Bedrooms above garage

[myfs_99500]

We have to move and have at least one home we are looking at that we know we can afford. It has both bedrooms, however, located above the garage. We know this is not a good arrangement. Is there any way this inauspicious arrangement can be eliminated? Or is it impossible to fix?

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Anon,
Frankly, on the issue of the bedroom above the garage: there are two points of views:
1. Hollowness or no support for a bedroom
=========================================
If the garage area is open space; on legs, in Feng Shui, some FS practitioners felt that the bedroom has little if any support. (And perhaps, the fear of collapsing especially during an earthquake).
As many of us know, unless one stays in an earthquake zone, any building that does not conform to certain building code or even if it does, may also not necessary withstand an earthquake of certain magnitude.
This is off-topic, but in fact, in Singapore, there is a "6 star" hotel that has been built on reclaimed land. And, to some, this symbolises a "sinking feeling". Since, it was felt that a building on reclaimed land may "sink". Therefore, this hotel is built on `stilts' or rather, it has support beams up to a certain height; and hotel floors, lobby, built above this. But because of this raised building, the hotel placed mirrors at each of the legs of the building; in case, some spirits, "fly along this hollow area". And the mirror is to "throw them off".
2. The rare risk of a fire
==========================
Although it is very rare for a reasonably maintained vehicle to catch fire, but, there is always a risk that a vehicle in the garage may catch fire. And as fire rises, it may rise towards the bedroom.
Frankly, in my opinion, Para 2 is a poor excuse. Unless, one lives in Iraq or has jealous neighbours associated with Bin Laden and company.

Quote

arrangement. Is there any way
this inauspicious arrangement
can be eliminated?

As you can see, especially Para 2, has more to do with commonsense than anything else. Thus, make sure that if it is a garage, try to keep inflammable items out of the garage. Or keep it as clean as possible and not clutter with too much items.

Quote

On 1/8/2004 10:03:19 PM, Anonymous wrote:
We have to move and have at
least one home we are looking
at that we know we can afford.
It has both bedrooms, however,
located above the garage. We
know this is not a good
arrangement. Is there any way
this inauspicious arrangement
can be eliminated? Or is it
impossible to fix?

[myfs_99500]

Cecil Lee,
Thank you for your advice regarding the bedrooms above a garage. Yes, I had read about lack of support and emptiness especially for those who sleep in the bedroom and that is why I wrote to you.
After I wrote to you, I read a Feng Shui report that said placing a red square of fabric (element of fire destroys metal of cars below) underneath the mattress also helps. It also said that adding a small carved wood dragon or three small green plants to the east of the bedroom to fortify health also helps. But I thought that plants in the bedroom was not a good idea.
Do you have any thoughts on the measures I have mentioned above?
Thank you, again, for your answer and time spent on this question.
Anon

Quote

On 1/13/2004 4:33:29 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear Anon,
Frankly, on the issue of the
bedroom above the garage:
there are two points of views:
1. Hollowness or no support
for a bedroom
==============================
===========
If the garage area is open
space; on legs, in Feng Shui,
some FS practitioners felt
that the bedroom has little if
any support. (And perhaps, the
fear of collapsing especially
during an earthquake).
As many of us know, unless one
stays in an earthquake zone,
any building that does not
conform to certain building
code or even if it does, may
also not necessary withstand
an earthquake of certain
magnitude.
This is off-topic, but in
fact, in Singapore, there is a
"6 star" hotel that has been
built on reclaimed land. And,
to some, this symbolises a
"sinking feeling". Since, it
was felt that a building on
reclaimed land may "sink".
Therefore, this hotel is built
on `stilts' or rather, it has
support beams up to a certain
height; and hotel floors,
lobby, built above this. But
because of this raised
building, the hotel placed
mirrors at each of the legs of
the building; in case, some
spirits, "fly along this
hollow area". And the mirror
is to "throw them off".
2. The rare risk of a fire
==========================
Although it is very rare for a
reasonably maintained vehicle
to catch fire, but, there is
always a risk that a vehicle
in the garage may catch fire.
And as fire rises, it may rise
towards the bedroom.
Frankly, in my opinion, Para 2
is a poor excuse. Unless, one
lives in Iraq or has jealous
neighbours associated with Bin
Laden and company.
arrangement. Is there any way
this inauspicious arrangement
can be eliminated?
As you can see, especially
Para 2, has more to do with
commonsense than anything
else. Thus, make sure that if
it is a garage, try to keep
inflammable items out of the
garage. Or keep it as clean as
possible and not clutter with
too much items.
On 1/8/2004 10:03:19 PM, Anonymous
wrote:
We have to move and have at
least one home we are looking
at that we know we can afford.
It has both bedrooms, however,
located above the garage. We
know this is not a good
arrangement. Is there any way
this inauspicious arrangement
can be eliminated? Or is it
impossible to fix?

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Emily,
Thank you for sharing with us the information.
Please see below:-

Quote

On 1/16/2004 7:58:18 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Cecil Lee,
Thank you for your advice
regarding the bedrooms above a garage.
Yes, I had read about lack of support
and emptiness especially for those who
sleep in the bedroom and that is why I
wrote to you.
After I wrote to you, I
read a Feng Shui report that said
placing a red square of fabric (element
of fire destroys metal of cars below)
underneath the mattress also helps.
In my opinion, this has more to do with "Man luck" i.e. make us feel at ease, that there is a "cure".

As much as the danger of a vehicle, catching fire, is in-fact very rare. Unless, (touch-wood) due to arson etc...
Also, using this red square fabric, does not help in the event of an earthquake, such as in LA, San F etc...
The destructive cycle of the Five Elements suggest using Fire to destroy Metal. So, technically speaking, the logic sounds OK. This is the "BRUCE LEE" style of attack and destroy enemy. Here, Fire is used to control Metal. And square is symbolic of earth (where metal strengthens earth) and fire, contains metal.
Alternatively, since Metal supports Water; a hidden blue cloth is akin to the " Jackie Chan " style of using water to draw out the metal.
Either way, in my opinion, it is more in the "mind" than Feng Shui.

Quote

It
also said that adding a small carved
wood dragon or three small green plants
to the east of the bedroom to fortify
health also helps. But I thought that
plants in the bedroom was not a good
idea.
Under this area, it truely depends. Where possible, it is not so good to have potted plants in the bedroom.
I believe, this is a general statement. But, often, each sector or room should be analysed, first. Since, a bedroom can be in any sector or "palace". And that sector, may or may not support wood element.

Technically, 3 plants (big or small) represents wood. Thus, under the Five elements concept, Metal destroys or exhausts wood thus, making it weak.
In theory, the Five Element concept is used, here.
In terms of the hidden square cloth, I personally, do not see the rationale of "hiding it" - becoming effective. Since, this conflicts with the idea that : often, many of the cures, should be physically seen.
Here, one might as well, embed it into the flooring. Frankly, since it is hidden, I don't think there is a harm using it.
*JOKE* Perhaps, it is interesting to note this question: Why not instead of placing a red square cloth; would NOT a RED CAR do as well? Given the above logic?
Therefore, the idea(s) mentioned is based on the Five Elements Logic. As to whether it is/are effective, may perhaps, be directed towards the person placing it. If his/her belief (hope) is strong, then, perhaps, it can strengthen, his/her Man Luck. Else, a person, neutral to the idea or finding it "silly", may feel that it does nothing for him/her. Therefore, perhaps, "IT'S IN THE MIND?"
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

[Cecil Lee]

Further to what I had mentioned:
From an academic (Five Elements concept) point of view:

Quote

Alternatively, since Metal supports
Water; a hidden blue cloth is akin to
the " Jackie Chan " style of using water
to draw out the metal.

1. Here, the cloth (if used) should be circle. Since, it represents the Metal element. Much like the "Suntec City" Fountain of Wealth (circle = metal on water).
2. In real-life, an active countermeasure is of course, fire sprinkler on the ceiling of the garage. Since, square shape is the most effective method to cover the garage, Imagine this: it is interesing that fire sprinkler, pipes are in red or painted red. And lets, say we lay the sprinkler pipe in a square shape. It does not only look the same as the square red cloth, but in-fact, in real-life, it can truly safe lives - in an actual fire.
3. Let us not forget, a simple and reasonable priced tool: a smoke sensor strategically placed, would also be good.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

[myfs_99500]

Thank You, Cecil Lee! Your advice is practical and makes great sense!
E.
1/16/2004 8:20:18 AM, Cecil Lee wrote:

Quote

Dear Emily,
Thank you for sharing with us
the information.
Please see below:-
On 1/16/2004 7:58:18 AM, Emily Ehmer
wrote:
Cecil Lee,
Thank you for your advice
regarding the bedrooms above a garage.
Yes, I had read about lack of support
and emptiness especially for those who
sleep in the bedroom and that is why I
wrote to you.
After I wrote to you, I
read a Feng Shui report that said
placing a red square of fabric (element
of fire destroys metal of cars below)
underneath the mattress also helps.
In my opinion, this has more to do with
"Man luck" i.e. make us feel at ease,
that there is a "cure".
As much as the danger of a vehicle,
catching fire, is in-fact very rare.
Unless, (touch-wood) due to arson etc...
Also, using this red square fabric, does
not help in the event of an earthquake,
such as in LA, San F etc...
The destructive cycle of the Five
Elements suggest using Fire to destroy
Metal. So, technically speaking, the
logic sounds OK. This is the "BRUCE LEE"
style of attack and destroy enemy. Here,
Fire is used to control Metal. And
square is symbolic of earth (where metal
strengthens earth) and fire, contains
metal.
Alternatively, since Metal supports
Water; a hidden blue cloth is akin to
the " Jackie Chan " style of using water
to draw out the metal.
Either way, in my opinion, it is more in
the "mind" than Feng Shui.
It
also said that adding a small carved
wood dragon or three small green plants
to the east of the bedroom to fortify
health also helps. But I thought that
plants in the bedroom was not a good
idea.
Under this area, it truely depends.
Where possible, it is not so good to
have potted plants in the bedroom.
I believe, this is a general statement.
But, often, each sector or room should
be analysed, first. Since, a bedroom can
be in any sector or "palace". And that
sector, may or may not support wood
element.
Technically, 3 plants (big or small)
represents wood. Thus, under the Five
elements concept, Metal destroys or
exhausts wood thus, making it weak.
In theory, the Five Element concept is
used, here.
In terms of the hidden square cloth, I
personally, do not see the rationale of
"hiding it" - becoming effective. Since,
this conflicts with the idea that :
often, many of the cures, should be
physically seen.
Here, one might as well, embed it into
the flooring. Frankly, since it is
hidden, I don't think there is a harm
using it.
*JOKE* Perhaps, it is interesting to
note this question: Why not instead of
placing a red square cloth; would NOT a
RED CAR do as well? Given the above
logic?
Therefore, the idea(s) mentioned is
based on the Five Elements Logic. As to
whether it is/are effective, may
perhaps, be directed towards the person
placing it. If his/her belief (hope) is
strong, then, perhaps, it can
strengthen, his/her Man Luck. Else, a
person, neutral to the idea or finding
it "silly", may feel that it does
nothing for him/her. Therefore, perhaps,
"IT'S IN THE MIND?"
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

[myfs_99500]

Cecil Lee,
All of your advice makes sense - plus you have a delightful sense of practicality and humor!
Anon
1/16/2004 8:52:30 AM, Cecil Lee wrote:

Quote

Further to what I had
mentioned:
From an academic (Five
Elements concept) point of
view:
Alternatively, since Metal supports
Water; a hidden blue cloth is akin to
the " Jackie Chan " style of using water
to draw out the metal.
1. Here, the cloth (if used)
should be circle. Since, it
represents the Metal element.
Much like the "Suntec City"
Fountain of Wealth (circle =
metal on water).
2. In real-life, an active
countermeasure is of course,
fire sprinkler on the ceiling
of the garage. Since, square
shape is the most effective
method to cover the garage,
Imagine this: it is interesing
that fire sprinkler, pipes are
in red or painted red. And
lets, say we lay the sprinkler
pipe in a square shape. It
does not only look the same as
the square red cloth, but
in-fact, in real-life, it can
truly safe lives - in an
actual fire.
3. Let us not forget, a simple
and reasonable priced tool: a
smoke sensor strategically
placed, would also be good.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil