Cecil Lee

Hi Anon, RED string version is used to control the Metal so that you can effectively use it to control all the problem sectors. This is the correct cure to use for fixing problems. YELLOW string on the other hand has an objective to hopefully increase wealth as it uses Earth as the Wealth and thus Metal destroy it to create wealth. This the it "concept". However, often in good sector, you would probably want to activate the Water areas with Water features as usually those are the better stars you wish to induce rather than just the wealth from the 6 coins. This can be a debatable issue and it depends on your opinion. In my personal opinion, I also classify Electicity as Water. You need to perform a major renovation which should involve a change in the house structure to effectively change the house period. ie to hack off a wall or to add a wall changing the structure of the interior of the house. If you redo the entire roof, it will also be considered changing the structure of the house. But the more effective way in my opinion to having a change in the interior structure of the house. This is because if you do this, the Qi flow will change and that will affect the overall flying star of the house also. Hope that helps. Warmest Regards Robert Lee

Dear Max Rosen, Happy new year to your too! Generally, the main door should be where your house number is located. However, for landed properties sometimes you have a choice of two entrance. Thus, it the main door becomes the one which you frequently use, as that is where the Qi enters and exit the house most frequently. Which one you should choose should depends on:- 1. Is that main door direction suitable to you (ie North-West, is it a good or bad sector for you - prosperity or diaster based on your Eight House Suitability) 2. Next depends on which has a better overall Stars (ie. which main door has overall better House analysis by the Flying Star report) Usually you would want to choose the better door direction. You can make use of the Free Flying Star report to help you on this, see which report has less problem sectors and if there are problem sectors you should rectify it to get better luck from it. Hope that helps. Warmest Regards Robert Lee

Hi Anon, Please see below:- The priority you should be taking is as follows:- A. The house should be 1st suitable to the breadwinner (your husband). Since both of you are of opposite EIght House, which by the way is a common issue for most people. Likely it is not your death or disaster sector which would be worst. B. Next, you should then focus on choosing a a bedroom that hopefully is suitable for the two of you. However, in most cases, it would be hard to find it as it would likely again be such a case where your husband is good and your is bad. So you can try to choose a bedroom if possible where either of the following:- 1. Good for you and maybe irritation for your husband. 2. Good for your husband and maybe irritation for you. (So long as for the bedroom, you do not choose a bedroom which is DEATH or DIASTER it will.) Preferably to have option 1 because since your husband is already staying in his favourable house, staying in a slightly less auspicious bedroom to accomodate his wife is acceptable. C. Next is to position your sleeping position. ie (try to use each other as a shield). Say for example you choose to sleep in North bedroom, where North-West is better for your husband and North-East is better for you. Then you will sleep in the North bedroom where you sleep closer to North-East and your husband sleep closer to the North-West side of the bed. This way you will make use of each other to shield yourself from the not so favourable influence. This is normally how to resolve this opposite problem issue which is a very common problem. The other issue is to enhance your personal self (ie if you are a weak wood), then have more blue colours to improve your personal luck. For the bedroom, you will need to know the binding element between you and your husband so that you can find a colour that would be beneficial to both of you. (ie weak wood and Strong Metal). The binding element would be Water. So painting the room in light shades of "Blue/Black/Gray" can help to improve both of your personal luck. Hope that helps. Warmest Regards Robert Lee GEOMANCY.NET - Center for Applied Feng Shui Research

Dear Grace, 1. In my book Applied Feng Shui Made Easy, Page 58; I have listed two formulas that are applicable even in 2000 and more. One of the formula (Method 2) is: - Take the year of birth = 00 - Add the last two digits to get a single number = 0 - Add 5 to this single number - Add two digits to a single numer. this wil be your daughter's Gua no. For example: Born in 2000 0 + 0 = 0; 5 + 0 = 5; 0 + 5 = 5. Your daughter's Gua number is = 5. 2. Another easier method is to goto www.geomancy-online.com and generate a Free Gua Report. The Free generated Gua Report available at the above link also confirms that your daughter's Gua no. is 5. " Your Gua (Kua) Number No. 5 Gua Earth Element West Group Gua Your Gua number is 5. This can be considered your personal number or even lucky number. You belong to one of the four West Group Gua. Your Gua element is Earth Element. However, please note that the more accurate element is determined by the Pillars of Destiny day element. " --- End of Gua Report generated Free at www.geomancy-online.com 2. Child born under horse or goat year. 3. Overall, it is difficult at the moment to say whether it is better for a second child to be born under the horse or goat. 4. This is because, it varies with not only the Year of birth. But, consideration include: 5. Year, Month, Day, Time of Birth and even two critical pillars House of Life and House of Conception. This is what we call " Eight Characters or Ba zi " of every single individual will differ. For example, say Horse year may be a compatible year (roughly) to your husband or yourself but it also depends on the day, month, hour of birth. And this can sway even in years considered to be better than the other. 6. Here, it is best left to fate when a child is born. 7. In traditional times, you may see the grandfather hurrying to a Geomancer to look at the Ba Zi of a child once he/she has been born. If the child is lacking say of an element, the correction is to e.g. use a name with that element included in it. 8. On mother `nature' side, it is always better to try to conceive earlier than later even if it is one or two years later especially since your first child is nearly 2 years or 2 years +. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear James, 1. In my opinion, the biggest influence in the home (`Earth' luck) relates more to the external environment, the site and the home. 2. Usually, other than the external environment and the site, the next important consideration is the (entire house). 3. Therefore; even if you had rented a room, it is but of secondary importance as the whole house has to be related to. 4. What I am trying or hoping to emphaise here is that your room is but just one sector of the whole house. 5. Usually, a full house is audited and checked for any imbalances (if any) within each sector. If there are any imbalance, then it should be `cured'. Say, after applying the cure for that sector; and the imbalance is neutralised, we usually do not look at that sector (other than say the yearly Flying Star influence). This summarises the use of the Flying Star Feng Shui. (If it is applied) 6. Besides this, Shapes and Form Feng Shui for both interior and exterior of the home should be utilised. 7. In your case, you can try using the Eight House Theory. Here, you should try to check which sector your rented room is at. And see if this a good sector. And if possible, try to sleep at a good sector or nice to have if one sleeps facing a good direction. 8. For your rented room, frankly no matter where you relocate your belongings, it will usally still be within one or two true compass directions. For example, the room could straddle between say North East and East Sector or simply at only one sector such as the East (as an example). 9. For a `small' room, therefore, there is nothing much or significant one can do. 10. We can still apply the Yin and Yang concept here. If the room is used for multiple roles. For example; in the day time, if the room is used for an activity e.g. study or work; then it should be `more Yang' and at night or evening, `more yin' for sleep. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Serene, 1. The best `neutral' colour in Feng Shui is white. White serves two fold: 1. it represents the metal element and is one of the safest element to apply. 2. Under the Yin and Yang concept, white makes the house `brighter'. For those who just got their condominiums, can choose to continue with the colour painted. Usually, condominiums use white interior or light cream. This still OK. 3. If one is really not too sure, so long as it is white; off-white or white + light shades of it mixed into white is exceptable. For lily-white, this is usually still OK. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Although sector Feng Shui is not practised here, I really don't see any harm in doing so i.e. SW = romance sector... 2. The 33.3 percent rule-set: 2.1 Usually, under Feng Shui; major impact is based on this rule-set. For example if we paint the walls in the bedroom `pink'; and if it > 33.3 percent of the entire surface of the walls in the room; then the predominate element is changed to Fire element (pink). 2.2 Usually, a small item e.g. rose quartz is a minor element - thus considered relatively little impact on a sector. It can be considered as decorative item. 3. Symbolism in Feng Shui Here, symbolism is important in Feng Shui. For example, the use of numbers: 3.1 Six (6 coins) used as a cure in Feng Shui 3.2 Instead of applying the 33.3 percent ruleset. Where another example is that a missing corner is a sector of that corner has a missing floor area equal to or exceeding 33.3 percent. 3.3 We can use another alternative concept under Symbolism in Feng Shui. By using numbers. 3.4 Since 6 represents Big Metal element; therefore, 6 coins is thus symbolic representation of "Big metal". Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In Traditional Feng Shui, especially, if one uses Compass School Feng Shui, the `wealth corner' is subjective. 2. The rationale here is that there is not only one wealth sector but to achieve: maximum wealth or Luck potential; one has to balance all sectors and accord equal emphasis of attention on all sectors. 3. There is really no harm in placing a tin container that you cherish at any location of the home where you feel comfortable with. 4. In addition, this concept applies here " If one cannot see it; it no longer is effective". 5. Thus, coins kept in a tin would remain as a `tin box'. Usually, in Feng Shui, an item has to be visible for it `to work'. 6. For example, when say, applying a cure at a sector i.e. such as hanging 6 coins or a wind chime; these items has to be visible. 7. It is no point putting 6 coins in a drawer at a sector. It does not work that way in Feng Shui. Or if one is suppose to hang a wind chime; instead of hanging it up; we keep it say in a display cabinet. 8. The above are some `quirks' in Feng Shui. Like it's cousin: If one no longer sees, it no long becomes a threat'. 9. This is equally true for items say to be used as a cure. It has to be `displayed' such as hung at a wall. In my opinion, therefore, go ahead with placing it at any location within the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Alan, You can find out more about how to get the main door direction using this illustrated link:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/art-cecilcompass.htm You need to first find the centrepoint of the house. And from this centrepoint; check the direction of the house i.e. stand at the centrepoint of the house and from that location; take a compass reading. This is where the direction of the house is determined. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Thanks for your sketch of your own apartment. 2. Based on the sketch (alone) it is difficult to say for sure whether the SW is a missing corner - at the moment. Is it possible to have a sketch of the entire building. 3. This is because, usually, the missing corner or protusions are looked at in relation to this entire building. For now, it can go either ways:- 3.1. a missing corner as what you have mentioned or 3.2. a protusion (less likely) but need to confirm based on the total building profile. or It is simply an L shaped building. The shape of the building matters as from it one can see if there are perhaps any imbalance in Qi flow around it. For example if the building is U shaped, Qi may become Sha Qi within the U area. Appreciate, if you can let me have the information, before, I can look at it more carefully. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Susan, Yes, bronze is considered as Metal element and can be used. So long the material is `metal', it is fine. Warmest Regards, Cecil

(Note: Photo attachments not available for those who participate in the Mailing List option) Dear All 1. The district in Katong, Singapore is a rustic area filled with many beautiful - old houses built between 1890s to 1960's. 2. Attachment shows a house built around 1930's with a distinctive Ba Gua (Fire type of living room area). 3. In another photo " old-and-new.jpg " you will find the backdrop (this old bungalow landed property) shown against high rise Singapore Public Housing " 5 Room " flats built by the Public Housing Development Board for nearly 90 percent of the population. These distintive Five Room flats are built around the 1970's. 4. There is another picture: "opposite-neighour.jpg " This low rise walk up flats are also pretty old built around 1960's. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Angelina, Even if there is 5 Fire in both Hs and EB, may not necessarily mean that you become a Yang Fire person. But it does not necessarily mean that you can be a Yang Fire person. However, in a basic analysis, you may consider yourself as Yang Fire element person. This is because, there are other variables and interactions such as House of Conception and House of Life with the Year, Month, Day and Time combinations and interactions of all Hs and EBs; sometimes leading to triple combinations etc... some clashes may be beneifical while others may not. The end result in such a situation may not necessarily mean that (in a more accurate analysis) result in being a Yang Fire due to these interactions as it will involve something like 6 Hs and 6 EBs - interaction with each other. Therefore, even if you have more of a certain element, it does not (necessarily mean that you are a Yang Fire person.) You can still be a Yin Fire person depending on the above. Under the basic Flying Star analysis, yes, at a glance you are a strong fire person. However, the number of elements here do not reflect the seasons of birth which means that if happen your 5 fire are considered extremely weak fire, you may not necessary be a strong fire. Also, following what I mentioned earlier there will be clashes and combinations which will have an impact on your resulting elements, and also the House of Life and House of Conception which can determine if you are a follow the leader etc type of chart. Based on the basic analysis, you can be considered as a a Strong yin Fire, and thus Water, Metal and Earth are favourable for you.

Dear Anon, In my opinion, there is really nothing magical about a wish box. It is similar to someone keeping a good luck charm. Since this does not fall into the category of Feng Shui or divinity, I am unable to answer your question. However, I do not really see any harm in keeping or treasuring it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Rosen, You can refer to this message posted recently to this same conference:- ------- Reference ------- Topic: Courtyard in Center of House-Answers to your Qs, 1 File Attachment Conf: Free Advice (General Topics) Date: Tuesday, January 08, 2002 06:56 AM here is the drawing i forgot to attach to the last email... thanks for helping me -------- The above message also contains an attachment. Try to view this attachment (only available by login to the forum - Mailing List users cannot view the attachment. In the above message there is a sketch of two unconstructed properties that I felt is inauspicious. Most of the time, a house at the end of the road (circular road) may not be auspicious as the circle radiates towards the house (creating a Sha Qi) This is like a knife, slicing to the frontage of the house. In some instances, the house may be auspicious - if the house frontage is sheltered or protected from the circular road. In the past, I had a client who has a house (main entrance) does not directly face the road. If you have a layout or sketch (of your home's position and the surrounding homes, you can attach it to the forum, for a confirmation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Gloria, 1. In my opinion, an `L-shaped' apartment may not necessarily have `bad Feng Shui'. 2. Often, an `L-shaped' apartment is accessed by dividing the apartment into two rectangles. 3. If you have a sketch of your apartment, feel free to upload to the forum so that I can confirm whether it is auspicious or not. (Usually, here, you need to show a top down view including the adjoining unit). Here, the entire profile of the building is looked at. If the apartment is in a U shaped formation, sometimes, it may be auspicious or inauspicious and it is best to confirm this through visual inspection of the sketch. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Alan, 1. Yes, it is often the case, especially in finding a new home and we are trying to actively find a home based on our best directions. 2. Under the Eight House theory, there are 4 good and 4 bad directions. 3. If we are unable to find the best house (Excellent sector) at least try to find one where there are other 3 good sectors. If, we still cannot find one, then at least find a house that does not have the `death or disaster at the main entrance. 4. In addition to the above, look at also the bedrooms and see whom can `fit' into which room(s). 5. As mentioned earlier; so long as the other 3 sectors are good sectors, this is considered ok or the house is still generally suitable. 6. From my past experience, excellent houses that fit a person/family are pretty hard to find. Therefore, one can safely say also that there is the probability that not all houses are `perfect'. 7. For those, in Singapore who are buying new private homes e.g. in condominums can try to find homes especially in new launches... and try to find them early. Majority of these homes usually have main doors that face various directions. For the `less fortunate'; can still try when the time comes for the balloting of say new goverment housing board flats and hope to find resale flats. (May take time and effort -thou) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Under one aspect of house suitability using Ba Zi Feng Shui; if the house is considered a " Wood house " by virtue that the main entrance is facing say East or South East. And one member (especially the breadwinner) is a Strong Earth person; in this situation: 2. Under the Five Elements Concept: 2.1 A `WOOD' HOUSE vs `STRONG' EARTH PERSON Good Match. The wood house is considered favourable as it helps to "control" or help (aid) a Strong Earth person. 2.2 A `WOOD' HOUSE vs `WEAK' EARTH PERSON Inauspicious. As wood will further weaken a Weak Earth Person. 3. The above is one of the many aspects we look at the relationship between Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny using Five Elements concept) in relation to Feng Shui. 4. It is mentioned that this is only one aspect because: 4.1 The key essence is that once a Feng Shui expert knows a person's element and strength, he/she can then better utilize this information (combined with Shapes and Form and Compass School) Feng Shui to greatly increase one's Luck. 4.2 For example by advising the following:- 4.2.1 For a weak earth person who lives in a Wood House; key elements of the home should have e.g. more Fire element (As Fire element is more tricky - base this on the recommendation of a competent FS practitioner whenever possible.) 4.2.2 The `Binding' element This is a much `neglected' tool by many Feng Shui practitioners. In fact, it is in my opinion, a total requirement. The rationale here is in real life, the Ba Zi is not only:- a. What is your element e.g. Earth b. But also what is the strength: e.g. Strong Earth c. But also what is the effect of say both husband and wife's combined Ba Zi? Taking the above cue: For example: Husband = Weak Metal Wife = Strong Wood 5. Under Five Elements concept: The element that helps bind both of them is Metal. 6. Unfortunately many Feng Shui practitioners skip two steps: 6.1 either give the wrong `strength' of the element and or 6.2 never took into consideration "Binding element". 7. With binding element, it opens a totally real life expectation that: 7.1. We should take advantage of using the binding element especially: a. In the bedroom of the two married couple. By looking at the interior decor and see how we can introduce `metal' not only in their bedrooms but since they own the house, to many parts of the home e.g. living / dining room etc... b. Many readers in this forum has often asked about how to reduce conflicts e.g. between say husband and wife; and family members. By comparing say i.e. two persons, three persons, or person 1 to person 2 or person 2 to person 3; we can then get a better picture of their element and try to apply a binding element in such a situation. Please see below:- Normally, based on the traditional Eight House model; "sitting on NE sector" would most likely mean also mean that NE = Earth House also. Perhaps, hope you can confirm whether your house is a Wood House or a Earth House. (For those who are not familar with what is sitting or facing - can do a SEARCH in this forum for past messages / clarification on this). Overall, Red is considered an auspicious colour (even if it represents the fire element). A red carpet is considered auspicious especially outside the main entrance door. Even if the red carpet is placed inside the house, I feel that the auspcious Red is on overriding factor and you can place it inside the house (main entrance). However, it is best to do a check if it is placed at a South sector (Fire sector). Usually, a Double 7 and base 1 is considered an auspicious house especially if this is the main door in a Period 7 (birthdate house). As these stars represent the water element. But I not too sure whether your reference to `sitting' is correct. If it is e.g. sitting refering to the back of the house, then 7,1,7 water is not as auspicious. A 4,4,1 needs to be balanced as there are bad wood #4 x2 and 1 water element. You should neutralise this sector with 6 coins. The 3,5,2 is also not a good combination since there is a mixture of bad wood + bad earth (misfortune and sickness). Since this is a kitchen, 6 coins can be used here to neutralise this sector. A refrigerator cannot be considered as a mountain as it is `hollow' inside. A mountain is something solid e.g. at the extreme, I would have to describe it as a piece of solid metal e.g. gold ingot. Usually, one can use a solid brass object or anythign that has mass and no wheels e.g. a piece of carved marble piece etc.. A refrigerator should be considered a water position. And it is a `modern' invention. It should be looked at in relation to the position of the stove. Although you have #6 in the sector (6 refers to Big metal) but you also have an Eight (Small Earth). In addition you also have a Sickness #2 Earth element here. In such a situation the #6 metal in the above `chart' is unable to overcome both the #2 and #8 elements. The cure here is to help this sector further by using 6 coins (Big metal) to help neutralise the sickness sector. If you do so, you should find that your health will improve. South West or 4,4,1 is also not a good combination. Sorry, can u elaborate further. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ingrida, In most cases, I personally feel that it is not advisable to have a mirror face the bedroom door (for two reasons):- 1. A mirror may be a `double edge sword'. Without much investigation, we do not know whether it is a good or `bad' or `inauspicious' sector. If it is an inauspicious sector, it is felt that it can bounce back twice the bad luck. 2. Based on a belief. Often when we ask majority of Feng Shui practitioners, the consistent `answer' is that it is bad to face a mirror to any parts of the bed. As it is felt that when a person sleeps, his `spirit' moves off the body... What about a mirror facing the bedroom door. It may or may not be `true' but should say, our `spirit' see's itself, the idea is that it may get a `shock'. In my personal opinion, it is safer to (if you can) remove the mirror), first - based on the notion that (under Para 1) it may not be an auspicious sector. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Tammie, If you have a layout plan of your apartment, you can use one of the following methods of Free assistance:- 1. You can fax a copy of your layout plan to our: Option 1a:- a. Fax number +65 482-0570 (Paper fax) or Option 1b:- b. Fax number +65 484 5838 (Still fax as usual to us from your Fax machine. When we receive it it will be an electronic scanned image) for us to immediately work on it. And later attach it e.g. to a forum reply. For Option 1a, please remember to furnish us your local fax number so that once we have determined it for you, we will (as soon as possible fax) it back to the fax number you had indicated. Here, please remember to include your internet e-mail address so that we can contact you - if the fax cannot go thru. For Option 1b, we will attach it to a forum message e.g. to this attachment request and you can get to see the layout plan (with the centre-point) when you next login into the forum. Option 2: Use any scanner to scan your layout plan and either e-mail it to us at our support e-mail @ support@geomancy.net or attach it as an attachment in this forum. (Please keep the scanned image not more than 500K usually in .jpg format) would be best. Please note this is a totally Free service to all of our Free Advice Forum members. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. Often, before, we buy an object (of decoration) for the house, we would most probally searh our `minds' or (visualise) roughly where we want to place it. 2. We should ask ourselves, what is our `motive' of buying e.g. a metal windchime (4 rods) - hollow or solid. If it is for decoration in the home, as mentioned under Para 1, we normally should have some idea where we want to place it. But if it is for the purpose of trying to boost the luck.. frankly, I do not know when to begin .. especially, if it is like a `pot-luck' session and question asked is North South-East. 3. I would have to say that a 4 rod metal windchime is not a normal Traditional Feng Shui cure or enhancer. And placing such a windchime can be said to be anyone's guess. 4. If one asks what 4 means, under Five Elements concept i.e. Wood element or `Small Wood'. One may have to be cautious as under Flying Star Feng Shui, 4 is considered as a Bad Wood. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Martha, 1. Usually, this applies to a completed house and after the owners have moved-in and stayed in the home. 2. To clarify, although North and South are recommended to be avoided; it is not that the Grand Duke is situated in the South. But rather, the Grand Duke will be situated at the North. 3. Where North = Rat animal sign which also represents the water element. Since Rat (North) and Horse (South) which is represented by Fire element are considered incompatible i.e. Water vs Fire, South is called the position of conflict with North. 4. And in this situation, it is how, was derived North (Grand Duke) and South (Position of conflict). 5. For a new home, one can build it accordingly. And no effect for the owners. 6. For an existing home, it is preferred that the home owners do major renovations. In such a situation, they should move out of the home i.e. during the period of major renovation and `leave' the house to the renovation contractors to do their work. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Tammie, 1. You can go the Free report tools at http://myfengshui.geomancy.net to use the Free Flying Star report. 2. Before you do this, you need to find out exactly what degree is your main entrance door direction. 3. You can use this site to find out exactly how to find the compass direction:- http://www.geomancy.net/resources/art/art-cecilcompass.htm 4. Under the Free Flying Star House Report, it will tell you all the problem areas (if any). You can find out from the report whether there is any inauspicious sectors here. Usually if that sector is inauspicious, majority of the time, there is most likely an imbalance caused by bad earth or bad wood. In some of these situations, especially if there is bad earth Misfortune sector - 5, then a metal wind chime is good for the site. However, this can be a double edged sword as a combination of say #2 and #3 requires a `quiet' cure such as 6 metal coins. The above is some of the ways, we look how whether to use a wind chime. It is preferred that a 6 metal hollow rod wind chime be used. As mentioned earlier, majority of the time, metal is still acceptable. But sometimes, we have to ask ourselves, what is the purpose of hanging a wind chime - if we do not want to go further into a more detailed investigation. If it is to follow the `Jones' or to follow a neighbour or we have heard that it is a `does wonders' then, we should really ask ourselves - can we live without it. Warmest Regards, Cecil However,

Dear Alan, Thank for your description of the situation. 1. Try to see if you can apply (if possible) this concept: " If it no longer can be seen, it will no longer be a threat ". 2. At the balcony, day curtains would be useful (for brightness). Or, reflective sun-X protection on glass panels (especially) on sliding panels or windows that you do not often open. 3. Since the protusion is of the Metal element, Red (fire element) can be used to `control' it (only). 4. If you or your family are Christians or Catholics, if the sha qi is distinct, then use a flat circular mirror above the balcony and/or the main door. As both the balcony (considered as the frontage) and the main door (mouth of the house); these two locations need to be `protected' where possible. As what you described are real threats. Sometimes 6 rod metal windchime can be used at the balcony as the constant cling of metal can help in the situation. (However, often, the Flying Star should be used first). But often, it is the `least' i.e. metal cures is the least harmful. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Alan, 1. Yes, the arowana fish is popular as it can be quite expensive. 2. Usually, such fish (which if taken care properly) can grow reasonably large). 3. The Yin and Yang concept: How many fish to rear? More often, 1 (lonely) arowana is reared in a fish tank. 4. This is usually the common practise and in line with the Yin / Yang concept. Where, Yin = equal numbers and Yang = odd numbers. 5. Thus, ideally, 1 arowana fish is reared in the fish tank. Here, since water is considered Yin, the 1 (odd) number fish is considered Yang. There is thus a balance of Yin and Yang in this situation. 6. This also applies to other fishes reared. If one takes into consideration the Yin and Yang concept, then, perhaps, one can rear 9 fishes (9 signifies longevity). 7. However, since 8 signifies `wealth'; some FS practitioners may also recommend this even if the number of fishes are now even numbers (Yin). 8. Overall, there are quite alot of `practises' with regards to e.g. the number of fishes, the type of fish tank and even the colour of the stand. 9. For the colour of the stand, to some FS practitioners, it should be harmonised according to the location. For example, if it is placed at the North sector, then the stand should be painted black. For the East/ South-East it is painted brown or green etc... It depends on the colour of each element. 10. Sorry for the side-track; since arowana fish are housed in normal tall fish tanks, it should preferably be placed close to a wall as it can be quite tall. 11. The best advise is that if a person is a Strong Wood or Weak fire person, if one can avoid such a water position. 12. For those staying in Housing and Development Board executive apartments (with two levels); I often see the fish tank located at the centre-point of the house e.g. just below the staircase. Here, this is not ideal as it usually would result in: - often the spouse would get sick. - sudden financial drain or unable to retain money. 13. Usually, best position for such a fish tank is in the living room area. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S I found arowana fish are pretty to look at. And for those who are not aware, good ones comes with a hefty price tag. Personally, I still prefer (in my opinion) to me koi fish are more `gentle' and if they are familiar with you, when it is feeding time, they will certainly gather around you. When it is near their feeding time, you can often see them `circle' quickly around... much like trained pets....