Cecil Lee

Dear Ernesto, To help you better understand the Chinese 60 year cycle, you can visit:- http://www.geomancy.net/fs/calendar.htm and find out more about the Chinese Calendar system which consists of the combination of:- The Ten Heavenly Stems + The Twelve Earthly Branches. You will then be able to understand the " 1 Cycle " of 60 years which is further broken down into Upper, Middle and Lower periods. Happy reading... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Wasis, For flights, it would depend on the direction of travel and transit through countries. As the flight usually lasts not more than 15 hours, nowadays, in modern times, less concerned of many people of the travel from and to a particular destination with the advent for `heavy' globalisation and travel. Which is frequent. Please see below:- Usually, if the house has brought in `luck' the advise is not to `change' it including the frontage if we can. I believe, the change from a garden to pavement stones would have affected the Feng Shui of your home. Many Chinese who stay in Indonesia were not allowed to use Chinese/Mandarin names but instead to take on such names. For many years, Chinese culture or the Chinese community in Indonesia were for example not allowed to celebrate Chinese new year or associated with Chinese culture or belief. In my opinion, this would explain why we have never heard of practising Feng Shui practitioners (a practise associated with the Chinese) in Indonesia. In my country, the fee depends on the nature of work carried out and the type of building or house that is analysed. For houses, especially in my country FS charges are based on say the number of rooms of a house. For example; different charges for a bungalow house; semi-detached; terrace house and for apartment buildings; it can be classified as: `Five room flat'; `Four room flat' and condominium buildings. For commercial buildings it can be based on negotiation for the entire building or by per square feet area of the site analysed. Depending on the extend of services required; if it requires many follow-up sessions, this can range from say a package audit of approximately US$3,000 to as little as US$288. It varies with the reputation of the FS practitioner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Further to what I had mentioned earlier, please accept my sincere apologies. Earlier, I just realised after reading your message again that you had mentioned that your bed is a `wooden' bed. In such a situation, I can understand why the `suggestion' was made for you to place 4 coins. Where 4 represent SMALL WOOD. Since the bed is made of wood, and not to overkill by placing 3 coins (where 3 represents BIG WOOD); usually based on Five Element concept, the " 4 coins with the wooden bed " would equate = 3 or Big Wood. Again, I feel that the above is based on `Beliefs' and I find it really no harm if this `process' is continued. But based on the concept of applying the Five Element concept, it `looks technically' correct. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In a recent reply to the same or similar question, I personally feel that this is a non-issue since you are normally not sleeping under the portion of the `beam'. In a situation where there is indeed a beam `pressing' on the body; I feel that this is a real concern. But, yes, do rest and relax as usually, a portion of the pillow would `occupy' or be below this beam and in fact, more often, the head is further away from this `beam'. In case of a further paranoal; of feeling that there could be a poison arrow from the beam towards, the bed, in my opinion, this is usually a non issue since the distance of this `beam' is relatively far away and in most instances, aimed 45 degress and usually away from the body. Again this, I felt is a non issue. Therefore, this round; it is good to `listen' to your boyfriend's advice:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, For this lunar metal snake year, the position of Tai Su is at South-South East or exactly falling at compass degree 150 degrees. And not South West. However, the location of conflict is at EAST sector. -- Extract from Flying Star report at www.geomancy-online.com:-- Tip on Renovating Your Home If you are doing renovations for your home, check the location of Grand Duke, first. What is the Grand Duke's Theory? The Chinese hold the Grand Duke in great esteem. The Grand Duke refers to the position of Jupiter in relation to each of the Chinese calendar year. For example in 2001, the year of the snake, the grand duke is at 150 degrees or South-South-East:- What's the benefit about knowing the position of the Grand Duke for each year? You can improve your Feng Shui or take advantage of the Grand Duke by knowing the position of the Grand Duke for each year. This is because sitting opposite or facing the Grand Duke will bring you misfortune, calamity, disaster or defeat. Try to avoid renovations or repairs in the location opposite the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke Theory can be applied to renovations and repairs to a house, office, building, a site, a city or country. In addition, Chinese generals in the past made use of this knowledge in battle. In recent times, for example, during the Gulf war in 1991, which is the year of the ram, the grand duke was at the South West. Saddam Hussein's troops were at the North East while the Allied forces were advancing from the South West. Saddam's forces were facing the Grand Duke! The Grand Duke was with the Allied forces. The morale of the story is not to confront the Grand Duke (facing him). Let the Grand Duke support you from behind. How to improve your environment after knowing the Grand Duke Theory? 1. Avoid sitting in a direction facing the grand duke as this will bring disasters and grave misfortune in that year. For example, if the grand duke is in North Direction, then sit facing North. 2. Once you know where the Grand Duke is located for the year, avoid disturbing him by having any renovations or repairs in his location. For example, if the grand duke is in the North, avoid renovations in the North of your home/office. What is the location in conflict? This is the location which is in conflict. For 2001, this is EAST. This location also changes from year to year. How to improve your environment after with the knowledge of the location in conflict? You should NOT have any renovations or repairs done opposite the location in conflict. For example, if the location in conflict is East, do not have any renovation done in the West Location. Looks like the locations you mentioned below; most likely does not conflict with the Grand Duke. But do follow the above to confirm and if possible avoid: 1. Touching the grand duke. 2. Disturb him. Touching implies such situations as painting the wall. Distrubing him is like knocking wall or disturbing the earth. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, what you have mentioned can at best be based on intuition or feelings as Feng Shui looks further than just the toilets. Feng Shui should be used at a holistic level to look into various areas or sectors within and external of the home ... Thus, just by looking at the toilet and giving a brief comment on it is can be quite a difficult task. It is like doing guess work. Although I agree that, for the toilet, if you can; why not close the toilet door without placing wooden wind chimes. The placement of objects are usually looked at using proper FS tools such as Flying Star to analyse the praticular sector. Thus if we are not using these tools; we would have to use guess work at best: 1. Close the toilet door when not in use. (If so, do not need to cover the toilet bowl). 2. Since you have already placed the wooden wind chimes and since there are no adverse effects till now; it looks quite `neutral' although I do not see how it can neutralise Sha qi. This is because, toilet positions are usually fixed and only a phyical relocation would be useful if it is at a very bad sector. (Here, many times, this cannot be done due to the plumbing etc..) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Let me help you understand the use of 4 coins or even 3 coins:- 1. Coins under the Five elements concept represent METAL element. This is perfectly logical since coins are usually made of metal (copper /gold ) etc... 2. Under the Five elements concept; the numbers 4 and 3 represent WOOD element. 3. For the METAL element, it's wealth is WOOD. As metal destroys WOOD to create `wealth'. 4. Thus, coming to your question of why 4 pieces of metal? Well, since we understand that 4 = Wood element and coins = Metal; some FS practitioners or Five Element practitioners would want to use 4 coins to signify creation of `wealth'. 5. Another point to note is: Should one use 4 coins or 3 coins? Under the Five element concept: number 4 is repesented by SMALL WOOD or take it as a growing plant. While number 3 represents BIG WOOD. Take this to signify a large tree. 6. Thus, some FS practitioners may prefer that one use: 3 coins (Use Metal to destroy BIG WOOD) thus creating `bigger wealth'. 7. Therefore, you can find (rather) some FS practitioners advice:- 7.1. Place 3 coins in one's account book (for a business) 7.2. Or place 3 coins under the floor mat at the main door. Here, each time one steps on the floor mat; one is considered as stepping on `gold'. 8. Thus, 4 or 3 coins? Not that I recommend using them but if one uses them (with a `strong belief' should instead subsitute 4 coins with 3 coins). 9. I am not postulating that one follow the above; but rather, what I am trying is to allow readers to understand why 4 or 3 coins are used. And not 5 coins, 1, 2 coins etc... 10. In my opinion, placing the above does not give a magical formula in accumulating wealth. To make, take it as part of decorative piece or simply a `personal' belief. Whether it actually works.. well... it is up to the believer... to hope? Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Erika, 1. Frankly, there are two `ways' at looking (placement of a mirror). 2. Some would do some Feng Shui analysis e.g. using Compass School i.e. especially using Flying Star to analyse whether a sector is auspicious or inauspicious. 3. If the sector is inauspicious, it is not ideal to place a mirror e.g. on the wall of this inauspicious sector as it is considered bad luck as it may bounce back twice the bad luck. 4. In your case, since we are fully applying the above concepts; you may have to rely on your instincts or feelings. If you personally feel nice having a mirror in the room; do so. 5. For the mirror, it would be good as you had mentioned to keep (at least the head and neck) of the person within the mirror. It does not matter if the full body has been covered. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Agnes, In my opinion, the beam(s) you had mentioned is not an issue since many bedrooms I am aware of in Singapore, have such indents. Usually, it wold be good to have a headboard with cupboard space for placement of e.g. phone set or alarm clock. Even if there is no cupboard space, this would generally (in my realistic opinion) not a main issue. Usually, when we sleep, on a pillow, part of the top portion of the pillow would certainly occupy the `beam' portion. Best to sleep away from the beam. As for hanging wedding photos etc... you should still hang the photo as the `benefits' outweigh the disadvantage. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Lupi, Please see below:- Basically, Pillars of Destiny takes into account: Heavenly stems and earthly branches. For example, what is looked at is a person's Year, Month, Day and Hour of birth. In the above, each of these periods Year / Month / Day and Hour is considered a pillar each. Thus, there are 4 Pillars : Year Pillar; Month Pillar; Day Pillar and Hour Pillar. Withing each pillar, there is the earthly branch and heavenly stems. Thus this would make up `Eight Characters' or 4 pillars x 2 (1 earthly branch & 1 heavenly stem each). Pillars of Destiny takes into consideration the interaction of all eight characters. Of which, the main influence is due to: 1. The day pillar. 2. The combinations or clashes of the rest of the pillars in relation to the day pillar. 3. For each individual, the strength of the pillar or element would depend on the season that they were born under. Thus, a person may end up as a STRONG WATER person if his pillar has water and it so happens that the season he is born under is strong. This results in the person; for example as having STRONG WATER. You will notice that Pillars of Destiny is independent on the Flying Star or Luo Shu grid which is a totally different method to derive the Flying Star. Therefore, there is no direct relation between the Luo Shu grid and Pillars of Destiny. Luo Shu grid; depends on the period e.g. the house is contructed and is used to produce the `Birth Chart of the house'. While Pillars of Destiny; is a destiny map or the Heaven's map of a person. It can be changed through a person's experience; education etc... An accurate Pillars of Destiny analysis takes into consideration many factors and output and can be quite complicated to calculate. When a house is analysed; a professional Feng Shui master would draw a 20 year Flying Star chart of the house. A monthly chart is used; more for fine tuning cures or enhancements. Likewise, a day chart is used in the same way. Do take note that the 20 year Flying Star chart can be considered as a `full analysis' as it takes into account all three numbers i.e. #mountain star #water star and #base number to analyse a sector and check for imbalances (if any). A monthly chart cannot do the same as it takes into account just the #base number. Thus, a monthly or daily chart has to be used in conjuction with the 20 year Flying Star chart. Usually, for example a sector under the 20 year Flying Star chart could show an imbalance ie. requiring a metal cure. But because, the base number has e.g. #6 or big metal under the month chart; for that particular month, the cure could be taken out. But need to be placed back again the next month. This may be very tedious. Usually, such cures are done when one pays a Feng Shui practitioner a substantial amount of money to provide such an analysis and to constantly visit the site. Pillars of Destiny can be as detailed or can be as shallow. For example, a detailed Pillars of Destiny chart takes into consideration: Year, Month, Day and Time. A more detailed Pillars of Destiny chart takes into consideration: Year, Month, Day, Time; House of Life and House of Conception. With more variables or elements to analyse, only in such a situation; triple combinations or clashes can occur and it is through such clashes or combinations that a Pillars of Destiny chart can be very accurate. Here, the TRUE element can be determined i.e. as the resulting clashes or combination can result in either WEAK or STRONG element. A simple Pillars of Destiny could take into consideration only the DAY pillar. But, one has to guess whether the TRUE element is strong or weak. It depends on what one is analysising. If one is analysing a building, then we take into consideration the main entrance of the building. If we are analysing a home, we take into consideration, the door of an apartment. Flying Star analysis can therefore be used at a macro (building) or micro (apartment) level. What is common is that both 9 Star Ki and Flying Star uses the Luo-Shu grid. However, Flying Star is used mostly for analysing especially a birth chart of a house. It is specific tool and does not include divinity portion. It is used inconjuction with other Feng Shui methods such as Compass School: Eight House and other separate `tools' need to be used. 9-Star Ki is more like a package and it combines various packaging such as personal luck; wealth etc... This is not the end of the world. I am not sure how true it is that " opposites attract ". There are many people who have gua numbers that are dis-similiar to their spouse and have good or excellent relationships. I personally feel that one should not be too worried about this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Niki, In my opinion, it is good to hear that your house has good Feng Shui in many areas. The door (especially bedroom door[s]) should not be moved unless they do not `adhere' to shapes and form Feng Shui. Although it would be nice to had an added bonus of having good `Eight house' fit for everyone; usually this may not be the case. The main consideration is still on the sitting of the bed based on good Shapes and Form techniques. If a house has excellent Feng Shui, it would give a significant leap (or quantum leap) in Feng Shui and would have added more than 50 percent or more `luck' towards the residents of the house. It is good to move in; (and if you are not going to use other FS theories such as Flying Star) than, usually, if you had moved in for more than 3 months; usually everything would be fine or smooth. Only when situations where family members e.g. fall sick occassionally during this period, that perhaps; one may need to see if there are any sectors that may need to be neutralised. This situation may or may not happen - so do not be unduly worried. Many people have lived a wonderful life not knowing about Feng Shui -> especially if they are lucky to stay in a good house blessed with `good feng shui'. I believe, from what u mentioned, your home sounds nice... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, I believe that; the middle east talks is a complicated process especially since, the Palestians were unfortunately `chased' out of their land when Jews settled to form their country with the blessing of the West. As Israel and occupied settlements (land area) is small, and where many Jews had settled in occupied territories... I believe peace can be a complicated process. With the escalating crisis; I think, "Feng Shui" has to take a `back seat' as it may not be of help in such siuations. But of course, picking good dates.. (if we consider the concept of Chinese divinity methods) may be help... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Ernesto, The Chinese astrology is based on the five visible planets: Mercury Mars Venus Jupiter Saturn Each of these planets are related to an element: Mercury = water element Mars = Fire Venus = Metal Jupiter = Wood Saturn = Earth These five elements x the 12 Chinese zodiac signs represent = 60 year cycle. You are partially correct in that this 60 year cycle is reinforced by what we call the planet cycles or their full obit: Here, mercury takes 10 years to complete a full orbit; Mars = 15 years; Saturn 30 years and Jupiter = 12 years (other than venus) this approximately gives us around 60 years. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Hendra, Yes, the metal pig in a metal snake year is not favourable. Two things you have to becareful:- 1. Investments and finance 2. Injuries and accidents You have to take extra care in both of the above areas. The only reprieve is in June where you would have better luck. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Norma, Since you are occupying only one side of the house, the centrepoint should be taken only on your side of the house. As for the breadwinner, although both roughly earn the same salary, with regards to Feng Shui, usually, if this is the case, the `male' or your husband should be taken as the breadwinner. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Agnes, Nowadays, due to the highly commercialization of Feng Shui, every object that can be sold has been given a `tag' as a Feng Shui enhancer or cure or neutralising agent. For example, even in Chinese beliefs such as the three legged toad has been said to bring `good fortune'. Sometimes these objects are sold for more than US$50 or more and I am not too sure who has the better fortune? The seller or the poor buyer who had just departed with US $50 or more? Please see below:- Alternatively, some FS practitioners advise the use of grand father clock i.e the tick-tock.. effect (as adding the sound of metal). Wooden wind chimes can be used to enhance a sector that requires the wood element. Here, it is simply looking at the Flying Star of a sector and finding out which element is needed to control another element. The red string helps to bind the 6 coins together or control it. Alternatively, some FS practitioners would sell their clients a piece of copper ruler. The COPPER RULER represents `Big metal' and is used in similar cures. For all the above objects; avoid a similar concept such as `over eating' or over indulgence... If he liked a wind chime and already `eyed' a location to place it, usually, this is acceptable. But, if one purchase wind chimes or several wind chimes in the hope of enhancing the home, this is a different thing all together. Placing several wind chimes is like trying out one's luck or the chances of placing it at a wrong location ... is a higher risks. Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear David, Please see below:- Ideally, more importance is placed on the placement of the stove. The placement of the oven takes second priority. If the kitchen is at the South compass direction, it can still be considered facing `out' of the house i.e. towards the entrance. Can you confirm whether you meant the oven or the stove in the above. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Sally, I have done away with manual computation already. Why not you go to www.geomancy-online.com and generate a free report on your true element. Under the free report, the assumption is that the element is weak. This is much faster and accurate method. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In general, without looking at the individual's Ba Zi information; 1st day of every Lunar month and 15th day of every Lunar month are considered good days. 2. Please check out www.geomancy-online.com as there is an auspicious date by month report with reference to a person. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kenny, The resource on colours in relation to FS is at this link: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/colours.htm Please see below:- In general, the colour brown should be considered as wood element. Both brown and green are considered = wood element. I can quite understand that some would argue that " brown " can be seen as the colour of earth. But, overall, it should still belong to (in my opinion brown = wood). Yes, Yellow colour can be quite subjective as it can either be looked at as gold or earth. I tend to agree with what you had mentioned. However, this is can be a very subjective topic. Where possible, if one is not sure, it is best to use WHITE = metal element. For example, if one tries to enhance a room or a home with metal element, it would be best to paint the walls WHITE (to represent the metal element) rather than use bright yellow. When we look at gold i.e. 99.999 percent gold it is difficult to mould and wear and usually other metals are added to harden it. Here, the colour of the gold i.e. 18K may not be the same colour as pure gold. It is very difficult to paint a wall in gold. Thus shades of yellow or bright yellow... is very subjective. Purple, pink and red are usually associated with the Fire element. As mentioned above, purple, red and pink are related to the fire element.

Dear Anon, Apologies, as I do not give the idea of spending too much time replying to this question. But I forgot to mentioned an important point. If this is modern practise especially by Western practitioners who may not be too familiar with the Double Happiness symbol, it would be best, at least, if one display the symbol of a heart to (instead display DOUBLE Hearts) i.e. One heart can be placed overlap (half-way) over the other heart. Like the equivalent of the Double Happiness symbol, at least `LOVE' should come in a pair. I wonder, if some unfortunate souls, could have just placed a single heart and symbolically .. imply.. a lonely heart. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I just remembered another parallel example. Can we say that the instruction manuals for all cars / vehicle are the same? 1. Firstly there are automatic and manual (clutch driven cars). Can we then, read the instruction manual of an automatic car and then apply it to a manual (clutch driven car). Obviously not. 2. For those who have driven Japanese cars vs European / Continental (US) cars, there are differences in the wind screen wipers and indicators. 3. In my country where we drive (right handed), in a Japanese car, the wind screen wipers are controlled by our left hand. While the directional indicators are controlled by the right hand. This differs with an European car such as Volvo, Renault etc... The wind screen wipers are instead controlled by the right hand while the directional indicators are on the left. 4. So, if one were to read the instruction manual of a Volvo and then assume that the wind screen wipers are the same for a Toyota, Mazda and other Japanese cars. We must most not mix `instructional' or educational manuals from two different sources. 5. Even the REVERSE gear shift can different in some cars. For example, in a Renault manual gear car, one has to pull up the ring on the manual gear before engaging REVERSE. In a Japanese car, one simply press the clutch and set the gear into reverse. I feel that drawing from such parallel, it is indeed dangerous to apply something from one source with another source. We cannot assume that both instructions, if read, and mixed together would / may work. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, It is interesting to note that in China and for Chinese living outside of China in the era prior to 1940's; love is never the first choice. Most marriages I am aware of, especially during the period before 1940's are arranged marriages. Thus, LOVE is not the main issue. During that period and earlier... majority of marriages are arranged. There is no opportunity for LOVE at first sight for many youngsters of the time. Love or DOUBLE Happiness? It is interesting to note that many people who " fall in love " have ended up in divorce (or a high divorce rate even for the Chinese today). But DOUBLE Happiness? I do not want to be cruel but, even if there is no REAL LOVE; perhaps as the Double Happiness symbol suggest, there is still Happiness. As both couples try to stick with each other through sickness or health. In my opinion, love can be developed... (even thru arranged marriages... where couples go on to their silver jubilee and onwards...) A Chinese saying goes.. from black hair to grey hair.. for the couple. Thus, what I feel is that the Double Happiness symbol has more meaning than the symbol of a heart. Some even say that a heart with the pointed tail can bring sha qi. Like a triangle ventilation hole above e.g the couples bedroom. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Robert, Please elaborate on your question, thanks. Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. My advise is that if one is using the tool of a particular site or book, try to follow it through. 2. For example, as you are using the online tools provided in this site, please follow the method used here (totally). 3. Often, we read; say another book and I would be cautious to mix what I read from one book/site with another. 4. I believe, Lilian Too, could be asking you to apply i.e. the Chinese Loupan where if one uses e.g. the Chinese Loupan, one can look at the sitting and facing direction. When using a Loupan, we usually, use it to read the sitting and facing direction .. based on what she had mentioned. 5. Thus, I hope you can understand that it is never wise to mix one set of instruction from some one else and with another person. 6. Another example: In the Eight House Theory, some FS practitioners may use the `tradtional' method i.e. using the Backdoor as the House Gua number instead of what is used in this site. Therefore, it does not make sense to read one book, take some `instructions' from it and then mix and match it to another site's method. 7. In this site, please use center of house method with an oridinary compass and follow the information/instructions fully to derive the direction of the main door. Warmest Regards, Cecil