Cecil Lee

Dear All, I expect that more users will start posting on this topic. With this in mind, I would like to set out some guidelines to help everyone. At present, I have outlined several important points. More guidelines may be added in the future. Here are the guidelines: 1. Please first review this “Can or Cannot Buy” resource: http://www.geomancy.net/products/po-hunting/po-hunting-faq.htm 2. For house hunting services, visit: http://www.geomancy.net/products/po-hunting/po-hunting.htm 3. CAN OR CANNOT BUY: Is this block suitable? Free Advice 3.1 Caveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware. Please remember that simply using a website such as http://www.streetdirectory.com only provides a “top-view” of a location. 3.2 Any assessment based solely on this should be considered very preliminary, as it does not include important factors like compass direction, sunlight exposure (east-west or north-south facing), and more. 3.3 This method does not analyze the site, block, or immediate surroundings in detail. 4. Free Advice – “No Threats” 4.1 Please do not send messages or emails marked as “Very Urgent” or needing immediate advice. 4.2 Often, people pressure me for free advice because agents tell them they must commit by a certain deadline—usually tomorrow or even “yesterday”—or the deal will be lost. Please avoid such messages. 5. Each individual may request no more than TWO free analyses. 6. Even for one or two blocks under review, I reserve the right to accept or decline requests without providing any reason. 7. If you would like your layout analyzed, please use Geomancy.net’s priority service at: http://www.geomancy.net/products/po-hunting/po-hunting.htm 8. Contrary to popular belief, I personally think it is better to invest in a “Can or Cannot Buy” assessment before buying, rather than relying on Feng Shui remedies after the purchase. 9. These are the preliminary guidelines. 10. If you are in Singapore, please post free advice of this nature to the “Singapore Property Review” conference. Happy House Hunting! Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. At the end of the day, it comes down to your personal budget. With or without Feng Shui, expect to pay more for a prime location. The seller or developer knows this well. Always stay within your means. Remember, an average home is better than no home at all!

Dear Ellen, Yes, this is a very old estate in Macpherson/Circuit Road area. For circuit road, I am not too sure, but one fine day; if the economic picks up, it may get re-developed like in Toa Payoh. And those who stay there may get priority for new flats in this area. (Please do not take my word for it. I am just guessing. Please rely on govt/HDB's word for it. I believe it is not blk 121 (the units facing Paya Lebar Way road) as this is one of the most nosiest blocks (vehicle noise pollution) around. This is further fueled by the long stretch of this block that helps to retain and magnify such sounds. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Yes, washing machines should be considered as a water position. 1.1. Especially front loading washing machines that has a circular glass pothole. 1.2. Thus it is less than ideal for this glass pothole to face the stove. 2. In addition, water pipe is used to draw in water into it at the back and the output of dirty water is also produced. 3. A microwave is (contrary) to popular belief - belongs to the metal element. Since, it's energy is concentrated inwards. Fire is not used to conduct this energy but instead microwave (metal) element is used to disturb the molecules to cook them. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jen, Let's take alook at commonsense approach to Feng Shui. Often, the most convenient place to walk in and out of various rooms is a passage-way. Here, imagine a passage way (or clear space at the centrepoint of the home). In better Feng Shui homes, this corridor or area is the `flux' or centrepoint of a home. A low set of sofa furniture is still ok, since, it represents clear space i.e. nothing at this `centrepoint' that is as high as a wall. Please note that it does not necessary mean that all homes must have clear space here. It depends. What is not so favourable are locations like: a toilet / toilet bowl and a kitchen's stove etc... Under commonsense approach to Feng Shui, as I mentioned above, the most practical way to walk between rooms is still this middle area or often - it is a passage way. Here, such `clear' space is good especially if one has windows on each side of the home. Qi or air can flow or meander and mix freely `crossing' thru this centrepoint. Also depending on low or high pressure e.g. often winds come from various directions depending on day or night. In geography, we often learn that the sun heats up the land in the day / sea and vice versa. And this causes high/low pressure points at various times of the day. For some homes, wind may come from e.g. south while at night it may come from the north etc... And it is advantages for the centrepoint of the home to have clear space. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Stan, Yes, earlier, I do agree with your dad that the earlier unit is much better unit based on my earlier reasons. With respect to this two new units; please note the following:- 1. My views are strictly related to top-view shapes and forms. For example, it does not relate to the level / storey of the apartment; any tall lone trees or any other sha qi. 2. I personally prefer 805 next to Peiying Primary School as it seems able to catch in `qi' from all directions in a balanced way. 3. Furthermore, the most attractive thing is not so much of FS, but rather the close proximity to the Khatib MRT station. But do check out what is the `penetrating' noise level in the unit. Since, these MRT trains are notorious for radiating sound especially since this blk 805 is close to this sound catchment area. 4. The other unit is equally acceptable since it seems to have clear space at the frontage. In Feng Shui, there is a double edged sword - too much `barren' area at the frontage need not necessary be too ideal especially in a low pressure situtation where rain is coming. The other situation is, if in the future, the government may sell this land for a condo. If it is purchased today at a premium, tomorrow it may not be necessarily so. Here, take for example the condo: The Bayshore. Many units once face the sea. But because of the new highrise condo : Costa Del Sol, many of the units at The Bayshore no longer common this premium. Since it is only 99 years old, and many had bought it at crazy high prices in the past; many who sell it today can loose as much as $100,000 just like that. As mentioned, the above does not take into account you and your family's ba zi nor the storey at which these apartments are and more.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, 1. I am pleased to inform everyone that Geomancy.net celebrates six years of hosting our forum. 2. I could remember vividly that I had posted the first message on a third-party forum in mide June 1997. 3. Geomancy.net finally hosted our forum on our battle tested forum a few years later! 4. Wow, it seems time has past so fast! 5. Geomancy.net wishes every member: HEALTH, WEALTH and HAPPINESS! 6. We are still keeping our past messages available for everyone to read:) 7. The only shock I got was when one person, wrote to say that he has complied messages posted by users, replies posted by Robert and myself:( Without first seeking permission to do so. 8. Well, keep posting relevant questions... Every day, we learn something new:) 9. For those who are new and eager to learn, please take a step backwards and do a SEARCH; and you can most likely find a series of past replies! Do that, and you will help to continue to make this forum, relevant:) Cheers! Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. Little wonder, some readers wrote to me telling me that they spent at least 2 hours per day to catch up on the vast (amounts) of past messages!

Dear Richard, Please see below:- In general, this should not be an issue. I have lots of clients who own bungalows and they do have water positions above their homes. Often, they have a terrace area here, and water plus plants keep the roof `cool'. Often, if this is a new development; the structural engineer would have factored the load in kilonewtons. And if the roof can take the load, this is acceptable. The only issue is that it is best that a pond should have some shade else the fish could end up being `cooked' by the hot sun. In addition, water drainage should be efficient such that; if there is a heavy rainfall, excess water in the pond should be drained properly. Where possible, the pond should be located such that it shares one external wall. Here, this implies that it is not at the centrepoint of the home where often, this is the weakest area i.e. few if any columns to support such a heavy structure. But again, this is subject to structural integrity of the roof load. Often, a decorative screen is used here. The test is to stand at the main door; looking inwards. If one cannot see the staircase, this is no longer a threat. Two fu dogs is still acceptable provided they are plump and has a smiling face. Often, try to go for white ones. Often a red ribbon with a pearl is placed on the collar of each fu dog. Often placing it on the floor reminds one of placing it at a temple entrance or some shopping centre. Often, if you have a gate; the most common (tested) method is to place them on the twin pillars of the main gate. Frankly, based on your description, you are a long, long way from understanding the Ba Zi or Eight Characters. Try to do more homework into this area: 1. Weak or Strong element? 2. What is your binding element etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Further to what I had mentioned; United Overseas Land Limited associated project was this condo - The Eden Executive Condominium. Name: The Eden Type: Executive Condominium Location: TAMPINES ST 34 Total No of Units: 430 TOP Date: May 2003 (in batches) Tenure: 99 years w.e.f 12/9/2000 In my opinion, this developer is lesser known because it develops fewer residential projects than the Hong Leong Group and it's subsidiary City Developments Limited (CDL) and Far East Organisation put together. Some of United Overseas Land's recent projects include The Sunshine, Moulmein and Country Park. The url is as follows:- http://203.126.226.234/uol/residential.htm In my opinion, UOL's residential property development caters more to the higher end residential market and smaller developments. It is also a developer of commercial and developer of service apartments/retail/hotels... It's actual website is: http://www.uol.com.sg Company Logo and The Five Elements Concept Do look carefully at it's logo. It is green in colour. The colour of `wood element'. And it's logo was derived from it's association with United Overseas Bank i.e. four vertical bars. In the case of United Overseas Bank at http://www.uob.com.sg one will notice that the bars there are four vertical bars with one horizontal bar right at the middle. To represent the security of a bank. Currently, it is owned by UOB holdings. But due to government regulations, the bank has to divest it within the dateline given. While UOL's horizontal bar is `entrenched' to the ground - symbolic of a solid base - much like the foundations of a building. Here, green representing wood element is symbolic of a tree, with it's root firmly anchored to the ground (earth). Under the destructive sequence of the Five elements: Wood destroys earth to create wealth. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wilson, 1. For a stove at North (water element sector); it is still acceptable. But do avoid having a water position facing the stove. Here, water may inevitably extinguish the `fire' of the stove. 2. Alternatively, if the stove is at the South (fire element sector); it is acceptable to have the stove facing a water element. 3. It is interesting to note that during the recent (temporary occupation permit) T.O.P. for the Executive Condo at The Eden; many subsidiary proprietors / tenants of this new condo - " cursed and swear " at the developer (it's architect) for placing the wash basin opposite the stove position. The website of this condo is at: http://www.theeden.net Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Reyla, 1. How long have you been staying in this house? 2. Are you facing financial distress? 3. Overall, there are two major Shapes and Forms `handicap' for this home: 3.1 Please refer to marking `A'. ================================ In addition to the toilet at the centrepoint of the home; another further problem is that the centrepoint or the centre-of-gravity for this home does not have clear space. Here, qi from all areas of the home cannot congregate or meander at this centrepoint or `flux'. Often, if one stays in such a home for more than 2 or 3 years, one can feel the impact of financial problems. Since qi cannot effectively flow `about' in all directions. 3.2 Please refer to marking `B' =============================== It would be disadvantages for the back of the house to have a toilet at the middle of the back of the house. In my opinion, this house has poor qi (chi) flow and not favourable. Honestly, I have to say that it is difficult to give advise on how to fix it. Any advise is like giving a `sugar-coated' pill. Locally, this type of house cannot pass any test in my country. And, such homes are very , very rare in my country. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Stanley, If Feng Shui is considered; often, a Flying Star Feng Shui practitioner will recommend the following:- 1. Under Flying Star numerology: #7 represents weak metal or simply metal element #6 represents strong metal element and #1 represents water element 2. Often, as mentioned if Flying Star FS is used, a practitioner may recommend:- #7 gold fishes (orange gold fishes) with an additional #1 black gold fish. Here black represents water element. Under the productive sequence Metal supports Water which is said to be an auspicious combination. Another reason for #7 orange fish is that in all probability; there is a higher chance that 1 out of 7 may die; if this is the case; even if one of them dies; the number #6 is also auspicious with #1 black fish. Please do a SEARCH for old forum messages, where i had listed several other concepts or from my Applied Feng Shui book. Erh... if 8 fishes is too much for you... then pretend that you had never read this mail:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, Further to what I had mentioned, personally, I have not used this product. I have being using two or more Honeywell's HEPA clean air devices and also Amcor (with negative ion) HEPA cleaners for the last 3 years running 24 hours (instead) to clean the surrounding air. I strongly believe that such HEPA cleaners does help to `circulate' qi within enclosed aircon environment. For those who frequently fall sick or family members frequently fall sick; I strongly believe that these devices; have a higher success rate than say buying a hulu (bottle gourd) or some other physical `Feng Shui' cures. Nowadays, the Japanese brands have come up with better systems - but however, these costs even more! Cheers! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, This article is an affirmation of what I had mentioned previously in many of the forum messages on the beneifits of large fountains. Do a SEARCH for words like " friction " or " water friction with air " to understand concepts like: Is a large fountain beneificial? Does a home fountain give similar effects? Do read up my past article on " Rivervale crest " condominium on what is " stagnant water ". The essence of this article is ..... please read on.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Picture of Capital Towers building, Singapore:- http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/106364/ Picture of UOB Tower 1 http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/106470/ Picture of OCBC Building http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/106520/ (The DBS Tower 1 and Tower 2 are rectangular in shape and thus earth element shape. This site has a description of DBS Tower 1 but no picture of it) Furama Hotel in Singapore has roof shaped in the profile of fingers of a hand http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/106517/ (In the past, I had taken a picture and uploaded to the conference Photos with interest (with pictures) The Petronas Tower Tower 1:- http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/106014/ Tower 2:- http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/105766/ The shape of the twin towers of Petronas Tower can be considered as belonging to a combination of: Wood - Fire elements. This is a harmonious combination since wood fuels fire element. In addition, such a structure is favourable in a landscape predominantly where there are surrounding building of the earth structure. Here, this Wood - Fire element building because of: 1. Wood - it is tall and twin (both towers) 2. Fire - Pointed at the top Here, this twin building is said to bring prosperity to the environment as most of the surroundings are earth shaped thus under the productive sequence: Wood supports Fire and Fire supports Earth. From another perspective; This wood building (tall and thin) is like a tree with its roots crushing into `earth' thus creating wealth (under the destructive cycle of five elements). Overall, this twin towers brings to the capital city of Malaysia, prosperity since it helps to draw in the `crowds'. This is thus a win-win situation for Kuala Lumpur (the capital city) of Malaysia. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kenny, Wow, you have give so many cases. I would have to reply in sections when I have the time. Under Shapes and Forms, please take note that there is another major consideration: the environment vis-a-vis the Five Elements Concept. This second dimension has to do with what type of element our surrounding of the site has. For example: Case 1: Post Office Savings Bank (POSBank) vs Development Bank of Singapore (DBS Bank) In terms of Feng Shui, the `demise' of POSBank was spelt out when their new headquarters at Robinson Road was near completion. Please refer to the attached map: Site map: http://www.streetdirectory.com:8080/map.jsp?x=29681.47&y=28912.85&level=7&star=1&xyfile=&heading=77+ROBINSON+ROAD%2C+SIA+BLDG+%28068896%29 If one looks carefully, the new POSBank Head Office was suppose to be the Capital Tower. When the Capital Tower was nearing completion and when POSBank was planning to move over; DBS Bank took over POSBank. In Feng Shui, this was because of the concept: Fire fuels Earth. If one takes a close look - Capital Tower is in a rocket shape and more of a Fire element. The two DBS bank buildings are of the earth shape. DBS Shenton Way Tower 1 and DBS Shenton Way Tower 2 are rectangular and of the Earth element. Here, Fire, helps fuel earth and make earth stronger. Case 2: United Overseas Bank (UOB) vs DBS Bank Site map: http://www.streetdirectory.com:8080/map.jsp?x=29985.67&y=29747.27&level=7&star=1&xyfile=&heading=80+RAFFLES+PLACE%2C+UOB+BUILDING+%28048624%29 United Overseas Bank has a Wood element shape i.e. tall and thin. Under the Five elements concept: Wood destroys Earth Since UOB HQ was a wood element, it crushes Earth (DBS Bank) and at the last minute gain ownership of Overseas Union Bank. What we learn here is that there is another dimension in Feng Shui. New development can take the cue of the environment and build new buildings that can `suck' or get wealth from it's environment. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Peck Wun, 1. I hope you can understand that there are alreay available resources on this. Plus, there are lots of examples and even actual cases of how centrepoint was derived in attachments by uses. 2. For a lay person who wants to understand better, then go to this resource: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm Look at the example of how, one can copy the layout; glue it on a cardboard, cut-it out and try to balance it on a pin. The centrepoint is all about: the centre of graivty. This is particularly possible if the house has lots of indents. But if the house is `L' shaped, then divide the home into two or more rectangles. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jen, I do agree totally with Kam. Please do a SEARCH in this forum for `time-zone' considerations. Robert and myself had posted several reasons why it should not be changed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Yes, try to fix all sectors. In particular, this year, North should be looked at. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, Hope it does not get worse. If it does, try to use a more reliable indicator i.e. Flying Star Feng Shui and check for clues of #2 or #5 at the sector. If you can do so, try to check the month Flying Star chart or even day. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Danni, Is there a cure for sick houses? 1. It depends on how much renovation has taken place. 2. Since I don’t have a complete picture of the changes from the original layout, it’s hard to say if there’s a cure. 3. In my grandpa’s case, the only solution was to tear down the house and rebuild it. 4. From your description of major work done on the ground level, it might be a similar situation—especially if the top part of the house was changed, made too heavy, or disturbed. 5. My grandpa’s experience clearly shows that “Flying Star” or “Compass School” Feng Shui would not be effective in such cases. 6. For those who rely only on Compass School Feng Shui, this is an example where Shapes and Forms Feng Shui is more effective. 7. Using only Flying Star or Compass School Feng Shui is like taking a sugar-coated pill—it may look good, but doesn’t address the real issue. 8. As I’ve mentioned before, Shapes and Forms Feng Shui holds the greatest importance in Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Danni, Often, I found out that if the house is yours it's yours. If it is not yours (and perhaps as what you had mentioned) fate; it is good news to hear that the present owner rejected your husband's offer. Yesterday, I was afraid to mention more of my grand pa's home. He was the first owner, and did not get to see the house being completed. If one looks carefully at the last few pictures, his funeral procession was shadowed by the uncompleted roof of the new home. A few years later, our business at Change Alley - the second floor - caught fire. Fortunately, the ground floor was ok. Later, a rich millionare's mistress bought my grand father's home. Guess what, by coincidence, her boyfriend and herself did badly in business. Subsequently, both my grandpa and my neighbour's home which did extensive renovations to the frontage -- had to be sold. Here, the owner and subsequent owner -- has to sell it away! And today, in it's place; stands several developments. In fact, I was quite sad recently, as I had to go close to this place, as a new client had purchased a bungalow; close to my grandpa's home. It brought me sad memories -- of the place where I used to be born and lived for most of my youth. Going forward, since there is no completed purchase, I appeal you to ask your husband not to pursue with the purchase. (Perhaps, it is a blessing in disguise!) Are there not any other homes -- worth better consideration... It is still not too late! See if you can truly convince your hubby to look elsewhere! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, In the early 1980's, when I did my reservist training; during defence exercise at Sembawang/Yishun; some of the troops doing defence work; while digging defensive trench, found a wood coffin. This area is closer to Sembawang Park/upper Yishun or Yishun North area. There is really no issue with this. Often, it is best that proper rites were performed and locations should be cleansed of all burial sites. This is more important for the first few years prior to the built up of flats in Yishun. Today, or by now, all yin qi should have been cleansed since Yishun now is a hive of human activity; vehicular movement and much yang activity. In fact, many parts of Singapore; where former burial sites were; have been invaded by human (yang energy). And most of the dead, had a neutral cleansing e.g. cremated. So no issue with it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Stan, 1. In general, it is an acceptable block (although) it may seem that Blk 759 is entrapped. But on second look, it still has air pockets that channel in between blk 755 and blk 760. Still OK here. 2. In general, again, the block is rectangular in shape and is a `safe' design as many of the units are therefore; rectangular in shape. 3. I believe, the `over-pricing' is due to it's "choice" location; as it is close to the Yishun MRT, North Point Shopping centre hub and the bus terminus and many other HDB shops within this location inclusive of major supermarkets like NTUC Fairprice (at the MRT station), Cold storage, food outlets and coffee shop. 4. Frankly, other than the MRT (noise) which is bearable given the distance of the unit to the MRT; it should be relatively, noise free. 5. This round, I tend to agree with your dad's choice. Although, the view from both the living area/bedrooms and on both sides are not great, nevertheless, I personally feel that it is an acceptable site. 6. Yishun was one of the choice sites chosen by Teochew Feng Shui practitioners as a burial site because of it's good Feng Shui - for the dead in the past. With the successful exhumination done, many years ago; Yishun, started off around the 1980's - where it was not so popular at that time. In the past, when I drove past it, it was still highly under developed. 7. The only complaint about it is if one drives:( There is often a bottle-neck at Lentor avenue in the morning and evening traffic jam. Otherwise, it is still acceptable: if one takes MRT transport. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear All, Looks like there is another Feng Shui Emporium to choose from...(This one is from China) I like to emphasise that Geomancy.net is a Professional Consultancy site and from day 1 does not believe in selling any physical products. It is our strong belief that selling such things can *cloud* one's mind or specifically - have a conflict of interest in our professional service. Nowadays, it is interesting to see that there are more competition in the sale of commercial products. And this spells good for those who are interested in all things Chinese. For those who want to obtain things like Chinese ancient coins or wind chimes can do a SEARCH at http://www.yahoo.com Wow... this distributor is a `pain-in-the' neck as he tried to spam me with dozens of e-mail messages with the same message found below. Nevertheless; do check out the site below or dozens of other existing FS emporiums if you intent to shop around for such goods. Here goes.... " Chna Feng Shui Sources provides with 400 designs of Feng Shui products, such as pakua mirror, buddhas, I Ching Coin, Crystal, Lucky Bamboo, Wind Chime and Bell, Dragon, Money Frog, Tortoise, Fu Dog, Gem Tree and other religious crafts. We wholesale products from China directly! You can get the quality products with competitive prices. Please visit at http://www.fengshuisources.com for details. Best regards, Jiahong Xie China Feng Shui Sources Tel: 86 595 3225000 Fax: 86 595 3221000 Email: ftarts@public.qz.fj.cn URL: http://www.fengshuisources.com " Note: Please note that Geomancy.net does not associate itself with if any FS emporium. I have extracted the above information, for you the reader with the clause: Caveat Emptor - Let the buyer beware. Many of the products can often be classified under " Man / Human " type of `luck'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Georgia, Given that this is such a small place, if possible, go more for Gua (Kua). Shapes and Forms is equally as important. Warmest Regards, Cecil