Yunnan (West)

Yunnan Garden (West) - Old Tree with Entwining Roots

Yunnan Garden became famous because of Nanyang University. Now its popularity lies with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) . In the early 1950s, before NU was constructed, the whole of Yunnan Garden belonged to the Hokkien Clan Association which had set up the Yunnan Development Company to develop the area.

Under Tan Kah Kee's guidance and with the support of the masses, NU was founded on 15 March 1956. Over the next 20 years, it nurtured numerous talents who made great contributions to society.However, it was closed in 1980 as it could not conform to social development.

Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) replaced it on 8 August 1981. Its main role then was to produce a large body of engineering professionals to meet the needs of Singapore's economic development. With the addition of hostels, the formation evolved from an old tree with entwining roots into the roc spreading its wings. In 1991, NTI expanded into NTU and took in more than 7, 000 students.

When China opened up, many former NU graduates rose in importance and instantly became widely sought-after. Although working overseas, they have strong feelings not only for their homeland but their alma mater as well, confirming the effect of good feng shui.

Though Yunnan Garden initially looked set to have a quiet time, much life has since been breathed into it, especially with high-rise residential flats sprouting up in nearby Jurong East. Its future looks promising indeed.

Why is Yunnan Garden so indomitable? From the feng shui perspective, NU was set on an old tree with entwining roots formation which was actually a literary star, thus making the area suitable for education. But NTI and later, NTU, had greatly expanded beyond NU's original central point, the old administrative block. NTU's heartland is now to the right of NU, thus changing the formation to that of the roc spreading its wings

Though both the roc and the eagle belong to the same family, the eagle is closely associated with brawn while the roc is closely linked to literary capabilities. But, the roc is no weakling and possesses both gentleness and strength. It is the symbol of refined generals like the famous Chinese patriot Yue Fei, who was equally adept at wielding the pen and the sword, and who burnt with patriotic sentiments. Legend has it that Yue Fei was the reincarnation of a roc.

Residents in this area should be ambitious and set great goals, for they will be able to build up a great future with their bare hands.

A Roc Spreading Its Wings: Take Note of Interpersonal Relations

A roc is capable of rapid take-offs and covering long distances. This can arouse jealousy, so successful residents here must cultivate good interpersonal relations.

This environment is conducive to those striving for fame and achievements, and benefits people pursuing a career in politics, the armed forces or the arts. As for commercial development, businesses related to the arts or food and beverage will have good potential.

NTU is gradually gaining worldwide accreditation, demonstrating the feng shui power of the roc spreading its wings. People working there are advised to promote good interpersonal relations, study diligently; work hard and refrain from being too vocal and over-critical.

Above all, bear in mind that one must always repay one's gratitude and to remember one's roots.

Yishun (South)

Yishun (South)- Land of the Collapsed Plum Blossom

Yishun is a scenic place, with Seletar River as its backdrop and the Straits of Johor right in front. Its stunning scenery is graced by luxuriant greenery and flowers that bloom all year round.

Named after the millionaire Lim Nee Soon, Yishun village was occupied by the Teochews in the early days.

As such, this place definitely is a piece of divine land with outstanding inhabitants.

Based on feng shui, this land can be considered a collapsed plum blossom that rivals Teochew's Mount Sangpu . Though not as awesome, this plum is still extraordinary and has produced countless famous businessmen. Collapsed plum blossom differs from fallen plum blossom in that the former refers to both the flower and its stem dropping to the ground. As such, the hills in Yishun are not high and every inch of the land resembles plum blossoms.

As you might know, plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo are called the four winter friends. In fact, plum, orchid and chrysanthemum blossoms can be seen in Yishun, thus it has many gardens. The sparrow land at the Orchid Country Club often sees hordes of visitors flocking here to unwind over the weekend. During a game of golf, they will jump like joyful sparrows if they hit a hole-in-one.

Yishun belongs to the four seasons formation, and is suitable for people holding clerical or proper jobs, as opposed to dabbling in illegal or immoral activities on the side. This district is conducive for official or teaching careers, and is especially good for people motivated to further their careers. As for those with improper desires or act impetuously and rashly, they will usually meet with obstacles.

Yishun is a windfallland, so those who live here will enjoy windfalls time and again. However, such fortune is transient. If we get into the habit of not working in the belief that we will strike it rich by luck, we might end up in legal tussles.

Yishun is also a land of leisure. Trade, food and entertainment businesses will thrive here as a sense of grace pervades the area, a rare occurrence indeed.

Often assailed by the harsh northeast wind, especially in November and December, Yishun's residents are vulnerable to colds which can persist for quite some time. The young and the elderly require extra care. When designing a house, the direction of the wind should be taken into consideration.

Yishun has a healthy atmosphere. Residents who have strayed from the path will find their way back, and those who lead upright lives will find the going smooth. Those with a thirst for learning will accomplish much, while those who prefer tranquillity can cultivate their minds and nurse their health here.

Sembawang New Town, formerly a British naval base, is where the Southern Dragon landed. Sembawang was still a forest 10 years ago. Today there is an housing estate here named after Lim Nee Soon's son, Chong Pang. Sembawang also links up Yishun and Woodlands.

Sembawang has a feng shui formation similar to a bamboo growing taller joint by joint. In this town, the more bamboo and fish ponds available, the better the feng shui, for it will result in the feng shui effect of lengthening joint by joint.

To enjoy promotion, residents have to work very hard and refrain from complaining. I urge residents here to be like the bamboo, possessing an open mind and slowly progressing upwards joint by joint, and to lead a carefree life. Only then can they achieve gracious living.

Yio Chu Kang (South)

Yio Chu Kang - Unique Five Talents Formation

Yio Chu Kang was once a bustling village. In the 1970s, it only had a narrow cement road known as Yio Chu Kang Road

The road was divided into sections named eighth, ninth, lOth milestone and so on. The lOth milestone was the busiest of all as it was lined on both sides with schools like Yio Chu Kang Secondary School, Pei Hua Presbyterian Primary School and Kong Hwa School (the latter two have since shifted). Kids would gather from all over to attend school. Community centres, shops, clinics and coffeeshops are abound too.

During the early 198Os, the government took over the land with plans to expand it into a major road. The shops along the l0th mile- stone were relocated or torn down, robbing the place of its life. In the mid-1980s, the government laid an expressway across this area. Resi- dents were relocated to Ang Mo Kio, Hougang and Yishun.

This area has a five rare talents formation comprising the butterfly, bee, dragonfly, cricket and locust (or grasshopper to some people).

The part of Yio Chu Kang near Upper Thomson Road is characterised by a valley land that slopes downwards. Valleys can give one a feeling of either melancholy or elegance. It is home to Tagore Lane named after the Indian poet, and is flanked by Teacher's Estate. This area belongs to the queen bee formation.

Bees are hardworking insects. They slog diligently and ceaselessly to nurture their young. This is a characteristic of the area. In general, residents will prosper if they work hard, and are especially suited for the literary and teaching professions. While there are many success stories in the queen bee formation, residents have to work even harder after they have tasted success.

Near the Seletar Expressway (SLE) is Lentor Avenue, where the famous twin butterflies formation is. Like bees, butterflies live on nectar, but unlike bees they have weak characters, are very dandy, revel in gracious living, and often mix play with work and vice versa. They are typical hedonists.

Buildings here place an emphasis on hues and tones, and the residents know how to enjoy life too.

Feng shui labels Seletar Airport as a golden locust formation. In feng shui this is a very auspicious formation. As the locust has a huge appetite, anything related to money will benefit from this formation.

However, this may not be good for people with weak destinies. The more money they have the less contented they will become, and soon they may lose control and end up in a deplorable state.

Jalan Kayu, being situated next to the golden locust, was affected by this formation and many suffered heavy losses during a share market crash in the 1980s. Thus, those who have tasted success must remember to exercise caution. Never spin out of control in a moment of greed, or be prepared to have your hopes shattered.

The next land of talent, known as cricket teasing dragonfly , is just outside Seletar village. This is indeed strange, for crickets are often the ones who get bullied. Moreover, dragonflies are usually found near ponds or the sea.

The Unique Five Talents Formation -Good for Settling Down

This is a low-lying, valley-like area that enjoys plenty of underground water. As such, the land is yin, ie, wet, dark and damp, and enjoys refreshing breezes.

Yio Chu Kang has Singapore's only feng shui cricket. As it is active and wields great supernatural power, it likes to poke fun at the mild-mannered dragonfly.

This formation enhances your ability to build up your fortunes from scratch and achieve success in unimaginable proportions. However, this being the land of cricket teasing dragonfly, if you do not cultivate yourself or progress one step at a time, in a moment of carelessness you might miss a step and fall back to square one. Businessmen who have suffered defeat must persevere if they want to benefit from this area's auspicious feng shui.

This five rare talents formation may appear ordinary; but is in fact very rare and will benefit those who choose to settle down here for good. As long as you continue to progress steadily even after tasting success, you will continue to enjoy success for a long time.

In the past decade, Yio Chu Kang has made much progress. Many posh private condominiums have sprouted up, occupied by those who have started off with nothing in their pockets but made it through hard work. Here, Seletar Expressway adjoins the other expressways, linking Yio Chu Kang to Singapore Changi Airport in the east, Bukit Timah in the central and Tuas in the west.

Leading to the two check-points, it is a vital northbound route. In the near future, when Sengkang expands westward to link up with Yishun, Yio Chu Kang will prosper even more. If Jalan Kayu is developed as well, the golden locust will advance in full force. It is only be a matter of time before the five rare talents formation unleashes its full potential.

Woodlands (Central)

Woodlands (Central): Golden Coin-storing Bowl

Woodlands Checkpoint Is Singapore's Throat

Woodlands Checkpoint is Singapore's northern gate.

Tens of thousands of people, including Malaysians and Thais, pass through here daily, proof of its critical position.

Everyday, a massive supply of vegetables, fruit and seafood is brought in through the checkpoint. As such, Woodlands Checkpoint acts like the throat of Singapore.

According to feng shui theories, Woodlands Checkpoint sits on a superlative gourd land -in fact, there are two gourds here. The bigger one sits at Johor and the smaller one at Woodlands, their mouths facing each other.

Before the separation of Malaysia and Singapore, people from the Federation of Malaya, especially the Johoreans, used to visit and spend lots of money in Singapore.

Today, Singaporeans flock to Johor. This is the amazing effect of the bigger gourd.

Inverted Gourd -Losses Outweigh Gains

In feng shui theory, the gourd possesses seven kinds of energy -suck, draw, reap, obtain, enter, close and seal. The highest level of feng shui theory terms this seven sword fairies of the inverted gourd.

These seven swords are not really inverted, but instead possess seven different kinds of power to lure people into gambling dens with no chances of winning. For this reason, this formation was commonly adopted by gambling dens and brothels in the past.

It is said that Macau's casinos also favour using it. Thus, no talisman or magic trick employed by patrons will be able to withstand the seven sword fairies of the gourd. Visitors will only chalk up more losses than winnings.

Though the vicinity of the Woodlands customs still retains the shape of a gourd, the BKE has cut the gourd in half, causing Woodlands to become less attractive. Moreover, BKE is built from high to low, resulting in an outflow of water from the gourd. Water symbolises money and the loss of water here is immeasurable.

In fact, Woodlands is a good location where the Central Dragon forms its den upon touching down. The Woodlands' land form consists of many undulating hillocks spread out in all directions. lts new town is built right in the centre, with an outstanding effect similar to the golden treasure basin of the Bukit Timah Turf Club then located at Bukit Timah's fifth milestone.

Although the basin at Woodlands is shallow, it is still capable of accumulating wealth. Woodlands New Town appears to be a golden coin-storing bowl. This district is conducive for wealth accumulation. It is also capable of accumulating strong wind and absorbing qi. In the study of feng shui, lands which absorb and retain qi are hard to come by. This is the best place for people with poor health to recuperate.

As a result, Woodlands New Town ought to build more parks, amusement grounds, holiday resorts and nursing homes, so that when arriving at an auspicious land people will feel comfortable and carefree. The most favourable bearing in Woodlands is south base facing north, so as to absorb the prosperous qi from across the Causeway.

Toa Payoh (South)

Toa Payoh and Kim Keat (South) - Land of Lotus Flower

Toa Payoh, known as Angchangshan to the older generation, was one of the first few satellite towns in Singapore. Often mistaken for the homonymous Ann Siang Hill in Chinatown, it is known as Tao Payoh today.

This town has aged very quickly. Those born in Tao Payoh have since grown up and set up their homes elsewhere, while the wealthier ones have moved to larger new towns. As a result, Tao Payoh's population demographic show a significant aging. If this trend goes on, Tao Payoh will become an old folks' village.

In the art of feng shui, Tao Payoh is identified as the land of lotus flower and consists of Lorong 1 to Lorong 8. The lotus is made up of layer after layer of petals, with its centre slightly higher than the rest. Surrounding it are lotus leaves and duckweed.

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is the Lotus

Her neighbour, Kim Keat, is also the land of lotus flower. The lotus is actually the famous Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, also known as Kuanyin sitting on lotus land.

The lotus flower belongs to the waterlily family. When on the land of lotus flower, if tou are upright and honest or strive to be a person of great worth you will benefit from its good feng shui. As for the unscrupulous, they will make a name for themselves but of an infamous nature.

It is also very beneficial for those who are very pious, many of whom will have their wishes answered. Though centrally located, Tao Payoh is rather peaceful and its air very fresh, so you can seek peace in this bustling town or cultivate yourself.

But those with evil thoughts and who abuse religion for their personal interests are urged to stop before it is too late. As the lotus land is blessed. it is visited by both deities and devils, who cultivate themselves there. Those with weak determination or evil thoughts can be lured into performing perverse deeds. As long as you are contented and honest, you will be protected by deities. Also, the god of prosperity here likes to bestow wealth on the blessed. Moreover, in this area is a Seng Ong temple. The Seng Ong and Peh Kong deities share power over the distribution of wealth. As such, the upright will definitely enjoy good fortune.

Tiong Bahru (west)

Tiong Bahru (West) - Baffalo Sleeping Ground

The combination of four animals formation has driven two buffaloes away. One buffalo fled to Mount Faber, its head situated in front of two temples at Telok Blangah Heights. The other buffalo ran to Bukit Merah View.

According to feng shui, residents of the buffalo land must be hardworking and thrifty. They must put in effort and experience hardship before they can taste success. There are few opportunities for windfalls. Peace and happiness are assured as long as they do not hanker for fortunes.

A buffalo Manure land can be found in Tiong Bahru Park located behind Delta Secondary School. This place was originally infested with centipedes, but after a huge downpour in 1973 all the centipedes' dens were washed away. Many passers-by witnessed thousands of centipedes crawling away.

There is another piece of buffalo land in Sijiao Ting, which used to be Fujian Hengshan Tiangong Suo. It is a buffalo manger or buffalo shed and its sometimes called the buffalo herd fighting for food. As such, disputes among people are very common here.

Telok Kurau (East)

Telok Kurau (East) - Li Bai Ploughing the Field

Do you know there is an elegant estate in Singapore that is full of legends? It is Telok Kurau. In the past, it was where the distinguished and the refined rubbed shoulders leaving behind a legacy of charming tales and anecdotes. Today, it is a high-class residential district.

So why is Telok Kurau full of legends? It is due to the influence of feng shui.

In the study of feng shui, Telok Kurau is known as Li Bai ploughing the field. Li Bais is believed to be the incarnation of the planet Venus, a metal star. Telok Kurau belongs to the land of the Wood Dragon, which requires an environment rich in culture. As Telok Kurau is close to the sea where the sand on the beach contains metal, it is, therefore, very suitable for Venus to be on the land of the Wood Dragon.

Li Bai was a gifted poet and great drinker. Possessing an elegant bearing, he was also famous for his eloquence. Therefore, there are a lot of romantic and refined people among the residents of Telok Kurau. Some rich men have also hidden their mistresses here, while many stars have built their love nests in this area.

Layout Resembling a Farm Field

A lot of brand-new condominiums and mansions have appeared in Telok Kurau. Nevertheless, they have not erased the rustic charm of the area. The wonderful thing about his district is that its layout resembles a rectangular field, thereby bringing to life the imagery of Li Bai ploughing the Field.

There is an idiom that goes, When the horse dies, the ride walks on foot. A lot of businessmen still maintain their lavish lifestyles after their business have failed. They refuse to adapt to the new environment, but ultimately, they are the ones who suffer. If one's horse has died, one has to continue on foot. But there are people who simply refuse to give up their dead horses and instead, struggle to lug them along. Aren't they making life tough for themselves?

A few rich men once lived here. Unfortunately, their children were not able to continue with and expand their family businesses, fulfilling the Chinese saying riches do not last more than three generations.