Overall Paraphrased Meaning
Earthly Branch clashes represent a conflict and restraint relationship among the twelve branches, generally indicating misfortune. However, if the clash is accompanied by generation (e.g., Fire generating Metal, Metal generating Water), misfortune can transform into blessing 🌱. For example, the clash between Xīn-Sì and Guǐ-Hài (Sì-Fire generates Xīn-Metal, Xīn-Metal generates Guǐ-Water) forms a continuous cycle of generation, which instead signifies fame, prestige, and academic success. If the clash occurs between branches of the same category (e.g., Jǐ-Mǎo clashing with Jǐ-Yǒu) or involves mutual restraint (e.g., Rén-Shēn Metal restraining Gēng-Yín Wood), it often indicates unfavorable outcomes. Clashes accompanied by generation typically result in a refined and intelligent temperament with an open-minded disposition, while clashes involving restraint may lead to resilience and decisiveness if the elements are in a strong state, or poverty and premature death if in a weak state. (According to Zhú Shén Jīng)
🧩 Structured Components (Case Analysis)
Troublesome Pattern
Examples: Jiǎ-Zǐ meeting Wǔ (Zǐ-Wǔ clash), Yǐ-Chǒu meeting Yǐ-Wèi (Chǒu-Wèi clash). These often indicate loss of ancestral wealth, mental restlessness, and eventual downfall despite temporary prosperity and fame.
Embedded chart
Troublesome Pattern Example
Male chart
Stem-branch set
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Stem
甲
乙
乙
Branch
子
丑
未
Discordant Pattern
Examples: Wù-Wǔ meeting Bǐng-Zǐ (Fire-Water clash and restraint), Guǐ-Mǎo meeting Dīng-Yǒu (Metal-Wood clash and restraint). These involve intense elemental conflicts, leading to a broken pattern. If further clashes occur, the individual may experience a life of漂泊, insufficient food and clothing, and a shortened lifespan. (According to Guī Gǔ Mìng Gé)
Embedded chart
Discordant Pattern Example
Male chart
Pillars
Year
Month
Day
Hour
Ten Gods
正官
正财
Self (M)
偏财
Stem
戊
丙
癸
丁
Branch
午
子
卯
酉
Hidden Stems
丁才己杀
癸比
乙食
辛枭
Stage
绝
建
长生
病
Luck cycles
丁丑戊寅己卯庚辰辛巳壬午癸未甲申
🧠 In-Depth Understanding
Core Concepts 💡
Clash with Generation Brings Fortune: Clashes accompanied by elemental generation (e.g., Metal generating Water, Water generating Wood) can turn misfortune into opportunity.
Clash with Restraint Brings Misfortune: Clashes within the same category or involving elemental restraint intensify conflicts, often leading to failure and disaster.
Strength Determines Outcome: Strong elements withstand clashes and may even gain energy from them, while weak elements may collapse under the impact.
Modern Interpretation 🌟
Interpersonal and Career Dynamics: Clashes with generation resemble healthy competition that stimulates potential, while clashes with restraint resemble internal conflicts that hinder progress.
Emotional Management: Individuals with multiple clashes in their birth chart are prone to emotional fluctuations and need to enhance conflict resolution skills.
Career Guidance: Those with clashes accompanied by generation are suited for innovative and pioneering careers, while those with clashes involving restraint should avoid high-risk industries.
Marriage Compatibility: Couples with multiple clashes in their birth charts need to rationally assess personality compatibility and conflict resolution styles.
Timing of Events: During clash years (e.g., Ben Ming Nian clashing with Tài Suì), it is advisable to adopt a conservative approach and avoid major decisions.
Philosophical Reflection 🤔
The essence of clashes lies in the collision and transformation of Yin and Yang energies, akin to natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes 🌋, which bring destruction but also foster renewal. Conflicts and challenges in life are opportunities for growth and transformation.
📚 Extended Knowledge
1. Celestial and Earthly Nets (Chén-Sì / Xū-Hài)
Chén-Sì is the Earthly Net, Xū-Hài is the Celestial Net, often indicating constraints, legal issues, or hidden health problems.
Modern metaphor: Legal risks, chronic illnesses, psychological repression; emphasis on compliance and health management.
2. Lonely Star and Widow Star
Individuals with Yín, Mǎo, Chén in their chart have Lonely Star in Sì and Widow Star in Chǒu, and so on.
Modern meaning: Social isolation, distant family relationships; active social participation and support networks are needed.
Strong Peach Blossom signifies charm and talent, while weak Peach Blossom may lead to excessive indulgence; combined with malefic stars, it can cause trouble due to romantic affairs.
4. Three Golden Killers
Yín Shēn (Sì): Legal disputes; Pò Suì (Yǒu): Accidents and injuries; Bái Yī (Chǒu): Funeral events and illnesses.
Modern warning: Be cautious of legal issues, traffic safety, and hereditary health problems.
⚠️ Clash Combination Fortune Reference Table
Type
Example
Characteristics
Modern Advice
Clash with Generation
Xīn-Sì vs. Guǐ-Hài
Fame, prestige, academic success
Seize opportunities, explore actively
Clash with Restraint
Rén-Shēn vs. Gēng-Yín
Career setbacks, health depletion
Avoid risks, strengthen safeguards
Same Category Clash
Jǐ-Mǎo vs. Jǐ-Yǒu
Internal conflict, resource dispersion
Focus on core, reduce scattered efforts
Extreme Strength Clash
Multiple Wood clashing with Yín-Mǎo
Breaking stalemates, rising against odds
Take initiative, leverage momentum
🌐 Modern Application Scenarios
Workplace Conflicts: Individuals with clashes are prone to friction with superiors or colleagues; communication skills need refinement.
Health Warnings: Clashes involving the Day Branch (e.g., Mǎo-Yǒu clash) indicate potential liver, gallbladder, or nervous system issues; regular check-ups are advised.
📖 Recommended Ancient Texts
Yuān Hǎi Zǐ Píng · On Clashes and Penalties: Detailed analysis of Ten Gods clashes.
Sān Mìng Tōng Huì · Earthly Branch Clashes and Restraints: Systematic discussion of twelve branch clashes and combinations.
Shén Fēng Tōng Kǎo · Broken Patterns Chapter: Solutions for resolving broken patterns in fate.
(This interpretation integrates key insights from Zhú Shén Jīng, Guī Gǔ Yào Jué, Guǎng Xìn Jí, and others, reconstructed with modern sociological and psychological perspectives.)
