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The 12 Earthly Branches, or “十二地支” (shi er di zhi), are a core component of Chinese metaphysics, astrology, and traditional East Asian culture. This ancient system has been widely used for centuries in calendrical practices, astrological readings, and spiritual traditions, reflecting its deep significance in shaping East Asia’s cultural heritage.

What are the Earthly Branches in Bazi?

The 12 Earthly Branches (十二地支) are Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Chen (辰), Si (巳), Wu (午), Wei (未), Shen (申), You (酉), Xu (戌), Hai (亥), Zi (子) and Chou (丑). They continue to influence Chinese zodiac interpretations and Feng Shui practices, making them essential to understanding East Asian metaphysical and spiritual systems.

History of Earthly Branches

The origins of the 12 Earthly Branches, or “地支” (di zhi), can be traced back to the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). Rooted in ancient astronomical observations, this system was initially based on the orbit of Jupiter, known as the “year star” in traditional Chinese astronomy. The 12 Earthly Branches were originally used to measure time and track seasonal changes, but over time, they evolved into a more sophisticated framework, integrating with Chinese metaphysics and cultural practices.

During the Shang dynasty, the Earthly Branches were employed alongside the 10 Heavenly Stems (天干), creating an early method for recording time. The Heavenly Stems were initially used to name days in ritual calendars, reflecting their association with the spiritual and administrative duties of Chinese emperors. Over the centuries, the combination of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches formed a complex system for tracking cycles of time, giving rise to the sexagenary cycle (六十干支), a 60-year calendrical system that remains in use today.

What is the Meaning of Earthly Branch?

The Earthly Branches, or “地支” (di zhi), form a fundamental part of the ancient Chinese metaphysical framework, representing cyclical patterns of time, space, and energy. Rooted in astronomical observations, these 12 symbols correspond to natural phenomena such as the 12 months of the year, directions, seasons, and time intervals of a day.

This system is closely tied to the orbit of Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, which takes approximately 12 years to complete one revolution around the Sun. Jupiter’s dominant presence in the heavens significantly influenced Chinese astrology, leading to the development of the 12 Earthly Branches as a way to understand and align with cosmic rhythms.

Beyond their role in calendrical systems, the Earthly Branches are deeply intertwined with Chinese metaphysics, astrology, Feng Shui, and the Chinese Zodiac. They offer a systematic approach to interpreting the universe’s dynamics and their impact on human life, providing insights into the interconnectedness of celestial movements and earthly experiences.

What are the 12 Earthly Branches and 10 Heavenly Stems?

The 10 Heavenly Stems represent the Yin and Yang polarities of the Five Elements, encapsulating the dynamic flow of cosmic energies, while the 12 Earthly Branches symbolise the cyclical passage of time through the Chinese Zodiac years, the four seasons, and the rhythms of nature.
The 12 Earthly Branches—Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Chen (辰), Si (巳), Wu (午), Wei (未), Shen (申), You (酉), Xu (戌), Hai (亥), Zi (子), and Chou (丑)—and the 10 Heavenly Stems—Jia (甲), Yi (乙), Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Wu (戊), Ji (己), Geng (庚), Xin (辛), Ren (壬), and Gui (癸)—combine to form the 60-year sexagenary cycle, or “60 Jia Zi.” This intricate framework is central to the traditional Chinese calendar, harmonising celestial and terrestrial rhythms to create a comprehensive model of cosmic balance.

Learn more about the 60 Jia Zi

This holistic system not only tracks time but also deciphers the profound interplay of energy flows, enabling practitioners to align with auspicious energies and achieve harmony, success, and prosperity. Whether applied in Chinese astrology, Feng Shui, or destiny analysis, this enduring framework offers unparalleled insights into the cosmic order and its influence on human endeavours, seamlessly bridging tradition with timeless wisdom.

Modern Role of the 12 Earthly Branches

Today, the 12 Earthly Branches (十二地支) continue to play an essential role in the traditional Chinese calendar, which harmonises the lunar months and solar years. This intricate system underpins the Chinese zodiac and influences a wide range of cultural and spiritual practices. The Earthly Branches are also fundamental in Taoist cosmology, often used with the Heavenly Stems to determine auspicious dates and times for important activities, including weddings, business ventures, and religious ceremonies.

The sexagenary calendar system, formed by pairing the 10 Heavenly Stems with the 12 Earthly Branches, provides a cyclical framework for understanding time. This system is a cornerstone of Chinese calendrical tradition and a vital tool in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, offering guidance on aligning human activities with cosmic rhythms to achieve harmony and prosperity.

The 12 Earthly Branches have become an enduring symbol of the profound connection between the cosmos and human life by bridging ancient astronomical practices with metaphysical and cultural traditions.

Different Associations of the 12 Earthly Branches

One of the most well-known aspects of the 12 Earthly Branches is their association with the Chinese Zodiac. Chinese astronomers partitioned the celestial circle into a 12-year system, tracking Jupiter, also known as the Year Star (歲星), in its orbit of the sun.

In Chinese metaphysics, Jupiter’s 12-year cycle was thought to correspond to several aspects of the Chinese cosmological system, including the 12 months of the year, 12 zodiac animals, cardinal directions, seasons, and the division of each day into 12 traditional Chinese two-hour time units.

The following table represents the relationship between the 12 Earthly Branches and the present (Gregorian) time system:

Earthly Branch (month)	Associated Zodiac	Element	Polarity	Dates	Hour	Body parts
寅 (yín)	Tiger	Jia Wood	Yang	4 Feb to 5 Mar	3am to 4.59am	Gallbladder Hands Legs
卯 (mǎo)	Rabbit	Yi Wood	Yin	Mar 6 to Apr 4	5am to 6.59am	Fingers Hair Liver
辰 (chén)	Dragon	Wu Earth	Yang	5 Apr to 5 May	7 am to 8.59am	Chest Back Skin
巳 (sì)	Snake	Ding Fire	Yin	6 May to Jun 5	9 am to 10.59am	Face Throat Teeth
午 (wǔ)	Horse	Bing Fire	Yang	Jun 6 to Jul 6	11am to 12.59pm	Mental Health Eyes Head Brain
未 (wèi)	Goat	Ji Earth	Yin	Jul 7 to Aug 7	1pm to 2.59pm	Abdomen Diaphragm Spine
申(shēn)	Monkey	Geng Metal	Yang	Aug 8 to 7 Sept	3pm to 4.59pm	Veins and nerves Large intestine Lungs
酉 (yǒu)	Rooster	Xin Metal	Yin	8 Sept to 7 Oct	5pm to 6.59pm	Nose Small intestine
戌 (xū)	Dog	Wu Earth	Yang	8 Oct to 6 Nov	7pm to 8.59pm	Feet Ankle Legs Knees
亥 (hài)	Pig	Gui Water	Yin	7 Nov to 6 Dec	9pm to 10.59pm	Lower body Bladder
子 (zǐ)	Rat	Ren Water	Yang	7 Dec to 5 Jan	11pm to 12.59am	Ears Bladder
丑 (chǒu)	Ox	Ji Earth	Yin	6 Jan to 3 Feb	1am to 2.59am	Spleen Feet Legs Stomach Chest

Relationship between Year Stem and Month Stem

Year Stem	Month Stem
	Yin (寅) - 1st month	Mao (卯) - 2nd month	Chen (辰) - 3rd month	Si (巳) - 4th month	Wu (午) - 5th month	Wei (未) - 6th month	Shen (申) - 7th month	You (酉) - 8th month	Xu (戌) - 9th month	Hai (亥) - 10th month	Zi (子) - 11th month	Chou (丑) - 12th month
Jia (甲) or Ji (己)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)
Yi (乙) or Geng (庚)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)
Bing (丙) or Xin (辛)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)
Ding (丁) or Ren (壬)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)
Wu (戊) or Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)

Relationship between Day Stem and Hour Stem

	Hour Stem
Day Stem	Zi (子)	Chou (丑)	Yin (寅)	Mao (卯)	Chen (辰)	Si (巳)	Wu (午)	Wei (未)	Shen (申)	You (酉)	Xu (戌)	Hai (亥)
Jia (甲) or Ji (己)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)
Yi (乙) or Geng (庚)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)
Bing (丙) or Xin (辛)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)
Ding (丁) or Ren (壬)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)
Wu (戊) or Gui (癸)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)	Jia (甲)	Yi (乙)	Bing (丙)	Ding (丁)	Wu (戊)	Ji (己)	Geng (庚)	Xin (辛)	Ren (壬)	Gui (癸)

Six Harmony Combinations (六合)

In Bazi, the Six Harmony Combinations, or “Liu He” (六合), represent specific pairings of Earthly Branches within a person’s chart that influence personality, destiny, and life experiences. These combinations are key elements of Bazi analysis, signifying harmonious relationships and unique attributes between the paired branches. They are thought to enhance compatibility, improve interpersonal relationships, and create opportunities for success. Each combination is made up of one Yin and one Yang branch.

The impact of Six Harmony Combinations is highly individualised, depending on their positions and the broader context of the Bazi chart. Skilled practitioners interpret these combinations by considering their interactions with the Five Elements, offering tailored insights into how they shape a person’s life path.

Six Harmony Combinations and Their Attributes:

• Mao and Xu (卯戌相合): This combination symbolises a barren mountain transformed by greenery, with individuals representing respect, diplomacy, and harmony in relationships. This combination produces Fire, due to the interaction between Wu Earth (戊土) and Yi Wood (乙木).
• Chen and You (辰酉合): Symbolised by a tall mountain crowned with treasure, this combination represents power and authority but may also signal potential conflicts. Due to the interactions between Wu Earth and Xin Metal (辛金), this combination produces Earth.
• Zi and Chou (子丑合): Earth provides a stable foundation, while Gui Water, symbolised as a cloud, adds intuition and intelligence to complement weaknesses. Through the interplay of Ji Earth and Gui Water, this combination produces Earth, representing stability, security, trustworthiness, and confidence.
• Yin and Hai (寅亥合): Just as water nourishes nature, the interaction between Ren Water and Jia Wood produces Wood, fostering wisdom and progression. The Tiger-Pig Harmony combination signifies growth, improvement, productivity, and discovery.
• Si and Shen (巳申合): Likened to metal melting into a liquid state when exposed to great heat, this combination produces Water. The Snake-Monkey combination is often related to attributes of wisdom, intelligence, honour and productivity garnered from interacting with other individuals.
• Wu and Wei (午未合): Symbolised by fire erupting from the earth, this combination produces Fire, representing transformation and unlocking hidden talents and previously untapped resources. It is associated with literary pursuits, entrepreneurial skills, foresight, and strong communication abilities.

These combinations add depth to Bazi readings, providing insights into how individuals can align with their inherent strengths and navigate their life paths effectively.

Six Clashes (六冲）

The Six Clashes among the 12 Earthly Branches represent opposition and elemental conflict. These clashes can have both positive and negative effects, influencing the core aspects of an individual’s Bazi chart or a specific scenario. Positive relationships bring enduring benefits, while negative ones may cause lasting challenges.

Six Clashes and Their Attributes:

• Chen and Xu (辰戌相冲): Aligned with Wu Earth, this clash signifies conflicts over responsibilities, dominance, or indecision, often leading to power struggles. It may manifest as excessive ambition or quick temper, potentially resulting in unwise investments or a shortened lifespan.
• Si and Hai (巳亥相冲): Linked to hidden conflicts and misunderstandings, this clash may involve unspoken resentments, unintended offences, or unneeded assistance.
• Yin and Shen (寅申相冲): Represent personality clashes and differing life approaches, leading to emotional turmoil, misunderstandings, and interpersonal conflict.
• Mao and You (卯酉相冲): The Rabbit and Rooster clash involves disputes over details or methods, resulting in friction, betrayal, or sharp criticism in accomplishing tasks or achieving goals.
• Zi and Wu (子午相冲): This clash can be summarised as a conflict between logic and emotions, with an individual’s thoughts being at odds with their emotions regarding a specific situation. This may manifest in internal unease and turbulence in decision-making.
• Chou and Wei (丑未相冲): Signifying inflexibility and stagnation, this indicates conflicts due to differing approaches to life, which can result in conflicts and misunderstandings. This clash leads to obstacles, stubbornness, and conflict in progressing toward goals.

These clashes offer valuable insights into potential challenges and opportunities within a Bazi chart, highlighting areas for growth and balance.

Six Harms (六害）

The Six Harms are formed when one of the Earthly Branches is hindered from combining with another. For example, when Wei combines with Wu to form one of the Six Harmony Combinations, Zi clashes with Wu, in turn, “harming” it, stopping the union of Wei and Wu.

Six Harms and Their Effects:

• Mao and Chen (卯辰相害): Individuals may struggle with self-doubt, fearing they cannot meet expectations, and may lead to difficulties interacting with others. Additionally, they may struggle with the constant fear of being taken advantage of, perpetually wary of even their closest companions.
• You and Xu (酉戌相害): Those in this pairing often face low self-esteem, harbouring a constant worry about the future. They may be prone to injuries concerning the back, face, or head. They may also experience challenges in maintaining stable relationships, including a higher risk of divorce.
• Shen and Hai (申亥相害): This pairing signifies a fear of commitment and misplaced priorities. Individuals may avoid accepting help or fear harming others, requiring caution in communication to prevent conflicts and maintain harmony.
• Chou and Wu (丑午相害): The Ox-Horse Six Harm combination causes self-worth issues, with individuals feeling undervalued and reluctant to fully engage with peers. Their lack of understanding in relationships can lead to strained connections and personal dissatisfaction.
• Zi and Wei (子未相害): The Rat-Goat Six Harm combination leads to clouded judgment, exaggeration of problems, and aversion to risks. This pairing tends to assume worst-case scenarios, inhibiting growth and independence.
• Yin and Si (寅巳相害): Associated with distrust of others and scepticism towards positive experiences, this harm may result in misjudged interactions. Dominance of this combination in a chart can indicate heightened accident risks, requiring careful mitigation.

The Six Harms reveal underlying struggles and offer opportunities for growth by addressing areas of mistrust, self-doubt, and relationship challenges.

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