Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, Thanks for bring up this interesting message. Here it is good to understand why: " 3 metal coins are used. " Again, we have to make reference to the Five Elements concept:- 1. The number 3 represents Big Wood or Strong Wood. Number 4 represents Small Wood. 2. Copper coins represent the metal element. 3. Why not use 4 coins instead of 3 coins? 4. In a few previous Feng Shui messages, Robert mentioned that one definition of `Wealth' is where e.g. if one where to look at the destructive elements. The element that destroys the element (in front of it) will result in producing wealth. 5. For example, given your message the use of 3 coins, this implies that as metal destroys strong wood (3 wood), the end result is wealth. 6. Some Feng Shui practioners thus recommend that one place the three coins under a floor mat either outside the main entrance or just inside the doorway. When one steps on the floor mat, one is symbollically stepping on gold or wealth. I hope you now have a better understanding of how one can `test' out whether a theory or use of an item is reflective of traditional Feng Shui which always is done in relation to either the Five Elements or at a higher level, the Yin and Yang concept. Anything else can be considered `suspect' especially if it is not related to the Shapes and Form. 7. Ideally, ancient Chinese coins are best used because it has a square hole. Why is this so? This is also based on the Five elements concept:- - Square hole represents Earth element. Here, Earth element is used to `control' metal. You can use other coins but the best is still the ancient Chinese coins. For the 6 coins used in cures, you will notice that red string is used to `control' and bind the strong metal element together. I hope the above will spur many users to continue to understand and apply the Five elements concept, confidently. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. There should not be an issue here. Some Feng Shui practioners believe that electrical items such as washing machine or dryer that shakes should not be placed at an auspicious sector. If it is an inauspicious sector this is good. As the shaking will drive away, the auspiciousness. 2. With the various forms of Feng Shui available, Para 1 is of secondary importance. More importantly, if one fully understands the purpose and limitations of each Feng Shui theory or concepts, this will instead, put to good use. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. For the extension, in order for it to be considered an " extension " of the home, it has to be an enclosed space. Not an open space or `shelter'. 2. It is usually not prudent to add an extension unless it is used to `cover' a missing corner. Avoid a protrusion at the wrong compass direction of the house. If there is a missing corner, one can use instead, landscaping for a landed property. 3. From the many analysis done on houses, the centrepoint should usually be clear space. If not clear space, leaving it or not e.g. using the toilet at all is acceptable. (Not ideal but still better than `using' it). The rationale is because the centrepoint is where all the intangible forces congregate and having one element at the location creates an imbalance. For a toilet, the characteristics is financial problems or unable to hold on to money. The centrepoint is where Yin and yang influences (auspicious and inauspicious congregate) thus it is best kept neutral or better, not used at all. From my experience, making it Yang does not really help and since it is green, don't spent unnecessarily money on it. The best situation is to keep it dry and not use it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Since you have the inbuilt shoe rack, it should not be a major concern i.e. it is of secondary importance. Where possible, keep the shoe rack clean and once in a while, throw away unwanted shoes. Warmest Regards, Cecil Can I had my enclosed shoe rack in my living room? On top of the rack , I put a vase of roses and a lot of photo frame, can I do that? I cannot remove the rack as it is a built-in rack, is there any way to solve this if the shoe rack is not good to be in the living room? Thanks Dear Anon, Some Feng Shui practitioners advice one not to place a shoe rack immediately outside the main entrance. It is not difficult to guess the reason for it. As the main entrance is an important part of the house, the `worry' of some practitioners is that Qi from the `inauspicious' shoe rack is sweep into the home. The rationale is that the area around the main entrance should be `clear' space and clean. Where possible, try not to place the shoe rack at the main entrance. Usually, there is a tendency to keep unused shoes in there for some time. It is not a `must' but it is good not to have the shoe rack outside the main entrance. Usually, if one has a back door, it is ok to place the shoe rack there. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I believe Lillian Too is applying the Eight Associations or Life Aspirations where the NE is the Education sector. The significance of the meaning of this Gua is a "steady progress in meeting targets". Items symbolising earth or fire e.g. crystals, stones, quartz , bright lighting etc.. If one reads the messages both in this forum and the resources materials on this website, you will find that not much emphasis is or was given to this concept. The only response or advice given if users asked whether it is acceptable to place such objects at the locations is a `weak' yes because this is still traditional Feng Shui but in a very broad sense, very generalised FS. One can try the method but based on responses and even messages from users and even in the newsgroups, many have started to question that `nothing happened' some as far back as five years ago... using this method ie. it did not work for them. We should honestly consider another factor is that sometimes we look at Feng Shui "crudely" and say that for those who have problems, it gives one hope. Hope is a "powerful tool" that makes us the strength to fight back. This is the approach we should take that Feng Shui is not every `cure' all. I should emphasis that we should not be a `slave' to Feng Shui or taboos which may `turn around' and even ruin our lifes. Do exercise moderation. Warmest Regards, Cecil For instance, my kua is 4 and my study desk is facing East. Is any conical item, large or small acceptable on the far right hand corner of the desk? Eg. a scented oil flask, paper weight, candle, paper folding etc. On 12/31/98 12:58:06 AM, Ng Sharron wrote: I'M A STUDENT AND WISH TO BOOST MY STUDY AND EXAM LUCK. IS THERE A WAY TO ACTIVATE IT? I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO HAVE OPEN SHELF BUT I DO HAVE ONE AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO CHANGE ONE. IS THERE ANY REMEDY TO IT? MY STUDY TABLE IS UNDER MY WINDOWS AND IT FORMS A RIGHT ANGLE TO MY OPEN SHELF (THAT IS MY SIDE PROFILE IS FACING THE SHELF). MY BED IS BEHIND ME. PLS ADVISE THANK YOU NG

Dear Carol I do encounter such types of houses:- 1. In a very broad sense, this house is "entrapped." 2. To the extend of it being entrapped, it depends on various factors: 2.1 As you mentioned that it is at the same level as other houses. 2.2 Neighbouring houses are of the same level and there is no dominant houses around it i.e. taller than it is. 3. One important thing to note is to look at the frontage of all the houses within or surrounding this "entrapped" house. 3.1 For example, if the frontage of the house is facing the front house which has a frontage in the similar direction and lined up approximately the same level, the front house would enjoy its normal share of Qi influence while the house in question not receive the same Qi as a normal house as it is blocked by the front house. 3.2 If the frontage faces the road leading to the house (parallel to it), the Qi is acceptable but this also depends on the house it is facing. 3.3 If the houses side by side of the house in question has its frontage similar facing as the house infront of the `flag house' this is better than having the frontage of both houses (left and right of it) facing it. More details such as the above is needed to make further analysis. You also mentioned that there is a water position behind the house. This is inauspcious. Overall, it is best to avoid such a house if you can. Even if one gets such a house, its Feng Shui is either from average to below average or inauspicious. The above is not an exhaustive comment as we have not really seen the actual view of the site (the house and its neighbours). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, You brought up an interesting question. 1. Usually, one major influence is also the exterior of the house. 2. A major renovation does change the birth chart of the house. 3. In order to change the birth chart of the house, one has to understand that it has to be an `old' house. For example, Period 7 is between Chinese New Year 1984 to 2003. If the house was built in 1995. No matter how ones change i.e. a major renovation, it is not going to help as it will still remain a Period 7 house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Nowadays, figurines of " Kuan Kung " are displayed (usually) in the living room. Since most houses have only one living room, perhaps this is why it was mentioned that they be kept `close' to the Fu Lu Shou figurines. It is considered `not auspicious' for such figurines to be kept in the bedroom or even the study room. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carrie, Yes, the hours are in consecutive order. Starting from the Rat hour, going one circle to the Pig hour. Please refer to the page: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/time.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Currently, the consensus amongst many Feng Shui practitioners is that the influence of the bookshelf, or its `knife' "cutting" effect applies to a person who, for example sits with such an influence. 2. Some highly conservative FS practitioners may advise that it is inauspicious to have the open bookself near to the main entrance door. 3. A realistic view is that Para 1 is the main concern. For Para 2, this is highly subjective and in my opinion, not likely to pose any problems. However, the main idea is to keep the space at the main entrance area clear (as possible). This is are more important consideration. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Carol, If I get your description correctly, there is a side road leading towards the house. 1. Is the house surrounded at all sides? 2. Is the land the same level as its neighbours or is it lower/higher. 3. How tall is the houses around it. 4. Any water position behind the house? ---------- | The | | House | | ------- | | | | Another House | | Is the above a correct drawing of the house? Thanks. Cecil

Dear Anon, Two meters away from the centrepoint is adequate distance away from the centre. Ideally, the centrepoint should be clear space but from what you had described, since the toilet is not directly located at the centrepoint, this is a plus point. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Can you let me know which country are you in. Is it India. The rationale is because, it is my belief that `tacking' the type of ghost depends on the population and its `major' religion i.e. what is used for the Chinese may not be effective for others. For example, Charms used in China or the Ba Gua mirror may not be effective in other countries. *I hope I don't sound silly* But, it is my belief that certain writtens e.g on charms etc.. will remain vague or incomprehensible to a `foreign' ghost (assuming that some of us do believe in ghosts). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Based on what you had explained, the more common approact is the door which you enter the actual living space and not the door at the ground level before approaching the living space. The rationale is because if one takes the `exterior' door, the compass direction extends outwards and it is hard to pinpoint the main entrance door. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, If you are applying the Flying Star, do check where the sickness star is located also. Under the Eight House theory, there is really not much one can do other than sleep further away from the death sector (where possible). An optional factor is to use Pillars of Destiny i.e. element strength to fine tune your situation. For example, this would depend on your element and its strength and if you have a partner, to look at both the relationship and one way is to use colours to help balance the situation. It can be the wall colours, the bedsheet or furniture. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear C F, There is a personalised module for looking at auspicious date at www.geomancy-online.com Perhaps, you can try to check it out. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Yes, Chinese people believe that it is bad luck to sweep the floor on the 1st day of the lunar new year. As for saying anything bad, there is also an element of truth in this. The rationale is because, one tries to start the first day of Chinese new year `a-fresh'. In fact, Chinese New Year is considered as 15 days i.e. there are 15 days of the Chinese New Year. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I belief there is a rumour spreading around with regards to teletabbies. I forgot what was the exact issue. I can vaguely recall hearing (hearsay) that the face of the teletabbies is pale and for now can only recall this statement. In my personal opinion, as you have quite rightly pointed out that they are not ferious looking etc.. so for now, I sincerely believe that these are harmless toys. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Frankly, this is not a traditional cure. I can understand the rationale for using salt to be placed at corners. This practice is done by some "English" priests or astrologers. But lets view it realistically. It is real hard to apply this `cure'. It looks ugly and furthermore, there should be a chemical reaction between copper and salt. It is not advisable to use this combination. If, I am not mistaken, small amounts of electricity could be produced for a short while. (Correct me if I am wrong). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Some Feng Shui practitioners advice one not to place a shoe rack immediately outside the main entrance. It is not difficult to guess the reason for it. As the main entrance is an important part of the house, the `worry' of some practitioners is that Qi from the `inauspicious' shoe rack is sweep into the home. The rationale is that the area around the main entrance should be `clear' space and clean. Where possible, try not to place the shoe rack at the main entrance. Usually, there is a tendency to keep unused shoes in there for some time. It is not a `must' but it is good not to have the shoe rack outside the main entrance. Usually, if one has a back door, it is ok to place the shoe rack there. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, From what I understand: 1. During the communist rule, although Feng Shui was `abolished', some of the elite in the Communist party continue to apply Feng Shui practises. 2. Today, and even in communist China, poorer quality Luopans were manufactured in China. 3. I understand that a small percentage of houses for the elite and even business of the People Liberation Army (PLA) which at one time owns a substantial number of business used Feng Shui. 4. Many Feng Shui practioners believe that the Bank of China building in Hong Kong had been seen by a Feng Shui Master as the building comprises two elements. 5. With the relaxation of communist rule, I believe, more and more mainland Chinese will avail themselves to Feng Shui. 6. If one looks at it from a different angle, Chinese traditional medicine, Qi Gong (exercises) is widespread in China. This is based on the Yin and Yang concept and it is not difficult to follow. 7. I also understand that the Lunar Calendar System, was the work of many people all over the world. In the past, China hired many astrologers, mathematicians from all over the world e.g. Jesuit priests to develop it. One can say that the Lunar Calendar System is a collective universal effort. 8. It is my opinion, that eventually, Feng Shui based on the Lunar Calendar System will prevail over the current method of only using the Hsia Li calendar system used by most practioners in Hong Kong, Canada (where most Hong Kong practioners migrated to). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear April, 1. The most important consideration is the stove. a. Where possible, the stove should not be under a beam. b. Check that there is (where possible) no water pipe that criss-cross or run along the stove. c. Position the stove with a `support' e.g. a wall. Never place the stove `supported' by a window. d. Where possible let the stove face into the house i.e. facing inside the house (in relation to the main entrance). e. As for the dishwasher, since it is a `water position', it is acceptable to be placed closed to the sink or below the sink. As both are of the water element. There should not be an issue even if it is used. In modern Feng Shui, the main criteria is to separate the Yin (cold) and Yang (hot). Otherwise, in terms of ranking or priorities, get the basics of the house `correct' such as avoiding having a toilet close to the centrepoint of the house or the toilet next to the main door. Under such conditions, half of the "battle is won." If the house has excellent Shapes and Form Feng Shui, more than 70 percent of the battle has been won. This is much better than `cracking' one's head to find for cures or to dwell deeper into analysis using Pillars of destiny (using the element and strenght portion) etc... Many people have successfully practised " Feng Shui " and the best part is that they do not even know it's existence! Due especially the excellent Shapes and Form of their house. Here it is the classic element of not spending a single cent on Feng Shui! It is also my personal belief that if it ever comes to a situation where we worry too much of every single decision to the extent that we become a `slave' of Feng Shui i.e. following `taboos' etc... it is good to do a reality check and where possible, trust your own instincts. Feng Shui must not run our lives totally. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Annie, Here are the considerations:- 1. Since you have not mentioned where is the front door, avoid placing the fountain at the right side of the door. I.e if you are standing at the main door and facing out of the house, the fountain should not be on the right side of the house. Usually, the result is `wandering eyes' or illicit affairs e.g. of the husband. 2. If the fountain is small or tiny, its effect is minimal. 3. Can you elaborate about the lamp post? If it can be seen from the window (or tangent or perpendicular to it); this is a poision arrow. To neutralise this, perhaps you can check out the conference: Photo Tours of Interest (with Pictures); Subject: What is the `Triangle Effect?' for the technique for it. 4. Alternatively, usually, Hong Kong Masters advise on the use of a fish tank to neutralise the lamp post. I have not seen your fountain but I believe, it can be used to some effect to neutralise the lamp post. 5. Another method is to use curtains. Based on the concept that you cannot see it, it no longer becomes a threat. 6. As for the fountain, I do not see any problem if it is placed at the East where your husband wants unless it is as stated under Para 1. 7. Usually, a fountain (especially) a large or larger one is used more to generate beneficial Qi. Contrast this to a fish tank which is commonly used to neutralise Sha qi or poison arrows. In my final analysis, it is acceptable to place it at a location that your husband likes:) (Which is a more important consideration.) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Currently, Robert and myself are tied down with lots of things, what we do is to provide you with a Home Audit credit. The Home Audit credit was developed as close or equavalent to what we can help to advise users. This is the least we can do for you:- 1. You need to get an ordinary compass, 2. Where possible a protractor and a layout plan. Do email Robert at robert-lee@3mail.com privately after you have created an account under www.geomancy-online.com Currently a toilet near the centre-point is bad for finances. However, the Home Audit will try to locate any other bad sectors and hope to get a better picture of the situation or minimize the `bad luck'. Take care. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Dear anon, Apologise for the black colour background of the forecast. It was originally, planned to be a contract with the www.geomancy.net website. However, we will update the black colour background of the forecast in the geomancy forum at a later date as it resides in a different server. As Robert had mentioned, we will be upgrading our servers and bandwidth and many many more enhancements in the next few months. This includes, the latest highly interactive webpages etc... We will also place the forecast at the main page and as suggested by you change the background of the forecast to a more pleasant colour. Once again, Many Thanks for your feedback. It is noted and will be implemented soon. Warmest Regards, Cecil