeed a buyer's market. And there are just too many choices open for selection by many buyers. 1.2 The only (logical) use of Feng Shui is (IF) one's home does have one or several favourable Shapes and Forms (auspiciousness) - as a major selling point. 1.3 But, often, many people nowadays also bring along a compass to find the best directions or to see if the house is suitable to them. 1.4 This is not Feng Shui. But I believe, you would have `cleaned' up or had touched-up repainted the house e.g. white *a neutral colour' to make it look clean and bright. 1.5 Honestly, Feng Shui is not a `cure all' and there is no guaranteed key success or a good formula when using this FS art to help sell a home. 2. Unfortunately, often if only one's location has good view, then it will be able to command a reasonable price. 3. Frankly, if there is an urgent need to sell, unfortunately price would always be a major issue, here. 4. Nevertheless, I wish you GREAT SUCCESS! in selling your home! GOD BLESS!!! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear George, 1. Frankly, this is already ONE major leak. Often, there is more than 1 major leak in this home to cause such a situation. 2. Sometimes on further investigation (I am not too sure) if this is the case here, but things like:- 2.1 Toilet locations. 2.2 What `goes' at the centrepoint of the home e.g. a toilet or staircase. 2.3 The Ba Zi; does not match the house etc... I hope you understand that it is very difficult for any one to `read between the lines' since there is no real sketch of the layout plan and many other considerations to note. Frankly, in my opinion, I am in the blind; and is difficult to say more. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Audrey, 1. In Feng Shui, there is still a (strong element) of `Male domination'. 2. Given the two different groups - i.e. East vs West, we often go for the male figure i.e. in this case your husband. Unless you earn substantially more. 3. In my opinion, if one strictly base it on the Eight House than, this is still not the `best' home. 4. Go more for such combinations:- Husband: Excellent, Prosperity, Health and Longevity vs yourself - Spook and Irritation For example, the Main door is your husband's Excellent while for you it is your `spook' or irritation. 5. Where possible, one can still try not to have `death' or `disaster' at the main entrance or the bedroom area, Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear George, Please see below:- Since, one party is an East group person while the other spouse is a West group person. This seems to be acceptable based soley on the Eight House concept. It is good to hear that the front door does not line up with the door of the opposite house. In general, it is acceptable for your house to be `lower' elevation than the neighbours. But, frankly, I cannot comment more; since I do not have a full picture of the house. Hopefully, the toilet(s) are not at the centrepoint of the house. In GENERAL, with the simple description, I can only provide the above `guarded' comments. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. >The street number is 50. There are just too many types of numerology and the number of the house is less of an importance, here. The crucial aspect or the `bigger' picture is that of: Location, location and location.

Dear Guest, Please see below:- This depends more of what is facing the house. (Are there any threats such as a neighbour's sharp pointed roof) etc.. In my opinion, therefore, this may or may not pose a problem. It does not pose a problem if there are no threats to the main door. Often, many homes have drainage at the front of the home. But hmm.. 6 metre wide is pretty large drainage. Under `commonsense' approach to Feng Shui, if there is such a huge drain, it looks more like a canal. In the past, this is inauspicious - especially if the connecting `bridge' to our home is made of planks -- which if not well maintained can pose a safety hazard (it may collapse). If it is a storm drain (leading to our home); if there is large rainfall; and flooding occurs, someone walking on it may be swept away. Or a car, may fall into this canal. Please note that all these may not necessarily happen in your case. But, here, I am merely illustrating some of the `rationale' why, in "Feng Shui" this can be considered inauspicious. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. One thing for sure, most of us would (intuitively) feel uncomfortable about this - especially if; one leaves one's main door open. 2. Yes, it is best to take a `peep' on the type of god that they are worshipping (other than their ancestor tablet). 3. Here, it is important to have an idea what they are `doing'. 3.1 For example, if they are worshipping a statue of a buddha and/or Goddess of Mercy; This would imply that their main purpose is for the " Protection " of their home. 3.2 But if they are worshipping " God of Wealth " or any other figurines holding e.g. a long sword; then this can be considered as a `sha' qi. 3.3 For example, Para 3.2 can be considered as a `threat' to our main door area since; their god holds a `knife' facing our main entrance. This is akin to `threatening' the neighbour with a `knife' or `robbing' one's wealth. 4. Even, without such gods, it would be best not to have a set of kirin face our home. This is because, unlike a pair of `smiling' (plumb) lions; often the set of kirins look pretty fierce! 5. Often, many buildings do not use a set of kirins. Because, it also can imply bringing disharmony (frequent quarrels to the family who placed it there). In fact, many temples do not have them. 6. Try to find out what are they worshipping first. 7. For the time being, can you close your wooden door, all the time? It would be nice if your grille gate has panels that shield the door from this `offensive' objects. 7. At your end, you can (if you want) counter the kirin by hanging a red banner (Hong cai) above your door. Under Para 7, if the kirins are made of METAL (brass/bronze or white), then, Red (fire element) can be used to destroy METAL. This is where the be used to `bring auspiciousness to your home as well as; reduce the kirins to a set of `cowardly' puppies... Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. Hmmm... Let's hope that somehow, the set of kirin - becomes stolen by somebody, else......

Dear Anon, 1. Gua or Kua cannot be used to locate the best placement of a water fountain. 2. The two dynamics is used: 2.1 Shapes and Forms Feng Shui. 2.2 Here, since the living room is often symbolically a `water' area, a water feature can still `hug' one of the walls. 2.2 Under the Compass School, the Flying Star Feng Shui is used to find the best location for a water position or alternatively to avoid a water position. 3. If one is new to Feng Shui, it is best to understand these concepts, first. 4. In addition, it is often unfavourable for the breadwinner who is a `weak fire' or `strong water' element to have water inside the home. 4.1 For example, water may further exhaust a weak fire person. While water may further increase or fuel a strong water person. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Each of us have our own birth chart. And in the Chinese system this is known as our individual `Ba Zi' or `Pillars of Destiny' or also known as `Eight Characters'. 2. Here, do we change our birth chart, say every 20 years? Yes / No? 3. Our birthday (birth date) always remains. 4. Flying Star Feng Shui 5. Imagine, your home. Does it have a birth chart? Yes. 6. We can draw a parallel to this to Ba Zi. Each house is said to have it's own birth chart. 7. Often, the chief consensus is that a house birth chart will change only when there is a major renovation done to the house/home. 8. For example, the clue here is that if all houses MUST change their birth chart.. How come then? that there are houses that still retain say a Period 5 or 6 birth chart? 9. Here, if there is no major renovations done to a home; there is a strong implication that the house will remain e.g. a Period 5 or 6 home. 10. We should ponder over Para 8. However, often, if there is a change in qi, it has to do more with a larger area. For example, the entire estate rather than a single unit (eg. apartment). 11. A better or more realistic approach is; for example, since the last 3 years, for every on-site home audit, I have actually looked at two charts for the owners e.g. Period 7 and Period 8. 12. Here; what we look at is: 12.1 Is Period 7 better than Period 8 or vice versa? 12.2 The reason for this is that, if Period 7 is much better than Period 8, where possible the owners (or those who live in this house) AVOID any major renovations under Period 8. 12.3 Alternatively, if Period 8 is better, than, the advise would be for the owners (tenants) to do a `major' renovation under Period 8 to take advantage of this situation. 13. Caution: My main concern is that, the consumer should not be "taken-in" by anyone wanting to benefit from collection of more fees to do additional Feng Shui audit. 14. We should not allow some unscrupulous Feng Shui practitioners `con' us into paying more for their Feng Shui audit. 15. Going forward, imagine a Feng Shui practitioner will become "rich beyond Everest" if he gets additional fees from his past clients - to `re-evaluate' their homes. 16. For those who are taking or intend to take up a Feng Shui audit make sure that you REQUEST your Feng Shui practitioner to evaluate your current home with the two periods in-mind. To give you proper advise as mentioned under Para 12.2 and Para 12.3 17. I must emphasise that, we do not allow Feng Shui practitioners to benefit from our `fears' since many of us, can easily be taken in by such notions. 18. I have to put a stand here. Not all Feng Shui practitioners are out to make the extra (lucrative) money. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sushma, 1. In Singapore, often, I have only seen the lower income to `lower middle' income buy such objects. Rarely if any; do I see the mid-middle income to higher-middle income to the rich buy such things. This would `give' a clue as to it's usefulness. 2. Sometimes, it is not advisable to bring in any type of `figurines' into the home. There are often many situations where, (if in an occasion that) we bring in the `wrong things' than this can be detrimental. 3. Perhaps, try to SEARCH for " tomb " or " Japanese " where I had written an actual case of `inviting' the wrong spirits home. 4. I am not saying that your figurine has anything to do with or remotely to do with Para 3; but if you have the time do read the article. 5. If it brings `bad luck' to your husband, then it is best to `wrap' it up e.g. with red paper and tied with red string. Keep it in a store or cupboard, first. This beats throwing it away. And monitor the situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, An In-depth understanding of the Frontage of a home. Is it always the main door? Who are the Conservatives & the Modernist. What lead to the Conservatives use of the Main Door only? 1. Who are the Conservatives and the Modernists? 2. An in-depth understanding of why the Conservatives has misunderstood the knowledge passed down by the ancients. For High Rise Compass Reading should be taken from the living room looking out of it. For eg. towards the living room windows or its balcony (if applicable) Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee Compass readings differ based on the spot from which they are taken. Compass readings vary by location due to magnetic declination, which is the angle difference between magnetic north and true north. Understanding how to take accurate readings is essential for effective application of Flying Star Feng Shui EXTRACT / SAMPLE

Dear Sushma, Please visit this url: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm There is a step-by-step guide on how to do a `Eight house' chart. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear LeAnne, I searched this forum and came up with a previous article, I wrote on stone lions. (Often, if the fu dogs are suppose to resemble the lions, then, the items held under their paws should be similar.) If you want to view some of the .gif files mentioned below, please go the the conference below and search for the subject (below). Warmest Regards, Cecil Posted in: Info :: Feng Shui Tips & Guidelines on Thursday, April 18, 2002 09:41 AM Subject: How to properly place a pair of Chinese Stone Lions We have seen many pictures of buildings with the Lion figurines. In many of the ancient Chinese buildings, one hardly notice that:- 1. The Male Lion 1.1 This Lion sits on the left side of the building. 1.2 The Male Lion will have it's mouth open. Showing in traditional Chinese society, MALE is `dominant'. 1.3 It is holding a ball. 2. The Female Lion 2.1 It sits on the right side of the building. 2.2 It has it's mouth closed. Here, the FEMALE is considered submissive. 2.3 The Female Lion holds a lion cub. You can view the pair of MALE and FEMALE lion under this URL: http://www.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/mypictures.cgi?search=lion&img=8&cat=all&bool=and The pictures in the above link are:- lions1-1.gif (Showing the FEMALE lion with cub) lions2-1.gif (Showing the MALE lion with ball) 3. Do click on the thumb-nail picture for a larger view. 4. I hope you now better understand the symbolism of the `ORIGINAL' pair of Lions. Does your pair of LION STATUE have this description? YES / NO ? If not, yours is just an `ordinary' lion. Warmest Regards, Cecil Thank you for your

Dear Cindy, When it comes to Feng Shui, one has to take note of two ingredients:- 1. Sit facing a good direction for study. (You can make use of the free reports at http://www.geomancy.net to generate a chart for your daughter. There is a free report specific to the placement of study postion. 2. Another critical factor is based on Shapes and Forms i.e. and it has to do with light filtering (or sometimes becoming a glare) into the windows to the bedroom. 2.1 For example, if the bedroom happens to face West directly. And there are no other buildings or trees to block out this sunlight. It can be difficult to do work if our table is against a window facing such a strong light source. 2.2 Frankly, other than the above, there is not much else Feng Shui can help further your child's "learning ability". 3. Going forward, one may have to either pick up further `tips' from the teaching establishment or anyting relating to it. 3.1 For example, in the past, (anyway, I had left school) for many years already but some of the `study' strategies I remembered were:- 3.2 Build up a child's interest For example, bring your child to a library. If your child is young, pictorial books with few words are best. Spent time e.g. before your child sleeps, to tell her an interesting story. If your child is older, then try to find a quite spot; place a study table, with a study lamp on it and also place all the writing materials either conveniently in his/her drawer. 4. Nowadays, as parents, the worst we could do is to buy a Personal computer (PC) for our child. Unless, we set some guidelines.. once they start playing computer games.. that's it! 5. I am sure, there are books out there that teach us, techniques on some of the better ways to `motivate' our child - in a conducive learning environment. What most of us are aware is : to avoid `pushing' our child to study. Often, this has a negative effect. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In the past, when there were few (if any) high rise buildings; it is much easier to relate it to a landed property; than say an apartment. 2. One best way to look at a `major' renovation is of the following:- 3. Case Study 1 ================ 3.1 Someone has sold their home. For example, this house was purchased by a couple who married in the 1970's, stayed there. And when their children grew up; the children moved away. 3.2 Often, the `old couple' who have already retired decided to sell this house. 3.3 Most of the time, the house could require renovations to modernise the home. 3.4 For example, you came along and purchase this house. ANd decide to do a renovation this year. 3.5 Usually, this action, could result in a change of Period to the current e.g. Period 7 i.e. 1984 to 2003 house. 4. Frankly, there are no hard and fast rule to say for sure whether what constitutes a major or minor renovations: IT DEPENDS! 5. But from the clue above, we have to look at it from many angles. 6. Often, it should be a situation where, we may have to move out e.g. because of hacking the entire floor, replastering, removing doors or demolising walls. 7. Another way we can look at it is perhaps the amount spent on the renovations. For example, if you are in Singapore; for example an average Housing Board apartment i.e. 5 room type, if brand new may perhaps require at least S$15,000 to make it liveable i.e. doing the floor tiles and kitchen cabinet etc... (It can be more!) 8. We can base on such a quantitative assessement; if our renovations equal to (for example) this amount or more, then, we may perhaps, (roughly) say that we have done renovations. 9. The other situation is that; because of the nature of the renovation, e.g. hacking floor etc.. and making it difficult for us to live-in until the renovations has been completed -- in such a situation, we may have to move out temporarily. 10. By moving out (e.g. stay at relative or in a hotel); this act could be symbolic of `taking' over a new home, once the renovations had been completed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In the past, when there were few (if any) high rise buildings; it is much easier to relate it to a landed property; than say an apartment. 2. One best way to look at a `major' renovation is of the following:- 3. Case Study 1 ================ 3.1 Someone has sold their home. For example, this house was purchased by a couple who married in the 1970's, stayed there. And when their children grew up; the children moved away. 3.2 Often, the `old couple' who have already retired decided to sell this house. 3.3 Most of the time, the house could require renovations to modernise the home. 3.4 For example, you came along and purchase this house. ANd decide to do a renovation this year. 3.5 Usually, this action, could result in a change of Period to the current e.g. Period 7 i.e. 1984 to 2003 house. 4. Frankly, there are no hard and fast rule to say for sure whether what constitutes a major or minor renovations: IT DEPENDS! 5. But from the clue above, we have to look at it from many angles. 6. Often, it should be a situation where, we may have to move out e.g. because of hacking the entire floor, replastering, removing doors or demolising walls. 7. Another way we can look at it is perhaps the amount spent on the renovations. For example, if you are in Singapore; for example an average Housing Board apartment i.e. 5 room type, if brand new may perhaps require at least S$15,000 to make it liveable i.e. doing the floor tiles and kitchen cabinet etc... (It can be more!) 8. We can base on such a quantitative assessement; if our renovations equal to (for example) this amount or more, then, we may perhaps, (roughly) say that we have done renovations. 9. The other situation is that; because of the nature of the renovation, e.g. hacking floor etc.. and making it difficult for us to live-in until the renovations has been completed -- in such a situation, we may have to move out temporarily. 10. By moving out (e.g. stay at relative or in a hotel); this act could be symbolic of `taking' over a new home, once the renovations had been completed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. `sum of ten', double 7 and double 8 are strictly based on Xuan Kong or Flying Star Feng Shui. 2. `Sum of Ten' For example, if the #numbers add up to 10; then this is considered as an auspicious number. Often, this is factored into under the Eight-One combination where the 9 by 9 luo shu grid when ( times ) X together i.e. 9 x 9 = 81 combinations. Here, for example, a Flying star numerology of #2 combined with #8 which when added equals sum #10. This is considered an auspicious number (interpretation). 3. Double 7's and Double 8's This is the most popular concept. Where for example since we are now under Period 7; if the main entrance or door has double 7's e.g. #7 mountain with #7 water, this is considered a very auspicious combination. 3.1 For example: a House under N2 ( 0/360 degrees) This house has a Flying Star combination of double 7's at the main door. Although on it's own #7 are inauspicious but because we are currently under Period 7, based on the Flying Star numbers a double 7 i.e. #7 mountain with #7 water is considered an auspicious combination under Period 7. 3.2 If we proceed with a major renovation for a house under N2 ( 0/360 degrees) say after 2004, the Flying Star at the main entrance will be changed to a #7 mountain and #9 combination. 4. If a house was built or born under Period 8 e.g. a new home constructed now, but only ready say in Year 2006, will thus be considered as a Period 8 house. 4.1 Under this situation, homes with main entrance facing double 8's are considered very auspicious under Period 8. 5. But, most of the time, these can be considered as `wishful' thinking. 6. This is because, under every Period, only certain sectors ( compass directions ) have such a Luo Shu grid. 7. We can compare this as `nearly' missing a lottery. But the truth is that: " A miss is as good as a mile ". For many people, if the lottery number is say: " 1486 " even if we got 148 correct but the last digit wrong! we will still MISS! the prize. 8. These theories, therefore or often are therefore meant more for the practitioner. For example, during current Period 7, we have personally tried or had actually purchased for ourselves, homes that suit us and fortunately, these are double 7 homes. The Pearl String Formation or simply " Pearl String " 9. "Pearly string" you mentioned again is only SPECIFIC to Flying Star Feng Shui. In fact, the most correct direct interpretation of this is known as " The Pearl String Formation ". This information can easily be found in ancient Feng Shui books. 10. One can look at it as something like a `Reverse Osmosis'. Often we hear of the term "A rose amongst the thorn " but under this Pearl String Formation concept, it is a reverse of commonly thought out idea that we MUST have `clear space' at the frontage while there should be a mountain at the back. 10.1 THE CONDITION: 10.2 In order to take advantage of this concept, a Flying Star chart MUST FLY or " FLOW " in SEQUENCE. 10.3 For example, (ROUGHLY) the specific Flying Star chart must have numbers that flow THREE-IN-A-ROW e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 2, 3, 4 or 3, 4, 5 or 4, 5, 6 or 5, 6, 7 or 6, 7, 8 or 7, 8, 9 or 8, 9, 1 For example if we look at a row of Luo Shu grid numbers of the same numbers e.g. base number or mountain number or water numbers they must flow in such a pattern. UNDER SUCH A CHART, there are specific conditions: 11. Under "reverse osmosis" if a house has this chart PLUS there is a hill at it's frontage. The hill must be of a specific height e.g. as high as a one storey house; 12. In addition: there is water at it's back, this type of house can benefit by a " MOUNTAIN " at it's frontage and a " WATER " at its back. 13. DEFYING CONVENTIONAL SHAPES AND FORMS THINKING 14.1 If we can see the argument, this is not the conventional `thinking' that Water MUST be at the front while a Mountain MUST be at the back of a house. 14.2 Often, we practitioners will first, scan the environment and chart out the Flying Star numbers for this house. And, if the house has such a `formation' PLUS, the Flying Star has `running numbers' such as 3, 4, 5, then this will be favourable for such a house. 14.3 As mentioned earlier under Para 7, in every Flying Star periods, there are very few charts that meets such a condition. 15. In addition, another specific condition is that the house MUST have a rectangular or `earth shape' e.g. rectangular or square to achieve such a condition. 16. If all these conditions are MET, then it is said that it can override the common norm that `clear space' MUST be at the front while a `mountain' should exist at the back of the house. 17. Going forward, as mentioned, there must be such specific match in order for such a property to `turn the tide' from being an inauspicious house to a prosperous house. 18. Under Shapes and Forms, there are equally many examples that have a reverse osmosis `effect'. Where, often, the common idea is that a certain form MAY not be considered auspicious but, in fact, sometimes, it can be the other way. 19. For example, I had previously written a real life example on `The Sterling' condominum. Which has a triangle plot of land. On the surface, it may look or sound inauspicious, but, take a look at the analysis and one can understand why, the condominium was designed to `bring the dragon qi' from the mountain to `water'. 20. For more info, do a SEARCH for " THE STERLING " in this forum. Or go to the specific forum conference " Photo Tours of Interest (with pictures) to learn more. Warmest Regards, Cecil