Cecil Lee

Dear Andy, 1. You have not mentioned the size of the pair of lion. 2. If it is a small pair of golden lion, usually you can place it in a display shelf in the living room. 3. Usually the display shelf should face an open space. 4. If the pair of golden lion is large i.e. as large or bigger than a flower pot, it can (GENERALLY) be placed on both sides of the main entrance. 5. As mentioned in several forum messages, the metal element i.e. such as the golden lion is considered a metal element. For metal element, in general, they are much easier to be placed without incurring as much severe repercussions as other elements especially of the earth element. 6. Another observation is that in Mandarin, under the Five Elements Concept, the METAL element is called GOLD instead of METAL. Thus under the Five elements we have: Water, Fire, GOLD (metal), Wood and Earth. Since metal is `treated' as GOLD, symbolically it has less of the problems associated with earth or wood. So far, I have yet to encounter the need for a CURE against METAL (only in specific instances). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Peter, Ideally, the best mountains are: 1. Firstly, under external environment, there should be a good hill or if it is further away a real mountain behind the house. Examples, are those of the mountain `protection' found in books on FS history. For example, books that describe how a location or city was chosen. 2. Thus, we should not only be looking at our own houses but on a larger picture, on such external environment. 3. If the above is fullfilled, in general, it is considered a good location .. i.e. overall prosperity for the people living there. 4. As to a home, it is difficult to quantify the exact earth i.e. 0.5 metre high etc... An investigation or observations has to be made on the back portion i.e. are there water positions there? Are there roads behind, side of the back of the house. 5. For the interior of the home, the equivalent of a `mountain' position is the brickwall of the back of the house and it can also be represented by a back door. 6. We should therefore, understand that a mountain is a location where, there should be solid support. Symbolic of this are ie. a piece of immovable rock. Such as a piece of brick (which can represent it). As for a clay figurine... I believe, it remains perhaps (in my opinion) much a decorative item and less of a `mountain' support. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lawrence, If I understand correctly, your bathroom door is quite a distance from your bedroom (but directly facing each other). This is secondary, and in my opinion, you could (if you can) close your bedroom door instead. 1. Usually, the impact is greater if the toilet is part of the bedroom. 2. If the toilet bowl is not visible from the toilet door, this even much better. Overall, I would not be too overly concerned in your situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elizabeth, 1. In Feng Shui, the front door especially at the frontage is considered the mouth of the house. 2. Primarily, this location should have clear space. 3. Thus, in my opinion, it does not matter if one place a fs turtle at this location. The main thing to avoid is to make sure that the front door is `protected' from sharp corners of other buildings or lone lamp posts that could `slice' thru the main door. Equally important is to avoid any objects with its mouth opened facing the main entrance area. 4. Even if the north = water element does not matter since this is the front area. Purchasing a `fs turtle' in my opinion, is just a decorative item... in such a situation... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear John, In my opinion, you can consider the (I believe) the beautiful brick facade as a decoration. It need not be `balanced' directly. You can try to make the apartment as cosy as possible to your taste. So far, I come across many homes with such beautiful facade and in my opinion do not pose any problems. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For serious books on history of Feng Shui i.e. city planning in the past (Chinese cities), you can check out the few books written by Dr Evelyn Lip (Times Publication). Try to do a search e.g. in the internet book stores such as amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com for the author. For new books on city planning... in relation to FS.. this is, in my opinion, hard to come by. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Annette, 1. Thanks for sharing with all of us your personal experience with `shattered glass'. 2. Apologise if this information, I about to mention may not appeal to everyone.. Since, it relates to an experience with `shattered glass'... Here goes... 3. In Yin Feng Shui (or FS for the dead); it is very unlucky to have glass smashed towards the face of the dead. This may cause unfortunate accidents or bad luck for the relatives (immediate family). 4. Many coffins today have a glass panel so that loved ones/relatives or friends can view the dead prior to the burial. Sometimes, the glass panel was not removed or part of the casket and during transport to burial site or burial ground, the glass may be shattered. The glass shreds could cover the dead person's face. This is said to be very unlucky... or bring constant misfortune or bad for the relatives.. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sherri, First of all Congratulations on your promotion! 1. For your concern of the window, usually, this is often the case for many executives especially with the windows either on the side or side and back. 2. Other than Fire safety concerns, it would be good if a low height cabinet (waist high) can be used between the windows and the workarea. (Especially, if the window is of full height. 3. Blinds would be acceptable in such a situation which is symbolic of a covering of the window. 4. As for the location of the door, apologise .. I am not too clear of what you mean. But to counter the effects, usually, an unobstrusive piece of `mirror' is used at the blind spot area (akin) to a car's mirror. The `mirror' can be as innocent as a piece of sliver photo frame where one can look over (behind) it when working. 5. Usually, more important under Shapes and Form Feng Shui is to avoid, the door open immediately towards the table or desk. For the door behind the workarea, more `weightage' goes towards `commonsense' then Feng Shui and using `mirror' would do the `trick'. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Bonnie, I truly understand your problem. It is never easy to apply Feng Shui to a small apartment. Usually, for small apartments, we cannot really do much and have to rely on the Feng Shui influences of the entire building. Enhancing Qi (by whatever means) in a small apartment can thus be frustrating or furtile. In most instances, or for such cases, our individual LUCK (since Feng Shui is about some form of LUCK) would help us. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Peter, Please see below:- In situations as what you had mentioned above; it is always prudent to do analysis based on both charts i.e. Period 6 and 7. Usually, the two different charts may show i.e. under Period 6 (good) but Period 7 (bad). It can be matched to the present situation of the household to see which chart is more accurate i.e. Period 6 or Period 7. In my opinion, your apartment birth date should not change. But whenever possible, since we are aware of a major renovation of the apartment block, it is best to do a chart of both periods especially if one spans Period 6 and the reno was done under Period 7. 1. There is no concrete evidence so far nor I believe, anyone can predict for certain re-painting the ceiling may change the chart. 2. Usually, if the ceiling has been repainted and within the next 2 years, things are much the same, then, I believe the `re-painting' may fail to change the birth chart. 3. In some instances, the birth chart may change say after the 3rd year to 5th year. This is quite an `inexact' science and more is needed to study into this. 4. For example, if we do a birth chart and the original house is under Period 6. When we do a chart for Period 7, it looks much better for the birth chart of the house. Therefore our assumption is that changing the birth chart to Period 7 for this example may be better. But, say after a year to two years, nothing seems to change, then it is more likely that it has not changed its birth chart. If one is patient enough, a further monitoring of 3 to 5 years should confirm this. If by the 5th year, no change is forthcoming... then, I may say that, the house would still come under Period 6. Alternatively, one could look back 20 years later in Period 8 to see the effects... if any. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Thambyrajah, This area i.e. house number especially for landed properties comes more to numerology. It is hard to say whether, no. 14 is good or bad because, there are various interpretations (good or bad on 14, or 1 + 4 ) combination. Overall, Feng Shui is a holistic method and encompasses much more than just house numbers. The physical location and compass school techniques are usually used to look at the horizontal and vertical scope of the house and others such as one's element and strength. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lucyane, If there is sickness, 258 combination seems mostly likely the case especially with the #2 sickness and #5 misfortune combination together. You can use the 6 white in this case. Quickly, see if the `metal cure' can be implemented as soon as possible. I would strongly recommend the 6 metal coins tied with red string. But, you may choose other metal cures (if you want to). I am not sure what stage is the cancer. But if the metal cure can be immplemented real fast, it would be of great help to the health (especially if one is staying in the house). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Koslan, Please see below:- 1. Thank you for raising this intriguing question. 2. Aside from the 33.3% ruleset, symbolism plays a role in Feng Shui: 2.1 For instance, when implementing a metal cure, it is not mandatory to utilize large amounts of 'metal'. In this context, 'Big metal' or substantial quantities of metal are symbolized by the number 6. Consequently, 6 i-ching coins are frequently employed to signify 'large quantities of metal'. 2.2 In reference to Para 2.1, we observe that adherence to the 33.3% ruleset is not required, allowing us to alternatively apply 'symbolism' in Feng Shui. 3. Applying a wood cure can be particularly challenging, especially since 'Big Wood' is represented by the number 3. Therefore, should we position 3 potted plants in the area to symbolize 'Big Wood'? It is important to remember that for a successful 'cure', it is advisable to use 'Big .... followed by the element'. If you possess three small potted plants, they can be utilized or arranged there. However, keep in mind that maintenance may pose a challenge, and the arrangement might appear somewhat unusual. 4. Regarding a plant cure, in my view, it can be either a 'live' plant or an artificial one. The plant should be of a suitable size if one opts to place a single plant. Yes, you should avoid placing plants in an area where Metal cure should be used. (Where possible). No you need not apply the cure especially if the base star has a " Big .... element " i.e. Big Wood; Big Metal... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jane, In my opinion, this is the first time I come across the comment that growing money plants would take away luck. Perhaps, some may consider the money plant a vine. This is because, it has the ability to grow roots and cling on to walls. Maybe because of this perception that it may take away luck. Otherwise, in my opinion, there should not be any issue on this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Max, It is very common to have a reception facing the main entrance door: 1. Especially if it is at least 1.5 to 2 metres away from the entrance door. 2. Usually, reception counter is full table height when seen from the main entrance. 3. Under Feng Shui, an analysis may be done to check the auspiciousness of the main door entrance. In instances where the main door area is auspicious, by having the reception counter at the centre, may inadvertently, divide the `LUCK' into TWO. This is because, the Qi that is meant to come into the main entrance door would be split into two or halved in instances where the reception is at the centrepoint. This needs further FS investigations based on Office Feng Shui audit. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Max, For a person who is `strong fire'; it is best to be associated with a business related to Metal. (wealth element). You can generate the Career report which will further give a breakdown of: 1. Career associated with wealth 2. Career associated with power. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Merian, Is it possible for you to place a small cabinet or cupboard such as a short linen cabinet of say 4 to 6 drawers at the foot of the bed? Alternatively, if you have a partition, this would also do. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Max, 1. Yes, in a general `reading' taking into consideration one's YEAR of birth i.e. for those born between 18 Feb 1958 to 7 Feb 1959, the YEAR element is an Earth Dog. 2. Pillars of Destiny based on YEAR, MONTH, DAY and TIME of birth. In the " Four Pillars" analysis, not only is the YEAR element i.e. EARTH-DOG is looked into but also the MONTH, DAY and TIME of birth. Under Pillars of Destiny, the main important element is the MONTH of birth and the other variables i.e. YEAR, DAY and TIME are looked at in total. Thus one can be a " EARTH - DOG " based on the YEAR of birth but, this is too general and has to be looked into in greater detail based on Pillars of Destiny. Thus the resultant `true element' having taken into account NOT only the YEAR, but MONTH, DAY and TIME variables would yield say = STRONG WOOD. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Glenn, In this website, the direction of the main entrance door is determined from the centrepoint of the house. Therefore, NE 68 degrees is used here as the main entrance door when applying the tools here. Taking the direction of the main entrance door from the centrepoint is the standard method used throughout Flying Star School especially if the ordinary compass is used. If one uses the Loupan to analyse a direction, another method is used. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Further to what I had mentioned earlier about the bamboo tree (plant); In my opinion, I find that it is a `dirty' plant. Do not get me wrong that I meant `dirty' as to it harbouring ghosts! *Joke* What I actually meant was that: 1. Unlike a regular tree, which has only one tree trunk; bamboo plant grows "sideways" and in a short while, one bamboo plant or shoot would result in many bamboo shoots sprouting out or expanding `sideways' or taking up more ground space. 2. Should the older bamboo shoots be `cut' or had `rotted'; it could be a haven for mosquitoes or their lava since, the broken shoots can easily contain stagnant water. 3. Furthermore, if one try to remove the bamboo plants (in the future), it can be quite a messy affair and it is hard to pull out the roots unless, one really digs hard enough. Because of the above, (rather than FS); I personally do not have a `good opinion' of the tree in one's home even if it is at the frontage of the house.. erh... so much trouble.... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Fred, 1. It would be better if a partition (if possible) be placed between the front door and the staircase instead of a crystal. Usually, a crystal would not (in my opinion work). 2. To slow down the qi, plants could be placed at the steps of the stairs. (But preference should be given to Para 1.) 3. Based on your description, looks like the frontage of the house is the ocean view side instead of the main door side. In such a situation, it would not be ideal to place a water position on the `technical' front side of the house. 4. Usually, it is best if a physical FS audit could be done as it is difficult to advise on this on paper. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Koslan, Please see below:- Yes, one should apply cures for any imbalances at the specific sectors. If one is applying the Eight House Theory, then apply it towards (especially) your bedroom i.e. is the bed at an auspicious sector? Or if it is a couple, one party could use another as a shield. For example, if the husband's sector is `death' while the wife is `irritation'; it would be better for the wife to sleep closer to this intangible force and the husband further away. In order to activate the mountain stars:- 1. It must not be activated i.e. at the front door or frontage of the house. For example, if a mountain star is found at the front door, do not activate it here. The front door or frontage of the house should have clear space (instead). 2. A mountain star can be activated, especially if this is the backdoor area or a wall especially in a room. 3. A mountaing star should not be activated at a open window. Where possible a mountain star should be activated on the ground level. Here, we have never seen a mountain on an artificial elevated level while the base or bottom is hollow. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Max, 1. It would be best to look at the environment (other buildings), the site and building based on Shapes and Form FS. Therefore, it is quite difficult for me to comment on just a few things. 2. On a commercial level: 2.1 If the building is an existing building, perhaps, you may need to find out more.. how the previous tenants were fairing. Plus looking at rental amounts... 2.2 How is the pedestrian traffic like. It should also be related to the type of business that you are offering. 2.3 The above are more important considerations, first. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lora, In your situation, you can place two plants on each side of your entrance door to create a `triangle effect' with the tree. From a top down view, it would show as a triangle profile; where the tip of the triangle, points away from the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lora, In my opinion, if it is not your main door or if there is no direct line of sight between your main door and the kitchen/entry door, there is no FS issue. The main concern is only if the main door is in direct line with another door (exit) door and Qi or (Chi) goes directly out of the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil