Cecil Lee

Dear Michelle, 1. In my opinion, I do come across (especially) many homes as what you have described. 2. Overall, although, it may not look `ideal' for such a situation under Feng Shui but from my personal (and past experience); I felt that this is really not of a major issue. Another factor is that at this second level, especially if are pockets of air movement (if one opens the windows) would be good for the circulation of air between level 2 and level 1 via the stair-case/stair-case landing area. 3. Instead, priority should instead be looked at with regards to poison arrows (aimed towards the home) i.e. when one stands at the window or main entrance door looking outwards of the house. If say, there is a lone lamp post slicing into the house, this should be redressed or neutralised as soon as possible. One concept here is - if it cannot be seen, it no longer becomes a threat. 4. Perhaps, do take note that some FS practitioners may not totally agree with me under Para 1 or 2 and may provide the advise to close the bedroom door. As mentioned earlier, I personally feel that this is really not an issue or not necessary to follow i.e. no need to close the door when not in use. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. There may be some differences in the way various Feng Shui practitioners carry out their audit. I will not touch on these differences. But rather, mentioned, how, I would go about doing a Feng Shui audit:- 2. For me, I would use chiefly the following 'Schools' of Feng Shui and Ba Zi:- 2.1 Use of Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny) for Feng Shui:- I will first determine the family member's Ba Zi element and strength. For example, Husband (Mr X) is considered a " Strong Wood " person. While the Wife (Mrs X) is considered a " Weak Fire " person. 2.2 Next, under the Ba Zi (Luck Pillars), I would look at - at least 2 10 year periods (both current and next year) to check if there are any imbalances that need to be corrected during this period for either party. For example, for Mr X, I would look at Luck Pillar of the current 10 years e.g. 2001 to 2010. Here, I will look at what season this period is in. For example, Since Mr X is a weak Fire person, and during 2001 to 2010, this period falls under the Spring season which happens to be the water element, since Mr X is a strong Wood person, this is auspicious as it helps to control his destructive elmenent. I will also look at Luck Pillar for him for year 2011 to 2020. 2.3 This process is also looked at for Mrs X. For Mrs X, her luck pillars is not so good for her. For her, as the 10 year period falls under Spring season; this is inauspicious for her as Water will further diminish her weak fire element. 3. Thus the above personal Ba Zi of the two individuals give us a strong CLUE when we next look at the Feng Shui of the house. 4. From the above Ba Zi, we MUST take note of the following:- 4.1 Since Mrs X is a weak Fire person, it is BEST to avoid having a water position e.g. a fish tank in the house. As this will further extinguish her. DO AVOID HAVING a fish tank in the house. 4.2 Furthermore, since the NEXT 10 years the season e.g. Spring does not favour Mrs X as it is the season of WATER which is not favourable to Mrs X. 5. On a personal level, Mrs X should try to avoid the Water element in the 10 years. 6. Ba Zi is crucial first step in proper (authentic Feng Shui). 7. Based on the above information, we can build a profile of Mr X and Mrs X. 7.1. For example (Mr X):- His information are: Birth element: Strong Wood Favourable element: Fire (red/pink/purple), Metal (white/gold), Earth (yellow). Unfavourable element: Water (blue/black/grey), Wood (green/brown) Wealth element: Earth (yellow) (We will skip Mrs X profile in this example) 7.2 Binding What is binding element? A binding element is an element which is beneifical to `bind' both Mr X and Mrs X. Or create harmony for them. This element can be used e.g. in their bedroom and in larger parts of the house since they may be both the breadwinners. 8. The binding element for Mr X (Strong Wood) and Mrs X (Weak Fire) is = Fire element. Thus, we can `Keep-in-view' interior decoration especially IN their bedroom and in areas both spent time together. Such as the living room. 9. Besides the above, I would normally have looked at the Shapes and Form of both the exterior of the house and interior of the house (already). 10. The use of Eight House Theory Here, we generally use to look at how suitable is the house to the breadwinner. And it is an added bonus if the bedroom is an auspicious sector. Where possible, when looking at the location and posititioning of the bed, we may use the Eight House Theory. Here, if we cannot change the location of the bed or placement of the bed, we could play around with who sleeps (next) to each other. For example, if the bedroom location is Mr X's spook while it is Mrs X's health sector, then, Mrs X sleeps closer closer to this intangible force and Mr X sleeps further away. It would be nice if sectors one spent time at are auspicious to whoever spents time at that sector. 11. Thus, this is MOST likely the end of story for the USAGE of the Eight House Theory. It does not matter if the toilet is a good sector or the living room is auspicious. Let us close our `picture' of the Eight House Theory after this. 12. The use of the Flying Star Theory. 12.1 Like Ba Zi (Pillars of Destiny) it is based on the Five Elements concept and can easily be related to one's Ba zi. 12.1 In the Flying Star Theory, if a sector is imbalanced e.g. such as there is a cluster of e.g. Bad earth element #5 (misfortune) or #2 (sickness) we must try and cure this sector. 12.2 Thus, if the house's birth chart i.e. the house was `born' in 1990, this house is considered a Period 7 house. 12.3 Thus if East is considered INAUSPICIOUS under Flying Star Feng Shui, this sector has to be corrected. (Even, if one thinks that under the East/West house person, this is a perfectly auspicious sector). 12.4 Therefore, the distinction is that under the Flying Star, if a sector is imbalanced - Cure it! After the cure, you can if it is good to spent time for Mr X, then if he so choose, spent time at that location. 13. I hope I have answered your question. If not, please let me know further. 14. For information of all, if you have the opportunity to use the " Group Analysis " report, you will understand more of what I am trying to say above. Because, this report was specifically tailor-made for me based on what I wanted in a short and concise - " exception " report. Those who use the above report, will indeed, have both a vertical and horizontal cross slice of a very broad and detailed picture of the `power' of Ba Zi Feng Shui. As this one report has the following major components:- 1. Eight House analysis for each person 2. Flying Star analysis of the house 3. Ba Zi element and strength of each family member (and much more). 4. The binding element e.g. of husband and wife. I love this one as it gives the essence of how to `bind' both parties.. Erh... I am not here to sell the report. But rather, try to give you the flavour of how, I personally do a full Ba Zi Feng Shui audit so that you can fully understand the flow and how each theory relates to each other. Apologise for the lengthly response. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Peck Wun, You can make use of many of the free reports available at: http://www.geomancy-online.com to generate your personal Feng Shui information. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear "NG", Lets look at this example:- http://www.geomancy.net/mypictures/cgi-bin/mypictures.cgi?search=centrepoint&img=8&cat=all&bool=and (for some of you, if the link is broken, please `cut-and-paste' the entire link above to your browser and load the file). Under the above link, please look at: 1. Graphic file: compass21.jpg and compass21a.jpg 2. The file name: compass21.jpg shows the actual house layout. 3. Let's look closely at file name: compass21a.jpg Try to click on the thumbnail image to show you an enlarged picture of this layout plan. 3.1 You will find the actual centrepoint shown in the picture as " 1 ". Number "2" is the extended centrepoint where we take the compass reading to the `extended' main door (the green dot). We measure the direction of the main door from " 2 " to the green dot. 4. As I mentioned in some of the messages, one cannot simply provide a universal method as to the direction of the main entrance door. IT DEPENDS. Thus, if you have a layout plan that you like me to look at, feel free to upload it as an attachment to a message to this forum. As no two layout plans are similar (in shape/size and dimension). Therefore, it is not correct to give a general statement but rather, examples can help clarify the situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. Under the Eight House Theory, the only thing that we can do is to change the direction of the main door. For example, if the main door is facing North-East (and based on Feng Shui Master's recommendation); this door should change for two reasons:- 1.1. NE (direction) is considered the devil's gate. 1.2. If NE direction is not suitable to the breadwinner. Then, to `kill two birds' within one stone; the main door direction can be changed. (Again, it should be on the advice of a FS practitioner). It is normally not good to give a "wholesale" advise on this matter as a proper audit should be done. And the recommendation "depends" on all the various inputs that a good FS practitioner does to analyse the house. 2. In some of the past messages in this forum; the best way to look at how much `luck' we can achieve. Thus, I often use "examinations " as an example as how to score on the various concepts and principles. It is good to SCORE as many points as possible in all theories and concepts of Feng Shui. I have often seen, some houses where it has `Excellent' Shapes and Forms. Here, I consider such houses as having a " Quantum Leap " in Feng Shui. It is certainly good to have such `excellent' Shapes and Forms in one's favour. It need not necessary neutralise the "bad effects" of a unsuitable house but in many instances, some form of wealth e.g. $$$ do come in for owners with such `excellent' Shapes and Forms. It is this `monetary' $$$$ or material wealth that many of us are trying to `chase' but has eluded many people. Again, not all situations or sites or houses are similar and the above is but a summary of the overall `flavour' of what `luck' may look for some... who may not have `received it'...yet... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I hope, I get your question correct. If not, please clarify. In many instances, some houses have their main entrance on the side of the house. In such a situation, it is not necessarily so that the "facing" may correspond to the main door direction. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Michael, 1. Please refer to a similar forum message under this conference " Free Advice ". 2. Forum message: " Placement of legal documents ". Recent message dated December 22, Year 2001. 3. In the above message to a user, I mentioned that, in Traditional Feng Shui, it is not the practise to place legal documents at (any specific) location or to apply "sector " Feng Shui or paying homage to a specific sector. 4. Usually, Flying Star Feng Shui is used in this situation to look at the issue: In most cases, there may be a eighty-one combination within a sector that may involve legal issues or entanglements. This should be neutralised. In particular either the base Flying Star number #4 (signifying `scandal/legal entanglements) or a star #4 combination giving a 81 interpretation of the current issue. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mee Yin, Please see below:- Frankly, a flaw with the Eight House Theory is that it is only a static representation. And more importantly, I personally feel that it would be useful as an `indicator' of:- 1. How suitable a house is to the breadwinner. 2. Locations where one spent time at. (However, there are other major considerations or priorities) than this theory. (The Eight House Theory). Usually, this involves a full audit of the house which not only includes the `consideration' of the Eight House Theory but also other concepts such as the Shapes and Form and Flying Star audits of the house. These two concepts are, I feel more important than just the `Eight House Theory'. Here, Shapes and Form Feng Shui, in my opinion takes priority over i.e. the placement of e.g. study table - considered under The Eight House Theory. The placement also has to take into consideration the location of the house. For example, if the external walls of your bedroom is at the compass direction (west) and if this is not `shaded'; then it would not be advisable to place the study table along this wall or a window facing the west. For a bedroom located at either South or North of the house, a study table can be placed along i.e. the South or North wall so that it can `if possible' catch some of the rays of light during the day. But overall, this room can still be quite `dark'. If one uses the Flying Star analysis and finds that e.g. the bedroom has some imbalances; then, priority should be given to neutralising this sector. This is where, Flying Star Feng Shui can `help'. Contrast this with the Eight House Theory where, one cannot really (realistically) do much even if the sector is say i.e. one's `death or disaster ' sector. Under the Eight House Theory, if one does not spent time at a sector, there should not be an issue. For a toilet that is at the centre-point of the house; this should be avoided (if possible). The worst senario is where the centre-point at the toilet bowl area. It would be fair advise to keep the toilet door closed most of the time. As mentioned earlier, if one is applying the Eight House Theory, the key considerations are:- 1. It is an indication of `how suitable' the house is to the breadwinner(s). 2. Each family member's Eight House Chart should be looked at in relation to (especially) to locations where they spent the most time i.e. in particular the bedroom. 3. Try to use the Eight House Theory (East/West Group) persons chart but to take note that it does not have a means to redress the issue i.e. unless, one is suppose to spent less time at that sector. In my opinion, do not get duly worried because the Eight House analysis does not seem favourable to you. Many of us, have studied in our homes or for some of us, have not much choice as we may have had stayed in a dormitory and thus even more restricted; yet, there are millions who have gone thru this experience and passed their exams successfully. This I personally feel is `food for thought'. Wishing you all the best in your studies! Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. In a business, the most important question often asked is: Can Feng Shui help in my business? 2. Here, we have to be realistic about what Feng Shui can or cannot do. If other businesses of the same nature as our company is doing well as compared to our business; then Feng Shui can give a quantum leap provided it is applied correctly. 3. For example, if I have a shop e.g. goldsmith shop which is not doing well as compared to my neighbours. Yet, my neigbhour's shop is doing very well. Then, Feng Shui can be utilised to help our company. 4. However, is say the entire goldsmith market is facing a severe downturn; Feng Shui cannot do much to help. 5. For example, if one is running a .dot com company and is not doing well where `cash' is running out for the company; this could be the same for all other .dot com companies elsewhere. It may not serve a purpose to utilise Feng Shui here. 6. The above is an important or crucial step in deciding whether Feng Shui (may or can) help us to do well in our business. 7. For a business, the main door is equally crucial. Perhaps, you can re-examine the main door e.g. standing outside the door, looking outwards. So long as it is slicing thru the main door, it is considered a threat. 8. For a business, it is more important to look at the `flow' of the movement in and out and the positioning of the cashier's counter, first. 9. For hanging a wind chime, normally, it is best or recommended that an audit be done first. 10. A proper wind chime is one where:- 10.1 It is often made of brass. 10.2 It has 6 hollow rods of different dimensions. When I have the time, I will show a picture of what a `proper' 6 piece brass wind chime looks like. Rather than, hanging a 5 rod windchime. 10.3 Placing coins tied (or 3 coins) tied together is more of a belief than Feng Shui. In my opinion, for a start, try to check out the `threat' that you had mentioned earlier at the main door (exterior). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Donna, In my opinion, it is good (best) to check with the interior designer who is doing up the center as the colour of the wall should normally blend with the furniture in the center. In Feng Shui, there are several colours one may opt:- 1. Green - This signifies, the east (wood element) and represents - growth or vitality. 2. Pink - This signifies, the south (Fire element) represents activity. 3. White (or pastel shades of it) - This is considered a neutral colour and can help especially if there is space constraints or if the center is rather small. However, I must certainly emphasise still the need to check with the interior designer on their colour scheme. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, 1. A simple circular mirror, is the least obstrusive of all " Ba Gua " mirrors. 2. Normally a concave Ba Gua mirror is used against " poison arrows " or Sha Qi e.g. street lamps, lone tree slicing the main entrance door. 3. On the other hand, a convex Ba Gua mirror is (like all other Ba Gua mirror) another form of protection. Here, it is mostly used to protect the home occupants by bad qi energies or perceived bad energies. Usually, this type of Ba Gua mirror is based on the specific recommendation by a Feng Shui Master on the usage. Otherwise, one normally use either the " flat round mirror " i.e. the least offensive towards the neighbours to the more common First Heaven Sequence Ba Gua with either a flat mirror in the centre or with a concave mirror. 4. In Asia, it is also common to find a Ba Gua Mirror with the " Two Door Gods " similar to the door gods as shown on the temple door. Reference: http://www.geomancy.net/resources/slideshow/ss-doorgod.htm 5. In my opinion, the majority of Ba Gua mirrors are really meant more for either:- a. protect against Sha Qi and/or b. used to protect against evil and/or c. to protect against bad energies - usually on the advice of a FS Master (here). Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear William, 1. We have been using the Flying Star Feng Shui to look at or help aid in a `favourable' outcome of a legal action. Not thru the use of statues or objects. 2. I am not sure, your question is for yourself or for others. But, if you are facing any court decision, we like to give you a complimentary Free "paid Flying Star" report. This is because, the Flying Star report can help to identify star " #4 " i.e. which is associated with legal entanglements. If a proper Flying Star analysis is done, one may find in some instances the 81 combinations (interpretations) have specific issues on `legal entanglements'. Here, one should redress sectors that have such `legal entanglements'. Or the base #4. For a house that was built in 1983 up-to-today, the base location is South-West - " scandal " sector which is normally associated with legal entangelements. 3. As mentioned, if you are able to do an accessment of your house and then use the Flying Star chart, this would help. The `cure' will be the recommendation provided in the Geomancy.net Flying Star report. Please e-mail robert-lee@geomancy.net for a Free "Paid - Flying Star report ". Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. Feng Shui audit is a holistic method and involves two important concepts:- a. Shapes and Form Feng Shui b. Compass School : Eight House and Flying Star 2. What you mentioned only relates to the static dimension of the Eight House Theory. 3. In my opinion, under the Eight House Theory, one uses it to: 3.1. Check how suitable, the house is to the breadwinner. 3.2. Check locations where one spends the most time at a specific sector. Thus, even if the main door may not be that suitable, another area we can look at is - what is the `intangible force' i.e. the influence affecting us in the bedroom. Thus, we can look at the intangible force affecting each member of the family. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ben, Please see below:- Please refer to the most recent reply. Each cannon can be placed on a pedestal. A toy cannon i.e. placed on a pedestal; the minimum size or "footprint" of the pedestal for placing the cannon can be 1 foot in length the cannon and width of cannon of 6 inches or larger. The cannon should preferably be made of metal eg. brass. Alternativley, one can use a pair of Keiloon (or lions) can be used as a subsitute. Here, they can be made of plaster/cement. Here, each lion should have a red ribbon strung on its neck. Yes, if you can plant plants/trees, and a combination of Para 2, this would be ideal situation. Since, it depends on the season, it is best to select hardy trees/plants. Alternatively, you can plant bushes along the frontage in lieu of the trees (as some trees when they mature, can grow too tall or large). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ben, Please see below:- Please refer to the attached picture. For the plant/tree currently located at " C ", it would be best to plant a second similar tree at location " D ". This is to balance the number of trees that are within the two windows. Alternatively, you may remove the tree at " C " and plant one at location marked " E " in the picture. Depending on the season and location of your house, it would best to use trees with a lower footprint (leaves). In my opinion, you can consider the `Christmast' type of tree (some of the type) where it can grow tall and narrow (cone shaped). It would be best that the trees do not grow taller than the line marked in green. So try to get trees that grow taller than that. Try to space out the trees evenly and the number of trees would depend on they type of tree grown. For example, assuming the largest span of the leaves when it matures. We do not want a case where the trees end up competiting with each other for space. For the frontage, I understand it can be quite difficult to find trees to suit your needs as the frontage or grass area is quite restricted in choice. Part 1... of message. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Davi, 1. Thank you for asking an interesting question especially since it involves your personal Pillars of Destiny "eight characters". 2. I have a very real concern not only with such " Four Pillars " software(s) as they can as you have seen for yourself, provide inaccurate information 3. Let me show you why the above computation is `flawed' or inaccurate:- 4. Your Date of birth: 7 Sep 1981 (This is based on the Western Solar Calendar) In the Chinese Lunar Calendar, your date of birth would be: The Lunar Year of: 10 Day, 8 month, Year 1981. In another type of calendar called the Hsia or Xia (or seasonal or Chinese solar calendar), your date of birth would be: The Hsia/Xia Year of: 29 Day 7 month year 1981 5. The Pillars of Destiny charts (Also known as Four Pillars, Ba Zi or Eight Characters) 5.1 Lunar Calendar (Used on this website - Geomancy.net): Year (1981): xin-you Month (8): ding-you Day (10): wu-zi 5.2 Xia Calendar (the correct date of birth representation) Hsia Year (1981): Xin-you Hsia Month (7): bing-shen Hsia Day (29): wu-yin (and not the Lunar Day 10 or wu-zi) These should be the correct conversion dates for your Four Pillars. 6. However, in the 4 Pillars Software (which is used by many FS practitioners):- The result of your 4 pillars chart is as follows:- Year (1981): xin-you (Here they use Lunar Year) Month (7): bing-shen (Here they use Xia Month) Day (10): wu-zi (Here they use Lunar Day) In the above, you will notice that there is no consistent use of Lunar calendar. There is an `odd' mix of Lunar calendar, followed by Hsia calendar, then, Lunar. If we include your date of birth (or the 4th Pillar you mentioned as bing-chen. This is also derived from the Lunar calendar. Thus, if we are to use the above method, we would get:- 1st Pillar (derived from Lunar calendar) 2nd Pillar ("suddenly" derived from Hsia) 3rd Pillar (then go back to Lunar calendar) 4th Pillar (Lunar calendar). This is like comparing an Apple (say this represents Lunar calendar) and Orange (represented by Hsia/Xia). Which comes to the comparison of an apple with orange. This is in my opinion certainly flawed or inaccurate. 7. The correct method: All conversions based on Year (Lunar); Month (Lunar); Day (Lunar) = all based on the common denominator the Lunar calendar:- Your Four Pillars chart or the more accurate chart should be:- Year (1981): xin-you (Lunar calendar) Month (8): ding-you (Lunar calendar) Day (10): wu-zi (Lunar calendar) Your Lunar date of birth is the 8th month of the Lunar year 1981 and the on the 10th day. 8. Why the " FourPillar " software gave you the wrong information:- 8.1 In an actual Hsia/Xia calendar of your date of birth it should be:- Your Hsia date of birth: 29 Day (Hsia) 7 month (Hsia) Year 1981 (Hsia) 8.2 But what such software had done is to give you an inaccurate mix of `plucking' Lunar dates and mixing it incorrectly with Hsia which gives your date of birth as:- Year (1981): xin-you (Here they use Lunar Year) Month (7): bing-shen (Here they use Xia Month) Day (10): wu-zi (Here they use Lunar Day) The result is a wrong mix of Lunar and Hsia calendar resulting in your date of birth in this inaccurate model as: 10 day (Lunar), 7th month (Hsia) and Year 1981 (Lunar). As I mentioned earlier, this is similar to comparing an apple an orange. 9. Another major flaw of the Hsia/Xia ca lendar is that anyone using this method may not be accurate as it cannot detect Chinese calendar months where there is an intercalary month for that year. For example, if a person is born 1 year later than you i.e. 1982, there is an intercalary month in April. In that year, there is TWO April months. Here, anyone using partial or full Hsia/Xia calendar system will instead take one Lunar month before it. Therefore resulting in inaccurate Four pillars chart. Do take note that the Chinese calendar is riddled with lots of intercalary months not just in 1982. But in many `different' years. 10. I am always fearful of such practitioners and infact, there are many Feng Shui practitioners who still `swear-by' using (unfortunately) I called this a flawed method. The rationale why it is used by so many practitioners is that it is considered a simple method. 11. In this website, I personally feel that we should not take the easy way about to derive everyone's Four Pillars. This is why, we try to be very accurate. We took much pains to use both methods i.e. in pure calculation we make sure that everything is based on ALL Lunar calendar and indeed, when Hsia is required, we use it especially under the Luck Pillar to obtain the season. Thus, you are assured that one gets a very accurate analysis. It is interesting to note that the practise of using `mix' Lunar and Hsia originated from Hong Kong practitioners. As Hong Kong uses the Hsia calendar. But the interesting thing here is that it became (in my opinion) inaccurate as a result of using Lunar (Year); Hsia (Month) then Lunar (Day) and Lunar (Hour). 12. It is interesting to note also that, for some diehards using " Hsia / Xia " method would always (unfortunately) swear by it and would not accept that the mixed use of Hsia/Lunar is flawed! 13. It is also equally intresting to note that if one is not further convinced then we should look at all other Feng Shui concepts such as Eight House, Flying Star. These compass school concepts uses totally the Lunar Calendar. 14. In Advanced Pillars of Destiny the following analysis are used: Oringal Lunar Month analysed with the Hsia Month. This is to point out the fact that if one had incorrectly used the " Hsia " month then if we did a comparison, it would result in one being unable to get any differences between the two (if any). 15. Please sent a personal e-mail to robert -lee@3dmail.com as you certainly deserve to have a complimentary full Paid Pillars of Destiny report for you to explore further authentic Four Pillars. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please note that under the Grand Duke concept, some of the recommendations that I am about to give have more to do with (beliefs) and some may say that they are `superstitions'. Therefore, it is on the onus of anyone reading it to either `pick' up on some of these `beliefs' or if one is not agreeable, then, please skip any or all of the recommendations. You can still do renovations to the house. 1. Since you have just bought the house, it would imply that you have not moved in yet. This is in my opinion, particuarly good. Here, can still do the renovations: For the Chinese, normally a date is selected prior to the renovation. (not compulsory thou). Not to move in yet. Since the renovation is being done by contractors for the whole house, this is generally fine as you would not have moved in yet. Thus, one can then say that you have yet to `offend' the Grand Duke. After the renovations, choose an auspicious date to move into the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Noe, 1. Thank you for bring up this interesting question. 2. To understand better, we can generally say that what you had mentioned is in my opinion like comparing "an Apple with an Orange." 3. This is because if one look carefully; what is `missing' from the understanding is the " TIME PERIOD ". 4. If one looks carefully at say the GUA number and how it has been derived, it is based on a person's YEAR OF BIRTH. While a proper and very complete Pillars of Destiny Chart comprises of:- YEAR, MONTH, DAY AND TIME OF BIRTH. (This four items is what we commonly call FOUR PILLARS) as each pillar is represented by one of the time periods i.e. Year, Month, Day and Time of birth. In this site, in addition to the above, we also look at two additional Pillars i.e. House of Life and House of Conception. 5. Thus, if we only look at GUA = 6 (METAL) on it's own, it is (when compared to FOUR PILLARS or Pillars of Destiny - rather too simplistic) or too general a measure to derive one's ELEMENT. 6. Thus, it is as mentioned earlier, like comparing an Apple = GUA (YEAR of BIRTH analysis)with an Orange = Pillars of Destiny (not only Year, but also MONTH, DAY and Hour etc. of Birth). 7. Another useful example is this:- Most of us know that North = Water element. But under the Flying Star Feng Shui, this is not good enough. If one knows or understand some of the components of a Flying Star Chart it may have elements like:- 5 2 4 Where 5 = Earth element 2 = Earth element 4 = Wood element We can even further break it down to Weak or Strong. Thus, this is another good example where if one does not properly know it, is like comparing Apples with Oranges. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anamika, 1. Thank you for bringing this up. 2. From what I understand (previously)... I have not really looked into detail his `formula' or method; but from what I understand (correct me if I am wrong), he is quite innovative and created a variant of partially using the Natal Chart and some parts of the Lo Shu numbers i.e. a bit like combining Eight House and Flying Star theory. While the Natal chart used here, is soley for the purpose of the 4 good and 4 bad directions (East or West House) or Eight House Theory. 3. In my opinion, it is always good to follow thru with one method ie. and where possible try not to `mix' one person's method with another. For example, say, if one finds Derek Walter's method useful, then try to (FOLLOW THRU) the method. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ben, Thank you for your information. Will review it and get back to you soon. In the meantime, it is good to look at a (similar example). In this example, it is a shop house. Although it is not at the end of a private house, but the concept of `Sha qi' is quite similar. Even when the road (in the picture) is relatively of low volume, the `immediate' impact on this (in the picture) shop house is clearly shown. While the shops on each side of it is `suprising' well maintained (in contrast to this run down building. http://www.geomancy.net/events/CDL_FS_Talk/talk_1_slide_25.htm This picture was taken by me sometime in the middle of this year. And a recent visit, still shows the similar fate. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, A house built in 1985 is considered a `Period 7' house and thus it's birth-chart has the characteristics of a Period 7 house but based on the direction of main entrance door specific for Period 7. In my opinion, and from many past experience, sloping ceiling although is not ideal, is not necessarily the `most inauspicious'. For example, it would be worst if one sits just below a ceiling beam. A `full house' or a house that is on it's own i.e. landed property may not necessarily need to be either a square or rectangular. For example, do look at this url: http://www.geomancy.net/events/CDL_FS_Talk/talk_1_slide_2.htm In the above picture, the house on the top has what looks like a `head' and body. This is particularly auspicious. Your house need not necessarily have this feature and it may not necessarily be totally square either. The `frontage' of the house is also important. In some cases, I personally feel that your house has a `mixed' frontage. And this is acceptable. For example, you mentioned that your balcony faces or overlook the huge water position. This can in many ways, be considered the frontage rather than the actual main entrance. But for FS audit purposes ie. using birth chart or applying Flying Star, we should normally still base it on the direction of the main entrance door. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chee Tiong, For the 20 Year Flying Star chart, in this period ie. Period 7, one should use 7 in the centre. For other charts i.e. Yearly, Monthly and/or Daily chart, it depends on the Period computation for that particular Year, Month or daily charts. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ben, Thanks for the photo. I now have a better understanding of the situation. 1. Looks like this is quite a major `Sha Qi' even if the traffic movement is not that great. 2. Many homes under such conditions usually come under problems and worse for the breadwinner or owners if they stay there as money would easily be drained and leading to financial difficulties. Fortunately, you are not staying there. There is still appropriate cures to this. But one has to go on the offensive rather than to use `white' or feng shui friendly cures for such a house. 3. I looked at the window (in particular) at the frontage) that bears the most brunt of the impact. Here, even if one has curtains or blinds, this may not be good enough. 4. I see that there are plants or patches where plants or trees can be planted. But it is quite understandable that it is rented premises that they may not be keen to upkeep the home. Plants can help. But if this may not be feasible than look at proposal under para 5 below. 5. Use a pair of cannons as shown in the attached picture. If you do not use it, one option is to park the car parallel to the frontage. (But this is not as good an option). 6. One should also place a Ba Gua mirror as shown in black circle above the windows mentioned under Para 1. 7. As from the position, I find that the main entrance is (so far) not much of a threat, but need to monitor this after the cures are in place. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is certainly good indeed that you took the effort to clarify. As most of us know, each situation would differ and that there is usually no `hard and fast' rule. And two way communication is great. Please see below:- Yes, I was referring to sites or land area where the trees are `pretty' close to the buildings or houses. Trees such as 5 to 10 feet away. But in your case, it is quite far away at 20 or more feet. This is OK. Overall, I am an expert on trees or plants. But, I noticed that usually when majority of them grow larger i.e. within 3 to 5 years, (SOME) of these trees can get quite large and planting them within short distances may not be ideal. But planting them greater than 8 feet looks fine to me. In my opinion, I would be happy if the trees flower! Some people may find `white' not an ideal colour i.e. to some pink, red or other colours are considered more auspicious. But personally, in my home, I do have lovely in fact two plants (both flowering white flowers) and they are scented and have lovely smell. To me, this is perfectly OK. As you had mentioned earlier, asthetics or since you have a large back yard, frankly, the number of trees (to me is not that crucial). However, some people prefer even numbers. But, I find this may not be too practical. It is like a person rearing fishes. Some people prefer to have 8 or 9 fishes (In Cantonese - Eight stands for Fortune and Nine stands for longevity. But in reality, it is sometimes hard to monitor the number of fishes. We can do it but, sometimes, we may have more important engagements. What if some of the fishes die? And we may not replenish them so soon. For plants or trees, so long as they can grow healthy, this is a good sign. Some trees do die in the process and we can keep planting new ones. I hope, I have answered your questions adequately. If not, feel free to write in again. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Ben, Yes, you have correctly confirmed that a house at the end of a private street has bad Sha Qi. And, for those staying in the house, it would indeed have bad Feng Shui. If you have a sketch layout plan, it would be nice to see it. As the placement of mirrors or other cures need to be looked at in relation to the main entrance door. Or perhaps, can you provide more description of:- 1. Describe more of the main gate in relation to the private street. 2. Describe more of the driveway leading to the house. 3. The position of the main entrance and any other descriptions of the frontage of the house. 4. At this frontage are there any other windows or sliding glass panels. That may add to the poison arrow. The above are important to better understand your situation as each case may be unique or different. Warmest Regards, Cecil