What are Earthly-Branch combinations in Four-Pillar astrology?

Earthly-Branch combinations are among the most intricate parts of BaZi. They determine how a chart’s underlying energies assemble, concentrate, or break apart. Key patterns include Three-Harmony (San He), Six-Harmony (Liu He), Three-Meetings (San Hui), and discordant forms like Clashes, Punishments, Harms and Breaks.

A. Harmonizing groupings (gathering energy):
• Six-Harmonies (Liu He): Pairs such as Zi-Chou, Yin-Hai, Mao-Xu, Chen-You, Si-Shen, Wu-Wei. They imply close, cooperative ties and can resolve penalties.
• Three-Harmonies (San He): Triads like Shen-Zi-Chen (Water), Hai-Mao-Wei (Wood), Yin-Wu-Xu (Fire), Si-You-Chou (Metal). When formed, these triads concentrate a single element’s force and can be very powerful when that element is auspicious.
• Three-Meetings (San Hui): Groupings of three branches that create a pure directional energy (north/water, east/wood, south/fire, west/metal).

B. Destructive groupings (conflict and depletion):
• Six Clashes (Liu Chong): Opposite branches (Zi-Wu, Chou-Wei, Yin-Shen, Mao-You, Chen-Xu, Si-Hai) signal strong disruption—moves, breakups, major changes.
• Punishments (Xing): Patterns indicating internal suffering, legal trouble or chronic conflict—different sets of branches have different punitive flavors.
• Harms (Hai): Pairs that secretly undermine relationships, often manifesting as backstabbing or jealousy.
• Breaks (Po): Subtle internal damage or wear and tear that shows up as gradual setback.

Reading branch combinations is essential for judging family dynamics, health (because hidden stems relate to organs), major life turning points, and internal contradictions within the chart.