Cecil Lee

Dear Kathleen, 1. Frankly, Feng Shui is never meant to be used as a marketing tool. 2. The only think that Feng Shui can help is that if the house has good Feng Shui attributes, and if the buyer can be `convinced' that it has good Feng Shui for them, this would be an added advantage. 3. Some Feng Shui practitioners who use basic or elementary Feng Shui, would suggest one paint the main door Red or pink. To them, they feel that it would hasten the sale of the house. In my opinion, there is no proof that it would work. Worse, as the first impression counts, a red or pink door may even be a turn off for some people. (The rational for pink or red is the belief that red or pink is either associated with PR or marketing i.e. fire, or vibrant activity or yang). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. When we consider water, water in a fish tank is usually slower moving. 2. While a fountain, stirs up the water and faster moving. 3. There is no concrete measure as to how beneificial `qi' if any from a fountain or fish tank is. 4. But, based on Feng Shui concepts, because, water movement e.g. water flow, mixed with `air' is more vibrant and faster moving. 5. Based on the `faster' moving water, it is thus recommended that between having a fountain or a fish tank, a fountain would be considered having a higher potential of generating `qi' or stirring of the air, mixed with water. 6. When one talks about a fountain or even an artificial waterfall, it is not about the size of a fish tank but one much bigger than that. 7. If we consider examining a fish tank with one in the interior of the home, most likely the water fountain is small. It is also in the interior so, there is not much comparison between a fish tank and such a small water fountain. 8. A good Flying Star location is one where the water star can be activated. Is a fish tank, a mountain? Human beings have a habit to go out and buy what they read. There are various types of `fish tank'. The correct type of fish tank to activate the water star is not our idea of a tall fish tank. As the word water suggest, it should be as low as possible. So that there can be clear space. But our stereo type idea of a fish tank is that it is seating on four legs and quite tall. So how can this be activating the WATER star, I wonder? Traditionally, when Hong Kong practitioners advise the use of the fish tank is that it is usually placed e.g. near to the window in full view of the poison arrow i.e. a lone lamp post. Here, the fish tank is tall. Thus, if one `THINKS' that all fish tanks are created equally, are in for a shock! How can a tall object, e.g. a full height fish tank be considered, in the true sense, activating the water star? Perhaps, it is best to be naive and forget what was mentioned here. Many would still have a sense of happiness thinking that they are activating the water star. Would one be prepared to construct a low e.g. 3 feet low pond in the house to rear Koi fishes. `Water star' conform to such a situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- Water need not be running underground but if it is due to leaks which causes `invisible vapours', there is some cause and concern. It is the `vapours' that one should be more concerned of. Thus vapour, either from underground or leaks that cause the ground to become damp, is said to release `vapours' although, it may not be seen by the naked eye. Apologies, I do not know of any. Yes, you can sent a scanned layout of where the dampness is. But, it may not be totally possible to see how far it spread. However, it is still best to determine where the leak occurs and if possible, seal it. If not, try to, if you can, sleep in a location that is free of the damp. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Most of the time, Hong Kong practitioners use the Fish Tank (with goldfish) to neutralise sha qi. Such as to neutralise a lamp post which is considered the wood element (Because if one imagine a tree, it is tall and thin like a lamp post. 2. Usually, most of the practitioners should have an understanding of Flying Star theory. If so, they should be able to advise their clients whether or not, rocks (earth) may or may not be detrimental to a sector. 3. So they should be able to advise their clients when not to place rocks = earth at certain sectors. Because earth, if placed in a `Big Earth' or also called 5 yellow (because Big Earth = 5 and earth is yellow), may cause great misfortune. 4. Another consideration is that `5 earth' or wrongly enhancing earth especially 5 yellow can be detrimental as it causes misfortune. The `biggest worry' is that Earth element is strongest in between all seasons. 5. Unlike other elements which is strongest only in a season of a year, earth element, is strongest nearly throughout the year (as mentioned, in-between each season. 6. Thus, some authors, `spread' the fear that one must only watch out for deadly `5 yellows' at the North is but just a frozen snapshot. 7. Because of time-dimensons, it does not always stay at the North, but if one does a Monthly, Daily or even hourly, into seconds Flying Star, it can be `nearly everywhere'. But it is ridiculous to suggest that we must track the stars flying right up to daily or even hourly. This is time consuming also. 8. Thus if we use the Flying Star this would account for human suffering or misfortune occuring unexpectedly. 9. As for the use of plants, is that under the Destructive cycle, metal destroys wood. Assuming the `cure' is to neutralise wood i.e. the lamp post, some practitioners feel that gold fishes (representing the metal element) i.e. GOLD represents metal may be weakened, by having plants in the fish tank (to some of these practitioners no matter how small it is). 10. In my opinion, it is still acceptable to have a few plants in the fish tank. But do not turn it into a fish tank `jungle'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

(Note: For those who have not seen a `Tiger balm' medicated oil, check out this link: http://www.tigerbalm.com ) According to the description of this external medicine, it is used for the symptomatic relief of muscular aches and pains, sprains, insect bites, itching, headache. It is gently rubbed on affected parts. It contains: mehtnol, campor, mint old, clove oil, cajuput oil and paraffin. No, there is no evidence to suggest that carrying the tiger balm is `detriment' to luck. In addition, most of the time, it is kept in the bag and I do not anyone carrying it out openly in their hands. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This link is useful on "Bau-bologie". Which is the Germany study `similiar' with Feng Shui:- http://www.bau-biologieusa.com/ Quote and Credit from the above site:- What is Bau-biologie? The German term "Bau-biologie" means "building biology" or "the relationship between buildings and life" and could be defined as: The impact of the building environment on human health, and the application of this knowledge to the construction, or modification, of homes and workplaces, and The holistic interaction between human life and other life-forms with our environment.

Dear Anon, 1. I understand proper understanding of Feng Shui can be quite confusing. 2. As it is there are authentic Feng Shui theories and many others generated by modern man. 3. Even when we talk about authentic Feng Shui, some can work for MOST of us, some can work for only a FEW people. Others, sounds sensible but may not work all the time. 4. Faced with such a situation, what should we do if we want to continue to apply Feng Shui? 5. The most sensible approach is to: 5.1. Try to apply the theories or concepts that works best for most people. Here, one has to discern and read up. As there are already a huge resources of geninue questions posted and replied on. For those who have the time can go thru them and see what generally works. And some which may belong to superstitions or taboos. Some other theories, perhaps are too general to be applied. 6. Next, should one become confused as to the pile and pile of Feng Shui information, thus set Rankings or Priorities 7. I always try to set rankings or priorities so that we can then see which theory or concept is more important than others. 8. Thus to answer your question as to whether a bed has to be wooden or metal, or use of folding metal bed; we should understand that these are `secondary' to Feng Shui. Making such decisions as to use a wooden bed, sleep on the floor etc.. does not provide the `Quantum leap' in Feng Shui. 9. I mentioned that 50 percent of the battle with `bad Feng Shui' is won by having a good house with good shapes and form. 10. Thus whether a bed is metal, wood, or even a water bed are `peanuts' Feng Shui. We have to always look at the bigger picture. Please see below:- 11. As mentioned above, these are secondary to Feng Shui. 12. There are some Feng Shui practitioners whom I feel have nothing better to do and even go as far as arguing about box beds. 13. As these beds have springs, they argue the amount of metal that goes into them. 14. It is like a Chief Executive Officer, who is paid to make big decisions, come to a point of deciding on taking on the job of reimbursing petty cash of a few dollars to all the staff. Where say, the total petty cash disbursed is up to $50 per month. 15. Is it silly for staff to make an appointment, line up at his office to be reimbursed 50 cents etc... 16. Perhaps, wouldn't it be more fruitful for him to delegate this to his subordinate. 17. For balancing sectors, the Flying Star theory can help to determine the various elements at a sector. 18. At Geomany.net, we had a long-time ago, computerised this and sectors that are out of balanced are feedback under the report. 19. Cures are specific to the sector such as the use of 6 metal coins etc... 20. Alternatively, if one consults a FS practitioner, usually the practitioner will advise on the type of `cure' or `balance' to be used. 21. We help our report users, should they need assistance or help with their `cures'. 22. This may be a controversial subject. Some Feng Shui practitioners, in my opinion, if they have nothing else to comment, may spell out `doomsday' messages of the ill effects of sleeping under the ceiling fan. 23. There are always some `quirky' Feng Shui disharmonisers who always try to give bad news, over bad news. 24. But when it comes to giving proper advise, they will still continue to churn up bad news. 25. In the office, if one were to come up with bad news, one is expected to also come up with solutions. 26. Early, this year, a few users here was saying that after reading a book on Feng Shui, with all the negative connotations, they wondered why no solutions are given. 27. Is this `sensational' reporting, to sell fears and thus generate more income for the book? 28. In my opinion, life is short, and one feels confortable with the fan on, this is fine. Sometimes it is better than having the aircon on as in an aircon environment, air is circulated in a closed environment. Sometimes baterial (damp air) if the pipe is blocked etc.. may even be bad. The `sick air syndrome'. 29. Some FS practitioners believe that when the `metal' blades circulate, it is like disruption Qi with `metal'. Some of these blades need not be made of metal. Some could be made with light plastic or wood. These are small issues and feel free to do what you like. Doing what you like or enjoy is different from being told, that one must place X here and X there. It depends on what kind of partipation you allow Feng Shui in your home. If you are just inquisitve or merely a passer-by, you do not need to do a full audit. But if you like to find out more, then, you should try to apply firstly, shapes and forms, then find out more about your personal `Eight House', `Flying Star' or Pillars. This would depend on individual as I mentioned, whether to do a full audit or just a `passer-by' of Feng Shui. Each of us have to decide on the above. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, So long as underground water is still there i.e. running underground, it would most likely fulfill the condition under the articel of the underground water as you had mentioned that the area is still damp. Most likely the underground water would follow the flow of the tide. The condition would not exist if the ground does not have underground water or further inland, especially the bedroom is specific above an underground stream. If there are any specific water course and not entire land, it best to stay away (if it can be avoided). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, Thanks for the feedback. Warmest Regards, Cecil

These are pictures of common Chinese style terrace houses of the 1930s. This row of terrace houses has been turned into a row of (commercial) shophouses. These terrace houses are in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Location: Steven Street Warmest Regards, Cecil

This office which is directly `hit' by a `T-junction' where vehicles, move towards it has been in bad shape. Please wait loading picture (100k)... The building to the right is not affected as usually cars are parked on that side of the road. Both buildings to the left and right of this building looks lovely but not for this one. Where the roof is also in disrepair. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

It is far worse to practice the wrong things. I know, finding a reliable FS practitioner is quite difficult, but at least, give the following a thought: "Even if one finally practises D.I.Y. Feng Shui, do it moderately. It is not like picking up a cook book and stirring in all the ingredients .... " I remembered a year back when one doctor, took a book on Feng Shui. At each chapter, he would apply a certain enhancement. For example, after reading a chapter, he would paint his door a certain colour. Looking at it from a lighter side, "What happens if the first few chapters contains introduction. And the final chapters say, sorry, the above are no good. Here, is what you should instead do.. Oops! Is it too late?

Many of us read that buying figurines such as the three-legged toad would immediately `grant' us luck and wealth. In my opinion:- 1. Buying such objects are just like buying any ordinary items or objects to decorate the house. If you really love the shape and design of the object, buy it to decorate your house. 2. These objects does not have magical powers. 3. It is worth the while, saving the money for a rainy day or think of your child and instead, place the money in your child's piggy bank. At least, you are investing in your child's future. 4. For those who go out and purchase it with your credit card, and now having mounting bills, is it worth the while? 5. For myself, I sometimes collect lovely pieces of Chinese porcelain figurines. But it is also a hobby and there is certainly no magical powers associated with them. I love looking at them, once a while:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Space clearing or `clearing / keeping clean or tidy ' is a commonsense approach. It need not necessary be linked to Feng Shui. Anyone who wants to keep their home tidy will try to do so even with or without Feng Shui in mind. FS practitioners, who utilises this concept usually do not apply Compass Schools or have no idea how to. They may not necessary be Traditional Feng Shui practitioners. When utilitizing `such skills', it would even be better if you rely on your own instincts as it is not difficult to see where you can keep your things `clear'. In my opinion, space clearing does help to create a clean and tidy environment. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

In my opinion, I consider Feng Shui both an Art and a Science. 1. Science : related to the use of numerology under the Flying Star and the Five elements each is based on a number. Although some of the `science' cannot be seen with the naked eye, studies such as done in German, suggest that dangers of underground water are true: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/under.htm 2. Art : The art of practice and interpretation of Feng Shui principles. I believe some of us may not fully agree that is a `Science' but many will I believe overwhelmingly agree that it is an Art. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Attached please find a recent article on the use of handphones and internet in Mainland China.

Find out more from the survey conducted under My Polls: http://www.geomancy.net/polls/index.htm

The Seventh Month is considered the month of the `Hungry Ghosts'. Find out the exact date for 2000: http://www.geomancy.net/calendar/index.htm

It is interesting to note the following: 1. Migration of Chinese dialect groups / clans 1.1 Taiwan - Majority of the Chinese originate from Fujian province and are known as the Hokkien. 1.2 Hong Kong - Cantonese is the predominate Chinese dialect group. Majority migrated from the Canton province. 2. Calendar System Used 2.1 Motherland China: Main calendar: Chinese Lunar Calendar System While mainly for farming the Farmers use the `Seasons calendar' known as Hsia or Xia Li. 2.2 Taiwan: Calendar System: Chinese Lunar Calendar System Majority of this group of Chinese, especially the practitioners do not speak or understand English. You seldom hear their voice in the internet world particularly English internet sites. 2.3 Hong Kong: Calendar System: Hsia or Xia Li This is why, we can understand so many people who had picked up Feng Shui from Hong Kong; use the Hsia to calculate Pillars of Destiny. As Hong Kong was formerly a British colony, many of these practitioners because of their advantage in English, migrated to British Canada and USA. 2.4 Singapore and Malaysia Because of the influence of Hong Kong and Taiwan, have a mix of practitioners practising Lunar and Hsia. As there are no majority dialect groups, you have as much as 10 or more different dialect groups or clans such as the Teochews, Hokkiens, Cantonese, Hakka etc... 3. Which Calendar System is more superior? 3.1 There are no superior calendar system. 3.2 Just that each calendar system is used for specific purposes. 3.3 It is thus not right to use only the Hsia (Xia Li) calendar as adopted by many `Hong Kong' practitioners because its major FLAW is that it cannot detect an `intercalary' month. This is where if that particular year has double months e.g. two 7th months, your month of birth get displaced by one month. 3.4 The Lunar Calendar System cannot also be taken into isolation. As it has to be cross-referenced to the Hsia calendar to check the season of strength. 4. Use both methods 4.1 Thus, our approach is that we have always used both calendar system to determine Pillars of Destiny. 4.2 To this date, some `Hong Kong' practitioners still `swear' by the superiority of the Hsia calendar system. Yet, some were even questioned as to why they use the Lunar Calendar method for determing Flying Star. (There is a Hsia version of Flying Star). Since Hsia is `so superior' one might as well adopt Hsia method altogether. 4.3 For convenience, some of these practitioners use Lunar for the Year, Day and Time but switched over to Hsia calendar to determine the month. Thus if there is an intercalary month, it is like comparing an apple with an orange. When concerning birthdates, the Chinese have always considered the Lunar Calendar system. I hope, you will find the above useful should you decide to do a Pillars of Destiny. Not all Pillars of Destiny calculations are the same.

Can you not only spot the dragon but see it gently embracing the tiger?

Dear Anon, Thank you for your suggestion on creating a new conference. Done! It is 9 down the list from the first conference. When I have time, I will transfer some of the MOST RECENT messages that was posted in other conferences on supersitions and taboos to this conference. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to my earlier message, attached please find some pictures on how Chinese rocco-type houses, place a `mask' (a fierce one) at the frontage. Here goes... Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee P.S. There is a new Topic - Caricatures: Laughter is good medicine. There are already 68 subjects and more than 80 messages. For mailing list members, if you want to view these, you can add this to your mailing list topics else, they will not be sent to you.

Can you spot the wrong use of words: " Houses you want to put your home into " Hmm.. I wonder how one is able to `squeeze' an entire home into a house? Any suggestions?