Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, There is some truth in what was mentioned: 1. Under the Imperial Carpentry, most chairs should preferabley have armrests. 2. The profile of the lamp shade is important consideration in Feng Shui: /\ / \ || A lamp shade should preferably be `pointed' upwards. This stands for progress. Circle lamps are also considered good Qi generators i.e. light is considered generally good in Feng Shui. If one wants to use five light bulbs, it can be circular in shape and can either be made of crystal, glass or plastic. The material is not as important. Avoid lamp shades or lighting hanging in an upside down position: || \ / \/ This firstly looks like a poison arrow. Secondly, it means `down' or failure. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lin Huang, Please see below:- Yes, a child's bedroom can be placed above the kitchen. This is based on priority. For example, under the Eight House theory, if the bedroom is auspicious sector for your child, you can let him have the bedroom. Feng Shui is based on commonsense and it is belief that many fires in a home start in the kitchen. As fire rises, it may affect the bedroom above. But here, if it is an auspicious sector for the child, you can let him/her have the room. In the kitchen, one should always keep it clean and tidy. One can even invest in smoke detectors etc... The answer is similiar to the above. Yes you can especially if it is an auspicious sector of the house for the person `occupying` it. Priority here is as you have mentioned to have a staircase landing that `turns'. More importantly it should not have `gaps' but full steps that are covered fully. 14 and 8 steps is acceptable. Congratulations on your new home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, As you have asked three questions that seems like superimposing the Four Symbolic Animal literally inside a home, generally, this is considered a `flawed' and is akin to practising Feng Shui the BTB way or commonly recommened by some book authors without due regard to proper Traditional Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, One cannot simply apply the Dragon and Tiger in the way you have mentioned. What I mean is that if you are relating to the objects: be it a picture, painting, statue of a dragon or tiger, one cannot say that say the picture of the dragon has to be at the left side while the tiger is on the right side. Firstly, one should not display such objects especially in a bedroom. One can still display the objects under the following conditions: 1. Ideally, the dragon can be displayed but for a purpose: a. It has to be a four claw or less dragon. b. It can be displayed facing a door. c. It can be displayed looking out of a window facing a poison arrow. Especially if the poison arrow is a metal lamp post, flag pole etc... This is due to the `breath' of the dragon being of the fire element. Fire destroys metal. The reason why some use it to face a main entrance door is because the Dragon (being the most Yang animal) has Yang energy and helps to `neutralise' the Yin especially if it is an inauspicious sector. Being Yang, it symbolises brightness and is similar as keeping the place "bright". Equvalent of brightening the area e.g. white paint or light up the area. 2. If a tiger is displayed in the home, it should not be ferocious, seems hungry or looks like stalking a pray. This is considered inauspicious. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For your question on " Is it necessary to hang it "; I have mentioned in detail under the last message " Does pakua needs to be prayed upon in order for it to be effect. In the above reply, I have mentioned that there are two main uses of the Ba Gua mirror: 1. To deflect poison arrow. 2. To ward off evil spirits. I have dealth in detail the above. Please see below:- 1. The most important point to remember is to hang it according to the First Heaven Sequence formation. Info about the First Heaven Sequence is found at http://www.geomancy.net/fs/pakua.htm 2. One more point is that it should not be hang inside the house. It should be hang facing out of the house. For example, the most common way is to hang above the main entrance door. 3. It can be centrally above the door. It can also be hang below a window especially if it is a flat/apartment to deflect a poison arrow e.g. the sharp edge of another tall building aimed at the house. Other than the above, you can hang it away from the home. Usually, it is hang in the middle of the window. One can place a Ba gua mirror at separate locations. So far, I have yet to see anyone hanging two Ba gua mirrors togther side by side. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, To understand if the tree is a `threat' to your home, do check out the following questions: 1. If one stand at the main entrance and if the tree slices the house, this is considered a poision arrow. 2. If it slices through the window, it is a poision arrow. As I understand from your message that the tree on the right side of the house, this is usually acceptable. 3. If you have a relatively large garden or if the tree is quite a distance away from the house, this is acceptable. In Feng Shui, a tall, large tree is considered too Yin especially if it is at the compass direction of NE, NW and West. But as you mentioned that it is the SE location, this is still acceptable. Keep the tree (if possible trimmed). 4. The branches usually are not considered sha qi as it is natural for the tree to branch out in all directions. Rather, the tree trunk is usually considered a `threat' if meets conditions under Para 1 and 2. 5. Overall, the tree should be healthy. If it is this is acceptable. But if the tree decays or rots, then it is adviseable for it to be pulled down. 6. A tree stump or broken tree stump is considered inauspicious especially if it `acts' as a blade cutting or slicing a home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Chris, Thanks for your very interesting question. As a guide, usually our surroundings is `governed' by Feng Shui analysis using the Shapes and Form School. Here, Shapes and Form is used at the Environment Scanning ie. the Landscape, the Site and the Home. We can loosely term the above as Macro Feng Shui. It is important in the above to locate the dragon (yang) embracing the tiger (yin) or we consider this a gentle embrace. In addition, in the macro level, there should preferably be a solid backing (tortise) and clear space - infront (phoenix). In Macro Feng Shui, we also analyse the enviroment in relation to the Five Elements concept. Here, if there are lots of `wood structure' buildings e.g. surrouding buildings need not be made of wood but tall and thin, one can built a house / building of Metal to destroy the surrounding wood structures thus the end result is to create wealth for the building. Again we should apply the 33.3 percent concept. In the macro environment, we (as a person) cannot influence much our environment. Our environment: between buildings and landscape can influence each other. Next, at the micro level, we can then concentrate on the influence on ourselves. Many a times, if a person lack wood e.g. a weak wood person, a FS practioner may advise adding more "wood" in the home etc.. For those who have learned Economics, i.e. Macro level and Micro level, if we apply the same to Feng Shui at Macro and Micro level, then we can begin to understand the relationship of man and his immediate surrounding has the greatest influence. Buildings and each other and the surrounding have another relationship. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear Louis, One technique is to hang a mirror. It need not be full length but should cover the head, face and the upper part of the body. However, before doing so, it would best to look at the sector based on Flying Star theory to make sure that the location is not inauspicious. If the location is auspicious, placing the mirror is acceptable. But if it is an inauspicious location, placing a mirror will bounce back twice the bad luck. The mirror is used (in consideration) of the above so that it extends the pillar outwards. Without further information, I am unable to comment further. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daren, Yes, a clock is considered a form of Sha Qi especially if it faces your house through a window. You can apply the rule: If one cannot see the Sha Qi, it no longer becomes a threat. See if you can come up with something e.g. draw the curtain etc... Another consideration is the clock. The smaller the better. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is not exactly true. In traditional Feng Shui, it is common for a FS practioner to advise the home owner to instead tilt the door facing one of his good direction. Here, it is adviseable to consult a FS consultant on the exact tilt degree. In the above situation, it is said that one kills two bird with one stone. For example if the door happens to be an inauspicious direction, by tilting the door to an auspicious direction, it solves the problem of the inauspicious door and also enable the owner to have the door face his good direction. Other than the above, it is also quite common for a FS practioner to advise his client to tilt the door especially if it is at the North East and South West to avoid the Devil's gate and backdoor. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Unfortunately, this does not fall under FS but other fields e.g. PR skills etc.. Therefore, this is not a discussion topic here. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kam Wah, Since the two dragons face each other, you have to take `them' as decorative art work. It is really no harm displaying them as a centre piece. It will not affect or impact your home as: 1. It is a four claw dragon and not five claws. 2. They are not `lone' dragons which usually is used to face the main entrance door i.e. each dragon face `both' sides of the main door. As mentioned in a previous mail, dragons should face the main door or face out of the house e.g. thru a window pointed towards a sha qi. As a dragon breathes fire, it is good to destroy a metal sha qi e.g. a flag pole or a lamp post as Fire destroys metal under the Five elements concept. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lisa, Under the Eight House Theory, it is more important to consider the intangible force e.g. whether one is sleeping close to one of our auspicious sector. For example, if the sector the wife's Health sector and the husband's "Irritation", then the wife sleep closer to this intangible force shielding the husband i.e. the husband sleeps further away. Only after the above consideration than, one sleeps with the head pointed to one of our best direction. If there is no `compromise' on a good direction, then this is still acceptable. This is because if one wants to "advance further in Feng Shui" may use other Feng Shui techniques like the Flying Star and also Shapes and Form School. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Before I reply to your question, I like to highlight that the Ba Gua mirror is used for two main purposes: 1. Some use it to ward off evil. 2. Some use it to deflect/absorb Sha Qi or poision arrow. After `understanding' above, you can than know why some FS practioners would prefer the Ba Gua mirror to be `blessed'. Usually, those who ask their clients ot place a Ba Gua mirror to "ward off evil". Why do some FS practioners ask thier clients to place a Ba Gua mirror to ward off evil? There are two main reasons: 1. Majority of these practioners have a religion e.g. Taoism and believe that all homes must have a Ba Gua mirror above their doors to `ward off evil'. The type of Ba Gua mirror used include either a. the First Heaven Sequence Trigram with a mirror in the centre. or b. the First Heaven Sequence Trigram with an attached (below it) the two door Gods. (At a later date, show you a picture of the two `lovely' and elaborate door Gods on a temple door in Singapore). For the mirrors in the centre of the trigram, this gets more confusing for many. There is a flat mirror, concave and convex mirror. Will elaborate more at a later date. What is more important is the `proper' use of the Ba Gua mirror. For example, on one occassion, I had to advise the family to hang two Ba gua mirrors (centrally) below their two windows which faced a crematoria (housing ashes of the dead). This was because the two rooms are at the NE intangible line that "flows" through to the crematoria. One reason for the above was because when I first investigated the house, the family members sleeping at these two locations were feeling sick most of the time. When I did a survey at the ground close to the crematoria, the Luo pan I carried has its centre needle spinning which had detected some ghost activity. After the Ba Gua mirror were placed, I learned from the family that everything was fine. This includes making the two rooms more Yang to compensate for the yin activity. Fortunately, the family listened to me and also took down the three metallic wind chimes which another FS practioner advised them to place there. 2. If you are using the Ba Gua mirror to deflect Sha Qi or poison arrow, than you do not need to get the Ba Gua mirror blessed. 3. If one is in a Western country and hard to find someone to `bless' the mirror, simply say a silent prayer is acceptable. 4. Depending on the location i.e. if it is under direct sun light, the Ba Gua mirror may last between 1 to 2 years. Change them around this period depending on its condition. 5. Avoid changing the Ba Gua mirror in the 7th Month of the Lunar Calendar. For example avoid changing it from 11 August to 9 September this year especially if it has to do with `ward off evil'. 6. To dispose of the mirror, simply wrap it up in an old newspaper and tie it with a red string and throw it away normally i.e. into the dustbin. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For the benefit of new users, NE is called the Devil's Gate while SW is the Devil's Backdoor. On the other hand, NE is also considered the Heaven's gate also. I sincerely believe that the author only generalises the NE and SW. In fact, as I mentioned above, it is also the gate of Heaven. From many personal experiences; especially the NE can be `controlled' i.e. avoiding a large lone tree, large pools of water and any other thing that helps to reduce the Yin forces. Emphasis on Yang elements at this sector. One very neutral thing to do is to keep the location bright. Where possible avoid Metallic wind chimes as this may inadvertenly enhance or attract Yin forces. Based on the Eight house theory, if one's favourable position is NE or SW, one can sleep facing these directions. Here, you can also understand that your room can be at other parts of the house and you can still face NE or SW. (Not necessarily in a NE or SW room). Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

As you have seen earlier in an earlier posting " Popular Chinese Decorative Figurines: Fu Lu Shou Fu - Prosperity Lu - Luck Shou - Longevity There a complex in Singapore, named after the above. It has a `mural' of the three Gods. You can also guess that Fu Lu Shou is one of the most popular Three figurines found in a Chinese home. It comes in different materials: From porcelain material, wood, gold plated, marble, jade and more. Placed in the home for good luck. By the way, the stretch of road along Queens Street, Albert Complex and around Bugis has lots of religious Shops that sell Feng Shui stuffs. If you are around this location, you can also visit the Kuan Im Temple. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, it is common for the conjugal bliss (a picture of a dragon and phoenix) on a Wedding Card. The dragon symbolies Male or Yang and the phoenix symbolies Female or Yin. There is no hard and fast rule for the placement of the symbol. Sometimes it is printed also on the photo album. I hardly see anyone displaying the symbol unless during marriage. Otherwise, there is really no impact of the symbol on Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This has to do with Chinese superstitious belief than Feng Shui. However, in my personal opinion, I think it may not necessary be true. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jason, Thanks for your description. Usually, since you are only staying in a room, try not to keep it cluttered with too many things. The main important layout would be your study table and your bed. Currently, as your room, I would imagine is small, you really cannot apply much of Feng Shui other than: 1. Under the Eight House theory, you an see if your study table is facing one of the auspicious directions. 2. Depending on the time of day and your study habits, you should either create a more Yang environment especially if you are studying late at night. One consideration is the fish tank. In many cases, a FS practioner would advise one not to place the fsh tank too close to the study area as one may "loose concentration". However, if you are `opposite' and can concentrate with a fish tank, then it is fine. Other than that, you should not be too concern with Feng Shui. Warmest Regards. Cecil

Dear Anon, The `lime/lemon' you mentioned is not the same as the one given as a gift. The one given as a gift is sometimes known as " Kimquat". -----------Again this is not FS----------- Chinese especially the young present two Oranges to the "elderly" during Chinese New Year is because oranges or mandarin oranges represent Gold. In Hokkien (Chinese dialect) Gold is called Kim. Similarly the `lime/lemon' tree you mentioned is orange in colour and represents Gold. On the other hand everything in Tradtional Chinese relates to Yin and Yang. Lime/Lemon is considered Yang as it is sour or bitter. As one should be aware, there must be a balance of Yin and Yang. Yin refers to the dark, ghosts etc... and you need Yang to balance it. Here, you see another "usage" of the Yin and Yang concept but in another Chinese practise. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Usually the hauntings is at a Yin location. For example, the North-East (Devil's Gate) or South-West or West or anyother locations that are influenced by Yin elements. Examples of Yin influences include large number of plants or a tall lone tree outsie the house. 2. Another method is to look at the Flying Star numbers and relate it to each specific trigram and their significance. For example, under the trigram interpretation, you could find: rope, young person, red. Here, you may find that a young lady who wore red was hanged at the specific location. This feature would be included in this website computerised report. 3. Some of us may through our six sense detect such anomalies e.g. hair on our body standing or find very uncomfortable in the specific room or find a strong `cold' presence. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Under the 33 percent "Rule", a ring is `minute' and have very little impact on a person. One can still choose to wear a ring based on English `Astrological signs'. Under the 33 percent " Rule ", greater impact on a person is e.g. the clothes he/she wear as it covers quite alot of the area on a person. For example, a T-shirt covers quite a substantial part of the body. For rings, it is in my opinion that you wear something which gives you "confidence." For those who want to find out the gems, you can also visit my other website: www.lovesigns.net which is about Chinese Astrology which looks at a person's Year of Birth. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Again, this is a `hard' question as one must be personally at the site to evaluate the "situation." In general, this would depend on many factors some of which includes: 1. Is the house on elevated ground and how is the condition of the soil or foundation solid enough. 2. The impact of the weather i.e. is the location `sheltered' from storms etc... 3. If the sea at the location is calm, it is acceptable. Based on what you have briefly mentioned, the light house should not pose a problem: a. In order for it to be a poison arrow, it must be directly cutting the main entrance door ( or tangent to it). If it is at a distance on one side, this is acceptable. b. On the contrary, a light house if it is on the right side of the house ie. when one stands at the main entrance and look out of the house, if the lighthouse is on the rightside, it is regarded as " Penmanship " peak. In China, pagodas are frequently erected either at fault lines or in settlements. The symbolic reason is that these people hope that their children can get good education as a tall pagoda is in the shape of an UP shape and the hope is that their children have higher education. However, contrast this to chimneys which is considered not auspicious as they symbolically represent joss sticks ie. to pray (e.g. when one is dead). It is still best if one can get a competent FS practioner to go on site to assess the situation. (As I frequently mention that it is hard to comment without seeing the actual situation as no situation are alike). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ceilia, Can I check with you is your house built between 1984 to this year? If it is built in Period 7, where centre is the current prosperity sector, it would be better to use Green carpet. As centre of the house is also of the yellow element, Green represents wood would help to neutralise the earth element (as Wood destroys earth). As for Red which represents the Fire element, my advise is to keep this element off the centrepoint of the house The above is based on preliminary analysis based on generalised FS without taking into consideration your personal elements/strengths. It is based more on analysis of the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Appreciate if you can elaborate more of why you would want to find out about the element of red coral. Usually, these are considered part and parcel of the contents of a fish tank and should not be an "issue" unless, they have an unusual undefined shape. (Or if they occupy more than 33.3 percent of the floor area (or the volume of the location). Warmest Regards, Cecil