Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, Usually, when placing windchimes the most important question asked is: 1. I am placing a windchime simply for the `love' (enjoyment) of it or 2. I am placing one or more windchimes because I read that it is good to have windchimes. If it is Para 1, usually a single windchime should not be a problem and if one usually go with our feelings, and place it at a location, one is comfortable with then there is not much issue here. (Unless, it happens to be one of the `bad' sectors where metal should not be used. For example, under Feng Shui, one should do a Flying Star analysis especially one is placing a metallic wind chime at the NW and West sector (which are Metal element sectors). Another sector to watch out is the NE or the devil's gate. 3. If one's purpose is under Feng Shui or the hope that it brings wealth. Then think again especially if one wants to place more than one windchime. 4. For a wind chime, some Feng Shui practitioners advise not placing a Five rod windchime since it symbolises Five `Earth' or Five `Yellow'. While on the other hand, some FS practitioners may consider Five `lucky' because it represents the Five elements. As for me, as in Para 4, it would be better to be cautious especially if the location is the Sickness or Misfortune sectors, it would be better not to place the Five rod wind chime at this sector. 5. Too many windchimes may result in mental illness especially for the lady of the house. 6. Wind chimes do produce a sound or `wavelength' and may inadvertenly, `attact' playful imps which may result in nightmares. I have nothing against the placement of wind chimes but, like to highlight some of the `problems' associated with it. Furthermore, windchimes can be of various materials and may invariably cause sector imbalances (if one is not too careful about it) Again, if one falls in love with a windchime and has an idea where to place it and feels comfortable, by all means go and place the windchime. Usually, if there are no problems within two weeks after placing the wind chime, it should be ok. But due to time dimensions in Feng Shui, sometimes the sector may be inauspicious during a day or month. One last thing is to avoid using a solid rod windchime. Hollow rod wind chimes are advised. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Light i.e. flame is considered the fire element. Here, another more exact interpretation is that fire (flame) rises. Although lighting generate heat, it is not a `flame' where a flame can be extinguished by water. It is perfectly acceptable to have light shining to a pool of water. This is the same as natural light filtering into the fish tank. Therefore, there should not be an issue over this. When when flame touches water, then it matters. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Lets look at it closely: 1. " North East and SW are Earth element locations." 2. To determine or check if a location is imbalanced, one has to use the Flying Star analsys instead of simply using the `cure' of "salt water". As you have correctly mentioned, salt water (salt) need not necessarily be the earth element. Perhaps, the author had visualised `grains' of salt as near equivalent to `grains of sand' representing earth element. I feel that one should not place salt water at NE and SW without any reason. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Some FS practitioners consider it not as auspicious to have the kitchen next to the main entrance. But this is quite common in many new apartments and should not pose any problems especially if the stove position is located properly. The stove (or if it has side knobs) should normally face inwards. 2. For the toilet next to the main door, this is best avoided if one can. There is nothing much one can do here other than to keep the toilet airy and bright and close the door when not in use. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sunny, It is highly unusual to find a toilet under the staircase. The staircase, must be very high. It is still acceptable to have the toilet under the staircase, if it does not have facility for bathing etc... where one can spent sometime there. If the toilet only has e.g. a toilet bowl, a basin, it is ok. Better still if one side of the toilet is attached to an external wall. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sunny, Yes, the staircase which is directly facing the main door is considered Sha Qi and is `bad' because, it is said to create a `disturbance' of the flow of Qi from the main entrance to the interior of the home. The most effective method is to use a screen between the door and the staircase. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Besides moving the furnitures, there is a cure: a. If it is a wooden beam, Then use 6 ancient Chinese coins tied together with red string. Hang it on the beam. b. If it is a concrete beam, Then place two bamboo flutes to form the top profile of the ba gua trigram: ------- / \ 2. If one falls sick often, one may have to check or do a Flying Star analysis to find out e.g. if the sickness or misfortune star is at the particular sector. Here, if the sickness star is present, the same cure i.e. 6 coins tied to a red string would be effective. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ang Chye, Traditionally, when a child was born, the parents or grandparent would consult a Geomancer to find a name for the child. The first thing the Geomancer does is to look at the child's Ba Zhi (Pillars of Destiny). For example, my grandfather was told that my elder brother lacked `water' element in his Ba Zhi. His name has one character `water' i.e. " Chwee " added to his name. As for me, since I did not lack any elements, my name had a " Tiong " or " centre " (implying balance) in one of the characters. For example, a fictitious name could be: Tan Leng Chwee (where: Tan is the surname, Leng Chwee is the last name). The " Chwee " was added to such a name. This is the reason why, Geomancy.net has constantly used the Five elements across all reports and analysis as it is a uniform method and consistent practise. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sharon, "Feng Shui" which relates to fixed templates e.g. Eight Associations or Life Aspirations are too general to be practised. Worse still if it is based on Black Hat Sect or BTB for short. `Fixed' template practises give a `bad' name to Feng Shui. More often, it gives false hope and will not work for most people. It is recommended not to practise this form of Feng Shui. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to call it "kindergarten" Feng to better reflect the status of it. If you have the time, do spent time browsing the conferences or search for a message. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear PB, Although a kitchen has some influence over the house, the more scientific method is the use of the Flying Star Theory to check whether there are any imbalances in the house. I believe, the above is a more `fruitful' excerise. Additional analysis could include the Pillars of Destiny to analyse both parties and compare both parties and find out the binding element for both parties. It would be a better option then just simply looking at the kitchen itself. The above is my opinion. I will try to give more tips on the kitchen as soon as I can. You can find some of the `answers' on this, I believe by doing a search under this forum (Free Advice forum). Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear Anon, This is an interesting question. If the space is not available or is a missing corner, one cannot or infact does not have an opportunity to place say a `cure' at this non-existing location. It is again, not possible to do remote control Feng Shui where placement of the `cure' at a nearby location `would' solve it. The `nearby' location has its own Feng Shui influence and it would not be wise to use a cure for a different location. However, if the missing corner is `restored' or modifications is made to the house or an extension, then the Flying Star, depending on the renovation work day, may changed to the new period. For example, if the last major reno was done under Period 6, it most likely will change to Period 7 house. If the area is exterior to the house, it no longer is `your house' unless it is a landed property where the sector is extended and there is a wall at the location. It is best for such situations to consult a competent FS practitioner to guage and analyse such things as no two homes are the same. Factors like the area/size of the house, whether it is a landed property etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Some FS practitioners if they are not sure, would simply say that it is bad to have empty space underneath the staircase. In my opinion, with a covered store room or without (empty space) is still acceptable. Ideally, it should be a covered store so that there is no possibility of placing displays e.g. an altar at the location etc... It is inauspicious especially if the stove is under a staircase or an altar table under the staircase. Otherwise, if someone says generally, it is bad to have the empty space, we should find out what is the person's rationale for it. (It is noted that Qi or dead qi would be present at that location but if we do not use it or use it as a storeroom or placing our shoe rack etc.. there, this is acceptable). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This depends on a person's gender: Male or Female 2. If the person is a Male:- Then the House of Conception is to relate him and his relationship with his wife or spouse. 2. If the person is a Female:- The House of Conception relates to her child. Therefore, both `statements' are correct. It depends on either a person is Male or Female. Hope that helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lyndha, 1. I understand your concern. Some Feng Shui practitioners believe that the front door should be `solid' and not see thru. 2. Alhough there is some truth in this, most houses do continue to have a solid door. 3. It is hard to generalise what is a solid and what is a `weak' door. But generally, in my opinion, it is still acceptable to have frosted glass on the door as one still retains `privacy' and does not allow anyone to peep thru the main door. 4. For the above, we can see that there can be two `camps' those who insists that doors must be `solid' (not glass etc..) 5. There are those who, would believe that it is either a non-issue or of secondary importance. Here, the effect of the frosted glass would make the house (interior) more Yang and vibrant especially if it is at a location where the house is aligned North to South. Light gets filtered through. 6. If the door faces West, light would filter in the afternoon especially if there are no buildings/trees etc.. blocking it. The door facing East is ok, as only the morning sun filters in. 7. So based the above, the effect is closely related to Yin and Yang (making the area inside the door location either more Yang with the glass door - provided it is at certain compass directions) or if a `solid' door, yin (darker area). 8. Other than the above, one cannot therefore say that it is less auspicious to have a `glass' panel door. Here it is based on each of our opinions. 9. The more scientific method under Feng Shui is to use the Flying Star (birth chart of the house) to analyse e.g. the main door entrance to see if it is auspicious or inauspicious. Or whether the elements at the location are in balance. This is a more proper way to look at the issue. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Generally, Chinese calligraphy usually either have auspicious words or phonetically auspicious words or words of wisdom. It is acceptable to place these calligraphy facing the bedroom door or on the hallway leading to the room. More commonly it is placed in the living room or on a wall, leading to the home from the entrance area. This is a belief that beneifical Qi can be `enhanced' when it comes into the home. (This is not Feng Shui but Chinese belief of some people). Under Chinese beliefs, plus in my opinion, one should not place the calligraphy facing the toilet door. Especially if the toilet bowl is visible. For the kitchen, it is uncommon to place it there especially if one has a small kitchen. If one cooks or deep fry foods often, grease or oil stains get on to the canvas of the calligraphy. (Not so much of whether it is auspicious or not.) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ang, 1. Last year, a few users brought up this subject of the `deadly' Five yellows or strong earth, which is still at the South until 4 Februrary 2000. 2. This calendar of Minor and Major dates which I had complied for the benefit of everyone is at: http://www.geomancy.net/calander/index.htm will show the start of the Chinese New Year on 5 February 2000. It is also useful for a first glance at the `good or bad' dates for an activity or event. 3. This determining of the Five Yellows for this year is based on the Yearly Flying Star Chart. 4. It is too generalised to be of any use to everyone as it is based on the calculation of the Base star of the Flying Star. 5. It does not take into account, the mountain and water stars. It is also not personalised to an individual. 6. Last year, a few users were `worried' about this same Five yellow at the South. But, this has not been eventful for most of us. 7. In my opinion, one should take such information with a pinch of salt as it is too generalised for many of us. It is not possible, statistically to say that everyone will be affected by the deadly Five yellow at the North. This is a `flawed' assessment of Feng Shui and simply put, playing with people's `fear'. 8. It will certainly leave a `mark' or black spot on the author of the book if each year, the author continues to play with one's fear. Furthermore, if the author provides a cure, it does not mean that it will work for everyone. Worse, if ones element is not analysed and may bring `harm' than good. Usually, I believe it is very simple to write on problems but where is the solution and if there is a solution, can we generalise for everybody. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Merklein, It is a good idea to `fill' in the `missing corner'. Where possible, top down (aerial view) it should end up as a `complete' rectangle if you can. The alternative is to have a `boundary', top down again (aerial view) one can see the outline of a rectangular plot/area of the house. You can extend the living room to the `sun-room'. But make sure: 1. You should not in anyway `chop' off the head of the house (if the house has a head shaped profile). You can do any renovations on the `body' of the house. 2. The extension should not make the `head' of the house in disproportionate or the `head' of the house becomes `heavy'. The `head' refers usually to the front or frontage of the house. 3. Otherwise, based on the information, you had provided it sounds `OK'. 4. For the extension of the living room, from what I read, it sounds OK. For the small fish tank or water fountain, without more information such as your element or it's strength, or the Flying Star analysis of the house, it is difficult for me to answer this question. If you want to place the small fish tank and do not want to go into the `hassle' of Feng Shui analysis, the advise is usually to go with your feelings. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Essentially, the wealth element does not change for a weak or strong element person. What happens is that if on is a strong element person, he/she can then be able to take advantage of the situation. One way of defining wealth under the Five elements concept is that under the Destructive cycle where Fire destroys Metal, if one is a strong Fire, then one is able to destroy Metal to create `wealth'. If one's element is weak e.g. weak fire, it is harder to create wealth unless the element of fire is strengthened in order to `destroy' the Metal element to produce `wealth'. The above is the method under the Five elements to explain how one creates wealth. If one can strength the Fire element, then one would be able to if metal is available destroy it. If one is a weak fire person, adding fire is less effective as compared to adding wood to strengthen the weak fire person. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, Frankly, due to seasonal changes and like you had mentioned, your weather condition, if trees cannot really grow the second half, there is not much one can do here. It is difficult to find a subsitute for real trees and plants. In doors, some Feng Shui practitioners believe that artificial plants can `subsitute' live plants. But again, this is for `cosmetic' look/decoration only. I believe in the past, NASA had carried out experiments on plants in the interior of offices and found plants are `beneficial'. Recently, I read another article, saying that plants are `ineffective' inside the home or office i.e. to absorb `pollutants'. Therefore, one has to have an open mind and each of us decide for ourselves on this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Please see below:- Actually, what is more important is not so much of the overhead beam but its effect if one sits below an overhead beam over sometime. It does not matter if the overhead beam is above e.g. the TV cabinet. For the sofa, try to place it such that an overhead beam is not above it. For the rest of your questions, will answer shortly. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For the bedroom, depending on the level of yin (rest) or yang (play or activity) you want you can use appropriate pictures in the room. Where possible, do not purchase pictures or paintings for the sake of enhancing `wealth' but rather, buy what you feel you enjoy (without any contraints) to Feng Shui other than: 1. do not buy pics/paintings of `fierce' animals with open mouths, of swords, swordplay. Ambigious paintings of unknown figures, shapes shadows. Other than these, buy paintings that you really really like. For the Chinese, calligraphy or word(s) with meaning for the living room. For the dinning room, some FS practitioners/clients are more particular and avoid as a recent message suggests, a Rooster ... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chuei May, Ideally, in the first place, one should avoid having sharp edges facing a bed. "One concept is that if one cannot see it it no longer becomes a threat applies." I really cannot provide a cure for this as it is very difficult to `hide' a corner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ang, The Eight House Theory can only be used to tell whether one is located in a good or bad sector, how suitable a house to a person. For more accurate determination of the house chart, one has to use time dimensions such as the Flying Star analysis. It is common for everyone to try to enhance their good or auspicious sectors. But one has to look at it from another angle: one has first to locate or neutralise bad sectors. Only after this is done, one should consider enhacing good sectors. It is just like a house with poison arrows aimed at the main door. One can do lots of enhancements etc... but inauspicious effects are still there. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sandi, 1. Based on what you had mentioned, you should not have a problem in the situation where although the front and back door are directly opposite each other. As, there is a wall between the two front and back door. 2. In Feng Shui, it is advisable not to be under a sloping roof. However, this is much better than directly under (sitting) under a beam. The higher the ceiling the better. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Can you confirm the relative position of the fish tank i.e. 1. Is it located outside or inside the house. 2. At the west location, which room is it? 3. How large is the fish tank e.g. 6ft by 4 ft? 4. What is the colour of the stand. 5. What is the shape of the fish tank. 6. Approximately how large is this room and what is it used for. Grateful if you can `cut-paste' this message into a new message so that I do not miss the reply. Thanks. Cecil