12 Earthly Branches

Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai.

There are 12 Earthly Branches which are as follows:

Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai.

It is also reflected in the 12 months of the year and the 12 hours of the day.

There are four animals in a Bazi chart.

Each reflecting a specific characteristic.

The popular yearly animal Bazi reading by contemporary Masters centers around the Year Pillar. There are books which uses the Month Pillar and some uses the Day Pillar.

What is the correct way to read the 4 Earthly Branches in a Bazi chart?

The Heaven Stems of a chart are sometimes referred to as the Heaven’s luck.

The EB as the earth’s luck.

The HHS as the Man’s luck.

What is the significance of the EBs?

Unlike the HS which focus on interaction between the five elements, the interactions for the EB are more complex, such as punishment, harm, destruction, Liu He combination, San Hui combination and San He combination on top of the clashes.

It represents earthly interactions which are interactions which occur on earth with other humans.

EB interactions.

Another very important question on EB interaction is the way the EB interact.

Multiple interactions.

Can the EB have multiple interactions or can it only have a single interaction?

There are some who teaches that EB can only have a single interaction which follows very strict requirements on the position. For example for combination the EB must be next to each other. Also there can only be one interaction.

There are some who teaches that EB interaction has no such requirements. There can be any numbers of interactions.

ZPZQ shows that there can be multiple interactions happening at the same time, but the interaction will affect the strength of the other interactions. Such as reducing the effect or increasing the effect.

Sequence.

Is there a sequence?

Is the sequence based on time?

Would the interactions between external EB such as from the LP or from the AP follow a time frame?

Example the external EB interacting with the Year EB then the month EB followed by the Day and the Hour EB.

5 and 5 years – 6 months and 6 months.

There are some masters who says that the interaction of the EB only occurs the second half of the Pillar be it LP or AP.

There are some who says that the EB starts at the beginning of the AP or LP but at a slower pace but last longer.

Priority.

Is there a priority that the interaction follows?

For example in most Bazi book, San Hui combination is often described as having the highest priority. Which will override the other interactions which are lower in priority.

·        There are some who teaches that the 4 Cardinal clashes have the highest priority. The clashes between Zi, Wu, Mao, You.

·        The Blind man explained that the highest priority is Liu He which to them is the combination between husband and wife.

·        ZPZQ places the highest priority on San Hui combination and Liu He is very low in priority.

Transformation.

What are the rules for transformation?

Is there such as thing as transformation?

Does all the EB change to the transformed element?

What happens to the HHS?

·        There are some Masters who does not use any rules. Everything can transform.

·        There are some Masters who uses very strict rules. Using the Season(Month) and HS as transformation catalyst.

·        According to ZPZQ, San He, Ban He can affect the HS. San Hui in a small way. Liu He not at all. ZPZQ stresses not so much on the transformation but on how the EB interactions affect the HS.

The significant of Punishment, Harm, Destruction.

·        Some Masters says there is no such thing as punishment. It is just an interaction between the 5 elements.

o   ZPZQ: 至于三刑取义，姑且阙 疑，

o   It is still an open question with regards to the explanations (theory) behind the punishment relationships.

o   虽不知其所以然，于命理亦无害也。

o   However, these relationships are harmless when applied in Destiny analysis.

·        Some teaches the importance of all the interactions, including the directions of the interactions. The strength of the interactions. The auspiciousness of the interactions.

·        Some just uses it as an indicate for general luck. Example having punishment is an inauspicious matter.

o   ZPZQ: 八字支中，刑冲俱非美事，

o   It is unfavourable (not ideal) if the earthly branches in the natal chart are clashing or punishing each other.

EB interaction should be one of the most interesting ways to do Bazi reading, especially when it is so complex.

Who is right and who is wrong?

Every Masters and their students would tell you that they have the right answer.

They would also say that they have done thousands of chart analysis and the theories are all proven and tested.

I wonder sometimes who really knows what they are talking about and who are actually kidding themselves.

The attached translation of the Earthly Branch from the classic “Di Tian Sui” have been described by some to be inaccurate.

Quote” 生方怕动库宜开，败地逢冲仔细推。

Growth direction fear movement, store appropriate to open, failed land meeting clashes to analyze in detail.”

There are many who would say this is not correct.

·        The failed land which are Zi, Wu, Mao, You are the worst to meet with clashes. There is nothing to look in detail.

·        The growth direction, the Yima are considered by many to be auspicious to be clashed to activate movement.

·        The tomb/storehouse should only be clashed if earth element is favored.

It is interesting to note that some of the classics are actually considered as rubbish or not so accurate by some Masters.

I had a discussion recently with a fellow Bazi researcher who asked me if the tomb/storehouse should be clashed to release the stored Qi/HHS inside.

Di Tian Sui here says it should be clashed to release the stored Qi/HHS.

ZPZQ says otherwise.

It is such an important matter for the case that we were studying.

Which is the correct theory?

Otherwise Bazi reading can become a study with no answer.

Might as well not do any reading.

Characteristic of the 12 Earthly Branches:

Based on the animal signs.

Why are the animal signs used for the EB?

Is there a correlation with the behaviors of the real animal?

Which particular animal reflects the person, the year, the month, the day or the hour EB?

Year EB – In-built personality.

I notice a certain tendencies of people based on the year of the animal.

There seems to be more aggressive people who are born in Tiger year.

People born in the year of the rabbit seems more accommodating, not trouble maker.

It reflects the in-built personality. With influences from the family. The family traits.

If the year EB reflects the general in-built behavior, what does the other EB represent?

Month EB – Behavior adopted.

For Bazi analysis, the month represents the personality type adopted by the DM, the behavioral tendencies. The behavior adopted to handle others. The negotiation tactic, communication style, methodology adopted to handle situations.

Day EB – Inner self.

Is the Day EB the actual personality of the person? The real character. The real inner person. The real I. How the person would behave if not for the influences of the year and the month. It is perhaps hidden away, not fully expressed externally.

When the person is at its peak with confidence, this is perhaps the personality which will be revealed. It is also the determination level of the person and also the self-control.

Chou the OX would be the strongest in determination and self control.

Hour EB – Type based on the time of day.

Animal behave differently at various time of the day. Day time Tigers are normally more docile than Tigers at night who are alert, sharp and ready to hunt. Chou the Ox at night would not be as determined as the Ox during the day. A night rat would be very much better at hunting.

The Spring months: Yin Mao Chen.

寅

Yin (tiger): Wood element, competitive/aggressive and hard working.

·        Impulsive, active, love freedom, hardworking life, cannot sit still.

·        Not easily pleased, like to be boss. Ambitious, cheerful and kind. Self-expectation is high, a perfectionist. Capable and willing to do, not afraid of toughness, calm, does not avoid responsibilities, can fight alone, high capability. Like to be pretty, can’t be controlled.

·        Strong handling ability. Tend to lost confidence when under stress, sometimes could hurt themselves.

·        They often have strong eagerness to start something, but will tend to lose the staying power after some time.

·        They are egoistic, stubborn, unable to accept criticism.

·        Those born in Yin month are suitable to do sales and marketing job.

Character:

·        Can’t rest and like to work, feel uneasy when they are too free.

·        Like being the boss, bad temper, but do not like long-winded.

·        Soft-hearted, benevolent, will agree to do something as well as requested to do so.

·        Enjoy good food, like to eat meat, sense of responsibility and leadership, will certainly achieve the target once set.

·        Big appetite, like to invest in big business.

·        Hate to be deceived, easily get mad when cheated.

·        Act quickly, don’t like to ask questions, so often lack of communication, difficult to succeed.

卯

Mao (Rabbit): Wood element, strong sexual stamina.

·        Smart, perfectionist. Full of urge to do things but cunning and changeable.

·        Very good at people’s skill, tend to have lovers, smart, restless, strong self-protective abilities.

·        Doesn’t look old easily, calm, like to keep clean, kind hearted.

·        Can only accept success but can’t face failure.

·        Easily have good beginning but no end in doing things. Strong sixth sense. Sharp at instinct.

·        Men born in year of rabbits are great pretender able to change according to situations, doesn’t easily admit that they are wrong even if they really are.

·        Easily involved in office relationship. Like romantic, good relationship with opposite sex especially in work.

·        Women whom are born in rabbit year are generally kind, but they can be pretender sometimes in order to protect themselves.

Character:

·        Sharp eyes, ignore peoples they don’t like, high taste.

·        They like clean, like to move about their things at home

·        Like to complete their task at one time, don like to be interrupt halfway

·        Soft-hearted, fussy, sociable, self-protective, soft, calculative.

辰

Chen (Dragon): Earth element with wood Qi, elusive personality, loner.

·        Like to lead, proud of themselves, ambitious, like to flatter, powerful, prone to relationships.

·        Fast changeable thinking, lots of idea, smart.

·        Mostly take pride of themselves, like to be respected, liked to hear pleasant comments, high taste, unrealistic.

·        Ever-changing personality, often gives people mysterious feeling

·        Most dragon women are more changeable than the men, their thinking is not easily detected.

·        Great fate, often turn the danger to good, multi-talent, easily achieve things, but have the tendency to get spiritual cleanliness.

·        Good partner in business, kind and helpful friend to have.

Character:

·        Don’t like to be controlled, like to lead, like to foot the bill every time.

·        Disappear unknowingly, doesn’t say goodbye when they decide to leave, tend to do things halfway, love freedom, artistic.

·        Firm in their decision and thinking, stubborn, 6-sense, lots of idea, and straight to the point.

·        Like to talk with no actions.

The Summer months: Si Wu Wei.

巳

Si (Snake): Fire element, attentive and smart.

·        Like to chat and debate, does not admit defeat, good at debating and lawsuit.

·        Like to research, strong analytical skills, look cool from outside but friendly at inner side, tend to talk more in front of peoples they like.

·        Cold personalities, like to debate, suspicious.

·        Calm, high taste, look far, good at number-related things, smart in handling their wealth, good role in business.

·        Suitable to do business

·        Snake women have a mysterious power.

·        Attentive, smart, very firm in their decision, hard to control. Can forgive easily. Strong ability to live independently.

Character:

·        Calm, good speech, like to talk and talk very fast, but quiet at ordinary time, sociable, rush personalities.

·        Very friendly to peoples they know, can talk a lot, but being quiet to peoples they can’t get along, tend to give up easily when they face problems, no patience.

·        Able to show their talent perfectly if given chance. Talk non stop.

·        Marketing expert

·        Likes to win - competitive.

·        Not straight forward in speech and doing things, like to twist around

午

Wu (Horse): Fire element, honest, straight personalities, brave.

·        Like to win, emotional, revengeful. Easily irritable, tend to be trapped. Hardworking, restless, honest, straightforward, kind heart.

·        Bad temper, brave, friendly to friends, like to flatter.

·        Cheerful, sociable, unpredictable character; can differentiate good and bad, tend to draw unwanted troubles.

·        Open-minded and characters, like freedom, hot temper and often get nothing as a result of losing patience, but will get success as they get older if they can control their emotion.

·        Male born in horse year have good relationship with opposite sex, but can be isolated in the job they are doing.

·        Women born in horse year are very tomboy, brave, restless, and tend to nag when they get older.

Character:

·        Like to win, doesn’t admit lose, extremist. Like to listen to compliment, self-indulgence, like to be pretty.

·        Like to be praised, if properly asked for, they can do and provide everything

·        Tend to lost temper if triggered, and easily moved by peoples. Easily get headache.

·        Easily get love relationships, girls mostly pretty and love water, sociable

·        Like to win, strong pride, inferior, don’t like to be commented.

·        Good sixth sense, like to do complete things soon before deadline, but tend to be lost once they met urgent matters

未

Wei (sheep): Earth and Fire element, like to stand out, but independent.

·        Kind hearted, take appearance importantly, do things carefully.

·        Very obedient to parents but don’t know how to express it, inferior, very particular at outlook, stubborn and fussy, detail-oriented, hot-temper.

·        Like to leads, but have to follow other people’s lead in order to success.

·        Loyal in love, Men whom are born in year of goat are mostly smart and like to show off.

Character:

·        Detail-oriented, stubborn, firm in their stand.

·        Obedient, don’t like other peoples or their partner to comment their parents, very emotional, not secure feels.

·        Like to check peoples movement, like to dig out past, inferior, has the leading ability but can’t express it.

·        Firm in their stand when they met problems, like peoples to agree with them but never express their feelings.

·        When other peoples fail to follow their way, they will try to change the other’s mind by asking them various questions until they come to an agreement on his thinking.

The Autumn months: Shen You Xu.

申

Shen (monkey): Metal element, smarter than extraordinary.

·        Restless and full of energy, kind, restless.

·        Good at imitation, good learning ability but always give up half way, no patience.

·        Cunning, like to take short cut.

·        Observant, attentive, smart, capable but lack of stability.

·        Likes attention, but good at relationship with opposite sex.

·        Seek attention most of the time, men born in year of monkey tend to be feminine.

Character:

·        Impatience, straightforward, not cunning.

·        Sharp at talking, fast speech, always hurt people unknowingly, like to talk straight to the point.

·        Great learning ability, restless, take friends importantly, good imitation skills.

·        Take note on small details, do things perfectly.

酉

You (Rooster): Metal element, greedy, grabbed everything available, nosy.

·        There is no momentum in working, pessimist. 

·        Like to mind other people’s business, impatience and sometimes have a split personality.

·        Kind and helpful, active, take important of their own benefits.

·        Possess a good sense of beauty, confident, pride, materialistic, likes to be complimented.

·        Strong 6th sense.

·        Men born in the year of rooster will tend to have multiple relationships, very good with opposite sex.

·        Women born in year of rooster are generally nosy, like to decide for other people, like to mind people’s business, but sociable and feeling oriented.

Character:

·        Nosy, over kind, once requested, they will abandon their own work just to help others, but always get no appreciation in return and end up being sad by themselves.

·        Don’t know how to reject people’s request. Kind, serious in doing things, but lack of consideration when talking.

·        Mad, can’t keep secret, mind people’s feeling, but tend to spread rumors very fast.

·        Will help people to the end.

·        Will drink until they satisfied, or don’t drink at all.

戌

Xu (dog):  Earth element, good personality, likes to take care of other people.

·        Like to lead, easily come out with ideas, reckless and straightforward; tend to do things that shock peoples, loyal, do things accordingly.

·        Loyalty, good at keeping promise, kind, stubborn, emotional, good friend and good colleagues.

·        Differentiate well between good and bad, very careful, very wary, don’t easily trust peoples.

·        Normally appear to be master of the 5 elements, good at studying metaphysics.

·        Good rewards, always have noble peoples to help turning the bad to good. Easily earn money, not very difficult to get money but don’t have proper way of handling money.

·        Optimistic and positive, not good at hiding their personalities and secret, like to take care of others.

·        Sometimes tend to have unchangeable habits. Obstinate, always involved in single love, or fallen in love until losing their mind.

Character:

·        For people whom had helped them a lot, they will reward them double. Very loyal

·        Strong self-pride and self-esteem, cant even allows people to criticize their idols.

·        Don’t trust fate, stubborn, lots of ideas, hard to communicate, tend to extravaganza, take care of family.

·        Traditional and not flexible, always follow the old ways and hard to change, strong inner sense of themselves.

·        Loyal, but also tend to backstabbing.

The Winter months: Hai Zi Chou.

亥

Hai (pig): Water element, very loyal in love until not able to think straight.

·        Very wise, emphasis heavily on principles, not easy to communicate with, and often keep matters in themselves.

·        Appear to be fortitude, vulnerable in heart, conflict in personal, not well understood.

·        Good at using others, always magnify other people’s power, master in business.

·        Good use of others, to magnify its own power, in order to master the business.

·        Is very sensible, but often will examine very deeply, and sometimes very "barbarians", and is unreasonable.

·        Eloquent, good at debate.

·        Unique taste, enterprising.

·        Very good appetite, not picky at food.

·        Great pretender.

Character:

·        Self-punishment is serious (especially no Eating God or Hurting Officer), especially on kids (can’t stimulate them with word or they can becomes extreme).

·        Fussy, perfectionist.

·        Quiet, Yi Hai and Ding Hai will hope to get a quiet partner in marriage as well

·        Tend to be quiet without stage, but will express themselves well if given chances, talk nonstop

·        Not picky at food, can eat anything. Smart and understanding.

·        One Hai tend to be understanding, but 2 Hai will be hysterical.

·        Tendency to nag.

子

Zi (mouse): Water, smart, good at calculating.

·        Know how to protect themselves, extremely changeable personality, difficult to figure out.

·        Too calculative and as a result could lost the bigger picture due to small advantages, smart but often being misused.

·        Alert, sly, smart, change the mind easily, do things without completion.

·        Slow in making decisions, and lost a lot of opportunities due to indecisiveness.

·        Rats born at night live comfortably, while Rats born during the day is vulnerable to endure hardship and caught within the toughness.

Character:

·        Often facing dilemma in making decision, indecisive, changing mind over and over again.

·        Very intelligent, responsive, regret after doing something, and also regret if not done something.

·        These people have to learn to train themselves to not regret after making a decision which will make their life easier. They are coward and highly sensitive.

·        Change the mind easily within the same day, difficult to have a fixed decision.

丑

Chou (Ox): Earth, born to be kind, and full of endurance.

·        Kind hearted personality and have good endurance, prefer stability, hoping for a place to settle down.

·        Hardworking, diligent and realistic.

·        Hot temper, persistence, and stubborn.

·        Ability to endure suffering, hidden strength,

·        Particularly sensitive and fast-learner in the field of astrology and feng shui.

·        Highly detail-oriented, develop more courage with more obstructions.

Character:

·        Highly detail-oriented, firm, serious, like to ask questions.

·        Likes to talk about the past whether good or bad, like to trace people’s movement and dig old incidence.

·        Prone to nagging; hot temper, stubborn, hardworking.

·        Slow in learning, but persistent, will not give up learning until they master it, not easily moved.

·        Strong self-awareness, self-centered, hence tends to do things out of their abilities.

Di Tian Sui on Earthly Branch.

八、地支

Earthly Branch.

阳支动且强，速达显灾祥；

Yang Branches movement is strong, the arrival of disaster or good luck will be fast and prominent.

阴支静且专，否泰每经年。

Yin Branches is still but focused, the result can last for the whole year.

原注：

子、寅、辰、午、申、戌，阳也，

其性动，其势强，其发至速，其灾祥至显；

丑、卯、巳、未、酉、亥，阴也，

其性静，其气专，发之不速，而否泰之验，每至经年而后见。

Original text:

Zi, Yin, Chen, Wu, Shen, Xu, Yang Branches, natural to move, strong power, the speed is fast (growth), disaster or good luck arrive prominently;

Chou, Mao, Si, Wei, You, Hai, Yin Branches, natural to be still, the Qi is focused, the speed is slow (growth), it appears at the beginning of the year but the result will only manifest at the end of the year.

任氏曰：

Ren comment:

地支有以子至巳为阳，午至亥为阴者，

Earthly Branches can be divided into Yang from Zi to Si, Yin from Wu to Hai,

此从冬至阳生、夏至阴生论；

Or considered Yang born from Winter, Yin born from Summer;

有以寅至未为阳，申至丑为阴者，

Also some considered Yin Wood to Wei as Yang, Shen to Chou as Yin,

此分木火为阳，金水为阴也。

Can also consider Wood Fire as Yang, Metal Water as Yin.

命家以子、寅、辰、午、申、戌为阳，

Destiny reader uses Zi, Yin, Chen, Wu, Shen, Xu as Yang,

丑、卯、巳、未、酉、亥为阴。

Chou, Mao, Si, Wei, Hai as Yin,

若子从癸、午从丁，是体阳而用阴也；

Or Zi from Gui, Wu from Ding, the body is Yang but the application is Yin.

巳从丙，亥从壬，是体阴而用阳也。

Si from Bing, Hai from Ren, the body is Yin but application is Yang.

分别取用，亦惟刚柔健顺之理，与天干无异，

Use separatedly, using the theory of hard, soft, to strengthen, to follow, no difference from the HS,

但生克制化，其理多端，盖一支所藏或二干，或三干故耳。

But the growing, countering, control, transform, the logic is many and varied, due to some Branches with 2 HS, some with 3 HS.

然以本气为主，寅必先甲而后及丙，

The main Qi is the host, Yin will have Jia first followed by Bing,

申必先庚而后及壬，余支皆然。

Shen will have Geng first followed by Ren, the same for the other branches.

阳支性动而强，吉凶之验恒速；

Yang Branches movement is strong, the experience of the auspiciousness is fast,

阴支性静而弱，祸福之应较迟。

Yin Branches is still and weak, the arrival of disaster or good fortune is slower,

在局在运，均以此意消息之。

It has the same effect  for Luck Pillar and Annual Pillar.

生方怕动库宜开，败地逢冲仔细推。

Growth direction fear movement, store appropriate to open, failure land meeting clashes to analyze in detail.

原注：

寅、申、巳、亥生方也，忌冲动；辰、戌、丑、未四库也，宜冲开。

子、午、卯、酉四败也，有逢合而喜冲者，不若生地之必不可冲也；

有逢冲而喜合者，不若库地之必不可闲也。须仔细详之。

Original text:

Yin, Shen, Si, Hai, the four growth direction, hates clashes and movement;

Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei, the four store, appropriate to be open.

Zi, Wu, Mao, You, the four failed land, when meeting combination likes to be clash, unlike the four growth directions which must not be clashed; when meeting clash likes to be combined, unlike the storage lands which likes to be opened. To analyse in details.

原文白話翻譯：

Original text in simple Chinese:

寅、申、巳、亥是木、火、金、水的長生之地。

Yin, Shen, Si, Hai, represent the four Chang Sheng for wood, fire, metal and water.

辰、戌、丑、未是木、火、金、水的墓地，所以稱之為四庫。

Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei, represent the four storage for wood, fire, metal and water.

子、午、卯、酉是木、火、金、水的仲氣，也叫做四敗。

Zi, Wu, Mao, You, represent the central Qi of wood, fire, metal, water, also referred to as the four failed land. (Also the four Cardinal)

凡是四長生之地，最害怕逢沖，四墓之地，卻最喜歡逢沖。

The land of the four Chang Sheng, most scared of meeting clash, the four storage land, most happy to meet clash.

只有四仲氣之地，一但有逢合時，就喜歡逢沖，若是逢沖時，就喜歡逢合。

Only the central Qi, when meeting combination, likes to be clashed, or when meeting clash, likes to be combined.

不像四長生地，永遠只喜歡逢合，或是四墓地只喜歡逢沖。

Unlike the four Chang Sheng EB (Yin Shen Si Hai), always likes to meet combination, or the four tomb (Chen Xu Chou Wei) which always lieks to meet clash.

任氏曰：旧说云，金水能冲木火，木火不能冲金水，此论天干则可，论地支则不可。

Ren comment:

Old saying; Metal Water can clash Wood Fire, Wood Fire cannot clash Metal Water, this is only applicable when discussing HS, not necessary for EB.

盖地支之气多不专，有他气藏在内也。

Due to the mixed Qi in EB, other Qi are hidden inside the EB.

须看他气乘权得势，即木火亦岂不能冲金水乎？

Must study the power of the Qi, why Wood Fire cannot clash Metal Water?

生方怕动者，两败俱伤也。

The growth directions dislike movement, both suffers damage.

假如寅申逢冲，申中庚金，克寅中甲木，寅中丙火，未尝不克申中庚金；

If Yin Shen meets clash, the Geng metal inside Shen, counter the Jia wood inside Yin, the Bing inside Yin, not necessary will not counter the Geng metal inside Shen.

申中壬水，克寅中丙火，寅中戊土，未尝不克申中壬水。

The Ren water inside Shen, counter the Bing fire inside Yin, Wu earth inside Yin, not necessary will not clash the Ren water inside Shen.

战克不静故也。

So the battle and countering continues.

库宜开者，然亦有宜不宜，详在杂气章中。

Store appropriate to open, also sometimes appropriate sometimes inappropriate, important to study the miscellaneous Qi.

败地逢冲仔细推者，子、午、卯、酉之专气也，用金水则可冲，用木火则不可冲。

The failed land encounter clashes to study carefully, Zi, Wu, Mao, You, the pure Qi, can be clash with Metal Water, cannot be clashed by Wood Fire.

然亦须活看，不可执一。

Must use a flexible method, cannot depend on just one.

倘用春夏之金水，则金水之气休囚，木火之势旺相，金水岂不反伤乎？

Supposing using Metal Water in Spring and Summer, when Metal Water is in prison and resting, the power of Wood and Fire is very prosperous, why cant the Metal and Water be damaged.

宜参究之。

Should investigate carefully.

支神只以冲为重，刑与穿兮动不动。

Clash is the most important consideration for EB, punishment and harm will not necessary cause movement.

原注：冲者必是相克，及四库兄弟之冲，所以必动；至于刑穿之间，又有相生相合者存，所以有动不动之异。

Original text:

Clashes represent ke/counter, for clashes involving the 4 storage will involved movement;

For punishment and harm, it can involve producing, combining, therefore it does not necessary means movement.

任氏曰：地支逢冲，犹天干之相克也，须视其强弱喜忌而论之。

Clashes involving EB represents HS countering, must observe the strength and weakness, the favorable and unfavorable aspect to discuss further.

至于四库之冲，亦有宜不宜，

For the clashes involving the 4 storage, can also be good or bad,

如三月之辰，乙木司令，逢戌冲，则戌中辛金，亦能伤乙木；

For Chen 3^rd month, when Yi DHHS is in command, meeting Xu clash, denotes the Xin inside Xu, is able to damage the Yi wood;

六月之未，丁火司令，逢丑冲，则丑中癸水，亦能伤丁火。

For Wei 6^th month, when Ding DHHS is in command, meeting Chou clash, denotes the Gui inside chou, is able to damage the Ding fire.

按三月之乙、六月之丁，虽属退气，若得司令，竟可为用，冲则受伤，不足用矣。

Chen 3^rd month when Yi DHHS in command, Wei 6^th month when Ding DHHS in command, although considered as retreating Qi, if it is the dominant Qi, indeed can still be used, when clashed will be damaged, becomes insufficient for use.

所谓暮库逢冲则发者，后人之谬也。

To comment that clashes will make tomb/store (the earth EB) prosperous, is a mistake or is absurd.

暮者，坟暮之意；

Mu, meaning of Tomb/graveyard.

库者，木火金水收藏埋根之地，

Store, the storehouse of the roots of wood, fire, metal and water.

譬如得气之坟，未开动而发福者也。

For instance a Tomb which obtains Qi, before opening is already prosperous and fortunate.

如木火金水之天干，地支无寅、卯、巳、午、申、酉、亥、子之禄旺，全赖辰戌丑未之身库通根，逢冲则微根拨尽，未有冲动而强旺者也。

For wood, fire, metal, water HS, without Yin, Mao, Si, Wu, Shen, You, Hai, Zi in the EB which represent the prosperous Lu (strong roots), will depends on Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei for rooting. When clashed it represent disturbances to the roots. Before clashes and movement, it is considered as prosperous due to the rooting provided.

如不用司令，以土为喜神，冲之有益无损，盖土动则发生矣。

If Dominat Qi is not used, with earth as favorable god, when clashed it is useful (no harm), it happens as a result of earth movement.

Comment: When earth is favorable, earth clashes will increase the earth Qi, therefore it is considered good.

刑之义无所取，如亥刑亥、辰刑辰、酉刑酉、午刑午，谓之自刑，本支见本支，自谓同气，何以相刑？

The meaning of punishment cannot be determined. Example Hai punish Hai, Chen punish Chen, You punish You, Wu punish Wu, considered as self punishment, same EB meeting, same Elemental Qi involves, why considered as punishment?

子刑卯，卯刑子，是谓相生，何以相刑？

Zi punish Mao, Mao punish Zi, it represent producing cycle, why considered as punishment?

戌刑未，未刑丑，皆为土气，更不当刑。

Xu punish Wei, Wei punish Chou, both are earth elemental Qi, definitedly not punishment.

寅刑巳，亦是相生，寅申相刑，即冲何必再刑？

Yin punish Si, represent producing cycle, Yin Shen punishment, represent clashes why further classified as punishment?

又曰子卯一刑也，寅巳申二刑也，丑戌未三刑也，故称三刑，又有自刑，

further classifying Zi Mao as one punishment, Yin Si Shen as two punishment, Chou Xu Wei as three punishment, thereby calling it the 3 punishment, and adding self punishment,

此皆俗谬，姑置之。

These are all incorrect and should not be used.

穿，即害也，六害由六合而来，冲我合神，故为之害，如子合丑而未冲，丑合子而午冲之类。

Pierce also harm, the 6 harms are derived from 6 combination. It clashes with the element that combines with me, that’s the derivation of harm. Example Zi combines with Chou but clashed by Wei, Chou combines with Zi but clashed by Wu.

子未之害，无非相克，丑午寅亥之害，乃是相生，何以为害？

The harm of Zi Wei, represent countering/ke, the Harm of Chou, Wu, Yin, Hai, represent producing cycle, why is it considered harm?

且刑既不足为凭，而害之义，尤为穿凿。

Moreover, Punishment is already considered not adequate as a basis/fundamental. The meaning of Harm is also a forced interpretation.

总以论其生克为是，

Always discuss on producing and countering;

至于破之义，非害即刑也，

to establish the real meaning, not from punishment or harm;

尤属不经，削之可也。

Not categorized from the classics, no harm to disregard.

暗冲暗会尤为喜，彼冲我兮皆冲起。

Hidden clashes and combinations especially auspicious, when other clash me the clash will be launched.

原注：如柱中无所缺之局，取多者暗冲暗会，冲起暗神，而来会合暗神，比明冲明会尤佳，

Original text:

A pillar without any lacking in the structure, obtained many hidden clashes and combination, clashed the hidden god to combine with the hidden god, even better than clashing and combining openly.

子来冲午，寅与戌会午是也。

Zi clashing Wu, with Yin and Xu San Hui Wu in the chart.

Comment:

In such a scenario where the Zi clashing the Wu. With Yin and Xu in the chart which creates Yin Wu Xu Seasonal Combination, the Zi is clashing against the combination.

是日为我，提纲为彼；

The Day represent me, the key point (month pillar) as the other;

提纲为我，年时为彼；

The key point (month pillar) represent me, Year and hour as the other;

四柱为我，运途为彼；

the four pillar as me, the luck pillar as other;

运途为我，岁月为彼。

The luck pillar as me, the year and month as other;

如我寅彼申，申能克寅，是彼冲我；

Example I am Yin and the other is Shen, Shen can counter Yin, denotes other clash me;

我子彼午，子能克午，是我冲彼。皆为冲起。

I am Zi and the other is Wu, Zi can counter Wu, denotes I clash the other. Denotes clashing arises.

任氏曰：

Ren comment:

支中逢冲，固非美事，然八字缺陷者多，停匀者少。

Clashes between EB, is not a good thing, eventhough there are many defective/flawed Bazi, very few well balanced Bazi chart.

木火旺，金水必乏矣；

When wood and fire is prosperous, the metal and water will diminish;

金水旺，木火必乏矣。

When metal and water is prosperous, the wood and fire will diminish.

若旺而有余者冲去之，衰而不足者会助之为美。

If the prosperous and surplus is clashed away or the weak and insuffivent is assited, it is considered wonderful.

如四柱无冲会之神，得岁运暗来冲会尤为喜也。

If the clash is not in the natal chart, meeting hidden clashes during LP or AP is a good thing.

盖有病得良剂以生也。

When the illness received a good dosage of medicine it can recover.

然冲有彼我之分，会有去来之理。

There is a difference between me clashing others and others clashing me, also whether it is clashing in or clashing out.

彼我者，不必分年时为彼，日月为我，亦不必分四柱为我，岁运为彼也，总之喜神是我，忌神为彼可也。

Me and others, not differentiated by the Year and Hour as others, Day and Month as Me, or the natal chart as Me, the LP and Ap as others. It should be favorable gods as Me, unfavorable gods as others.

如喜神是午，逢子冲，是彼冲我，喜与寅戌会为吉；

Example favorable god is Wu, being clashed by Zi, considered others clashing Me, it is auspicious to have a Yin Xu Seasonal combination to assist;

喜神是子逢午冲，是我冲彼，忌寅与戌会为凶。

Favorable god represent Zi being clashed by Wu, represent Me clashing others, inauspicious to have Yin Xu Seasonal combination to assist.

如喜神是子，有申得辰会而来之为吉；

If the favorable god is Zi, with Shen obtaining Chen forming seasonal combination is auspicious;

喜神是亥，有未得卯会而去之则凶。

If favorable god is Hai, obtaining Wei and Mao combining away is inauspicious.

宁可我去冲彼，不可彼来冲我。

It is acceptable for me to clash others, but not for others to clash me.

我去冲彼，谓之冲起；

I clash other, considered clashes arises;

彼来冲我，谓之不起。

Others clashing me, considered not arise.

水火之冲会如此，余可类推。

The clashes of fire and water is as such, others to use same reasoning.

旺者冲衰衰者拔，衰神冲旺旺神发

Prosperous clashes with the weak, the weak will be pulled out,

Weak clashes with the prosperous, the prosperous will become stronger.

原注：子旺午衰，冲则午拔不能立；子衰午旺，冲则午发而为福。余仿此。

Original text:

Zi prosperous an Wu weak, due to the clash the Wu is not able to withstand;

Zi weak and Wu prosperous, due to the clash the Wu will become even more prosperous which is auspicious. Applies to other similar analogy.

任氏曰：十二支相冲，各支中所藏互相冲克，在原局为明冲，在岁运为暗冲。

Ren comment: the clashes between the 12 EB, the clashes in the Hidden Heavenly Stem. When it is in the original natal chart, it is considered as open clashes. When it happens between the Luck Period or the Annual Pillar, it is considered as hidden clash.

得令者冲衰则拔，失时者冲旺无伤。

The element in season clashing the weaker element will withdraw, the element not in season clashing the prosperous will not create any damage.

冲之者有力，则能去之，去凶神则利，去吉神则不利；

The one clashing with power, able to destroy, destroying unfavorable god is auspicious, destroying favorable god is inauspicious.

冲之者无力，则反激之，激凶神则为祸，激吉神虽不为祸，亦不能获福也。

When the one clashing is weak, but due to it aggravating the unfavorable god, it can create misfortune, when aggravating a favorable god will be create misfortune but will also not be harvesting any fortune.

如日主是午，或喜神是午，支中有寅卯巳未戌之类，遇子冲谓衰神冲旺，无伤；

Example for Wu fire DM, or the favorable god is Wu fire, in the EB there is either Yin, Mao, Si, Wei, Xu, (which are supportive of the fire element), Zi clashing the Wu is considered as weak clashing prosperous, no injury;

日主午，或喜神是午，支中有申酉亥子丑辰之类，遇子冲，谓旺者冲衰则拔。余支皆然。

DM Wu fire, or Wu fire as favorable god, in the EB there is either Shen, You, Hai, Zi, (weakening the fire element), Zi clashing the Wu is considered as proeperous clashing the weak, destroying the fire element. The rest to analyse using the same logic.

然以子、卯、午、酉、寅、申、巳、亥八支为重，辰、戌、丑、未较轻。

Also t consider that the Zi, Wu, Mao, You, Yin, Shen, Si, Hai clash are strong, Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei clash are weak.

如子午冲，子中癸水冲午中丁火，如午旺提纲，四柱无金而有木，则午能冲子；

Example, Zi clashing with Wu fire, inside the Zi, the Gui clashing the Ding inside the Wu, when the Wu fire is prosperous and in command, without metal in the chart but with wood support, the Wu can clash the Zi.

卯酉冲，酉中辛金，冲卯中乙木，如卯旺提纲，四柱有火而无土，则卯亦能冲酉；

Mao clashing with You, the Xin inside the You clashing with the Yi wood inside the Mao, when the Mao is prosperous and in command, with fire in the natal chart without earth support, the Mao can clash the You;

寅申冲，寅中甲木丙火，被申中庚金壬水所克，然寅旺提纲，四柱有火，则寅亦能冲申矣；

Yin wood clashing Shen, the Jia wood and Bing fire inside Yin wood being countered by the Geng and Ren inside the Shen, when the Yin is prosperous and in command, with fire in the natal chart, the Yin can clash the Shen;

巳亥冲，巳中丙火戊土，被亥中甲木壬水所克，然巳旺提纲，四柱有木，则巳亦能冲亥矣。

Si Hai clash, the Bing fire and Wu earth inside Si being countered by the Jia and Ren inside Yin wood, when Si is prosperous and in command, with wood support in the natal chart, the Si can clash the Hai;

必先察其衰旺，四柱有无解救，或抑冲，或助泄，观其大势，究其喜忌，则吉凶自验矣。

Must first analyse the strength of the elements involved, further checking for support in the natal chart, whether supporting the clash, or helping to reduce, consider the overall picture, checking the favorable or unfavorable situation, to be able to deduce if it is auspicious or inauspicious.

至于四库兄弟之冲，其蓄藏之物，看其四柱干支，有无引出。

For clashes among the brothers of the four storage, the hidden elements involved, by checking the four pillars, to know if the elements involved becomes active.

如四柱之干支，无所引出，及司令之神，又不关切，虽冲无害，合而得用亦为喜。

The elements in the natal chart, without being extracted out, the commanding month officer is not concerned, being clashed was not damaged, being combined becomes useful making it auspicious.

原局与岁运皆同此论。

The method of analysis is the same for natal chart and LP/AP.

Dominant Hidden HS - Yuan Hai ZiPing

HS & EB hidden secret poem

《论 天 干 地 支 暗 藏 总 诀》

In the study of Bazi, the Dominant HHS is supposed to be a very important consideration. There are many schools which totally discard this system.

It is stated very clearly in Yuan Hai ZiPing and other classics the dominant HHS at different time of the year.

For example for Chen, Yi wood which is the left over Qi for Spring is dominant for the first 10 days followed by 8 days for Gui the in tomb Qi for Water. The Wu earth is dominant for the remaining days of the month.

Dominant Hidden Heavenly Stem.

What does being dominant means?

Does that mean the HS is actually active and will interact with other DHHS or with other HS in the chart?

While the other HHS will just be root for the HS and not active.

Can the DHHS interact with the HS of the same pillar, like combination between HS and DHHS?

Spring 

 

 

Mao Rabbit

卯宫乙木独相逢。

Mao rabbit palace Yi wood alone come across,

惊蛰乙木未用事；春分乙未正相当。

JingZhe 6^th to 20^th March, Yi wood not yet useful,

ChunFen Spring Equinox 21^st March to 4^th April, Yi wood is central,

6^th to 20^th March – 15 days – Jia Wood

21^st March to 4^th April – 15 days - Yi Wood

Chen Dragon

辰藏乙戊三分癸，

Chen dragon hides Yi wood, Wu earth with 3 parts Gui,

清明乙木十日管，后来八日癸水洋；

QingMing 5^th to 19^th April, Yi wood governs for the first 10 days, later 8 days rules by Gui water,

穀雨前三戊土盛，其中土旺要消详。

GuYu 20^th April to 4^th May, first 3 Wu earth flourish, within earth strength need detailed analysis,

Summer 

 

 

Si Snake

巳中庚金丙戊丛；

Inside Si snake, Geng metal, Bing fire, Wu earth congregate,

立夏又伏戊土取；小满过午丙火光。

LiXia 5^th to 20^th May, let Wu earth take over, XiaoMan 21^st May to 5^th June, Wu fire over Bing fire bright,

Wu Horse

午宫丁火并己土，

Wu horse palace, Ding fire together with Ji earth,

芒种己土相当好，中停七日土高张；

MangZhong 6^th to 20^th June, Ji earth is excellent, stop in the middle 7 days earth increasing,

夏至阴生阳极利，丙丁火旺有土张。

XiaZhi 21^st June to 6^th July, Yin produce Yang positive benefit, Bing Ding fire prosperous increasing the earth,

Wei Goat

未宫乙己丁共宗。

Wei goat palace, Yi wood, Ji earth and Ding fire same gang,

小暑十日丁火旺，后来三日乙木芳，

XianShu 7^th to 22^nd July, 10 days Ding fire prosperous, later for 3 days the Yi wood is fragrant,

己土三日威风盛；大暑己土十日黄。

Ji earth 3 days is magnificent, DaShu 23^rd July to 6^th August, Ji earth yellow for 10 days,

Autumn

 

 

Shen Monkey

申位庚金壬水戊，

Shen monkey place, Geng metal, Ren water and Wu earth,

立秋十日壬水涨；处暑十五庚金良。

LiQiu 7^th to 22^nd August, Ren water sweeling,

ChuShu 23^rd August to 7^th September, 15 Geng metal excellent,

You Rooster

酉宫辛金独丰隆；

You rooster palace, Xin metal alone appearing prosperous,

白露七日庚金旺，八日辛兮祇独行。

BaiLu 8^th to 22^nd September, 7 days Geng metal prosperous, for 8 days Xin metal Qi only,

Xu Dog

戌宫辛金及丁戊，

Xu dog palace, Xin metal, Ding fire and Wu earth,

寒露七日辛金管，八日丁火又水降；

Hanlu 8^th to 22^nd October, 7 days governs by Xin metal, 8 days Ding fire and water descend,

霜降己土十五日，其中杂气取无妨。

ShuangJiang 23^rd October to 6^th November, Ji earth for 15 days, no harm in obtaining the mixed Qi within,

Winter

 

 

Hai Pig

亥藏壬甲是真踪。

Hai pig hidden Ren and Jia is the real track.

立冬七日癸水旺，壬水八日更流忙；

LiDong 7^th to 21^st November, for 7 days Gui water prosperous, Ren water for 8 days flows even more rapidly,

小雪七日壬水急，八日甲木又芬芳。

XiaoXue 22^nd November to 6^th December, 7 days Ren water in a hurry, for 8 days Jia wood fragrant,

Zi Rat

子宫癸水在其中，

Inside Zi rat palace, located Gui water,

大雪七日壬水管；冬至癸水更潺汪。

DaXue 7^th to 21^st December, governs by Ren water for 7 days,  

DongZhi 22^nd December to 5^th January, Gui water even more powerful,

Chou Ox

丑癸辛金己土同；

Chou ox,  Gui water, Xin metal, Ji earth together,

小寒七日癸水养，八日辛金丑库藏；

XiaoHan 6^th to 19^th January, Gui water growing for 7 days, 8 days Xin metal Chou store,

大寒十日己土胜，

Dahan 20^th January to 3^rd February Ji earth prosperous,

术者精研仔细详。

Researcher meticulously study in detail.