Earthly Branches clash is a way for the transformation of power between Earthly Branches, and thus reflects the impact of clashes on the generating and controlling power of the main Qi and residual Qi’s visible Heavenly Stems, which are the conditions that constitute a clash.
Clashing means opposing, conflicting, dispersing, or confronting, and it involves two clashing Earthly Branches competing in strength. Its effect is: ‘clash causes dispersion of Qi.’ In a one-on-one clash, both sides suffer; when strengths are unequal, the stronger one dispels the weaker one, and the one with more power dispels the one with less.
In different seasons, the strength of each of the Five Elements and the power it exerts vary greatly. Regarding one-on-one clashes, it’s not always Zi Water clashing against Wu Fire, or Shen Metal clashing against Yin Wood. If Yin Wood or Wu Fire is dominant, then two Zi clash one Wu, three Shen clash one Yin; it can only dispel the Five Element power of Yin Wood or Wu Fire, but it cannot dispel the dominant Qi that Yin Wood or Wu Fire possesses. Therefore, when specific misfortunes occur, it’s not necessarily in the Yin or Wu month.
The characteristic of Earthly Branches clash is that it arises from the chaotic struggle between the Hidden Stems of the two clashing Earthly Branches, and absolutely cannot be understood as the generating and controlling relationship between the two Earthly Branches themselves. The generating and controlling relationship between Earthly Branches can only be transformed into such a relationship through the visible Heavenly Stems of the two clashing branches. In other words, the magnitude of the generating and controlling power that the Hidden Stems of the Earthly Branches bring to the visible Heavenly Stems directly affects the outcome of the Heavenly Stems’ Five Element generating and controlling interactions.
Therefore, one must earnestly understand the profound principle of ‘clash causes dispersion of Qi.’ So, what is a clash? And what does ‘clash causes dispersion of Qi’ mean?
Ancient texts explain Earthly Branch clashes as follows:
For example, in a Zi-Wu clash, it’s the Ji Earth within Wu Fire’s Hidden Stems overcoming the Gui Water within Zi Water’s Hidden Stems, or the Gui Water within Zi Water’s Hidden Stems overcoming the Ding Fire within Wu Fire’s Hidden Stems.
For example, in a Yin-Shen clash, it’s the Jia Wood, Bing Fire, and Wu Earth within Yin Wood’s Hidden Stems, respectively overcoming the Wu Earth, Geng Metal, and Ren Water within Shen Metal’s Hidden Stems. Or, alternatively, it means that the Wu Earth within Shen Metal produces Geng Metal, and overcomes the Jia Wood within Yin Wood; the Geng Metal within Shen Metal produces the Ren Water, and overcomes the Bing Fire within Yin Wood. This ancient understanding does not deviate from the principles of Five Element generating and controlling interactions; it only explains that the process of Earthly Branch clashes is a chaotic struggle between the Hidden Stems of the Earthly Branches. It does not offer more explanations regarding the function and purpose of Earthly Branch clashes. In practical application, not only must the specific conditions for an Earthly Branch clash be met, but its specific function and purpose are also required.
A Yin-Shen clash dispels the residual Qi and central Qi. In the process of a Yin-Shen clash, it is necessary to exclude Fire depleting Wood, Fire overcoming Metal, Water depleting Metal, Water generating Wood, Earth generating Metal, and Earth consuming Wood. Otherwise, the substantial effect of a Yin-Shen clash cannot be completed. In a one-on-one clash, both Wood and Metal ultimately lose their supporting power. Therefore, it results in both sides suffering, with Qi dispersing upon clash. The effect of clashes between Earthly Branches, and their impact on the Five Element generating and controlling interactions of Hidden Stems, directly leads to the most sensitive questions in Five Element relationships, namely: ‘to generate or not to generate, to overcome or not to overcome,’ which again means: not to generate is to overcome, not to overcome is to generate.
Therefore, when two Yin clash one Shen, Shen Metal is dispersed. This includes the Wu Earth, Geng Metal, and Ren Water in Shen Metal’s Hidden Stems, and the Wu Earth and Bing Fire in Yin Wood’s Hidden Stems, all of which are dispersed. As a result of this clash, Metal cannot overcome Wood, and Fire cannot deplete Wood, allowing Wood to directly overcome Earth, posing a threat to the Earth element.
If two Shen clash one Yin, Yin Wood, including the Jia Wood, Fire, and Wu Earth in Yin Wood’s Hidden Stems, and the Ren Water and Wu Earth in Shen Metal’s Hidden Stems, are all dispersed. Dispelling the Ren Water in Shen Metal’s Hidden Stems means Water no longer needs to generate Wood (if Ren Water is not dispelled, the Water power from three Shen Metal’s Hidden Stems could be equivalent to a strong root). Therefore, for two Shen to clash one Yin, Water must be damaged for Metal to overcome Wood.
Earthly Branches clashes all have relative purposes and effects. While highlighting the main Qi power of the Five Elements, they dispel other Five Elements within the Earthly Branches’ Hidden Stems, disrupting the generating and controlling relationships between the Hidden Stems that might interfere with the clash’s effect. This allows the Earthly Branches’ Hidden Stems to reflect their power into the generating and controlling interactions of the visible Heavenly Stems through inverse generating and controlling relationships.
Earthly Branch clashes disperse residual Qi, and while emphasizing individualism and primary contradictions, they also reflect a sign of turning points in the development of things. The appearance of such signs further influences the development of events. That is to say, Earthly Branches clashes themselves do not inherently carry good or bad fortune. If they are beneficial to the development of the Favorable God, they are often considered auspicious.
Clashes of the Four Growth Stages:
Yin-Shen-Si-Hai (寅申巳亥) are the places of growth for the Five Elements. Among them, Yin-Shen clash and Si-Hai clash are called “Clashes of the Four Growth Stages,” also known as “Traveling Horse Clashes.” This signifies a dynamic environment, changes in career, and much movement. If the Favorable God clashes with and dispels the Unfavorable God, one travels widely and gains extensive knowledge; if the Unfavorable God clashes with and dispels the Favorable God, one struggles for wealth and experiences hardship. Yin-Shen-Si-Hai, due to the complexity of their Hidden Stems, involve many variable aspects during the clash process. If the two clashing branches dispel the residual Qi and central Qi, the two Earthly Branches will no longer serve as the growth branches for the Hidden Stem Five Elements. Instead, they can only independently serve as strong roots of the same Five Elements’ main Qi.
Clashes of the Four Cardinal Points:
Refers to Zi-Wu clash and Mao-You clash. The Four Cardinal Points represent the four directions, signifying directional clashes. The Four Cardinal Points are also the peak prosperity places for Five Element power, exerting great influence. Therefore, there are discussions on the clashes of the Four Cardinal Points. The Hidden Stems of these Earthly Branches are all main Qi. The clash process is not as complex. It similarly determines the victory or defeat in Five Element generating and controlling interactions based on the strength and quantity of the main Qi.
Clashes of the Four Cardinal Points are also known as Doorway Clashes, Directional Clashes, Yang Ren Clashes, and Peach Blossom Clashes. They indicate a person with strong activity, adaptability, quick thinking, good opposite-sex relationships, extensive connections, a love for adventure, and a tendency for injuries. The head, hands, and feet are prone to injury, and there’s a higher risk of blade-related injuries. Many Zi-Wu-Mao-You in the Pillars signify Yang Ren and Peach Blossom.
Clashes of the Four Storage Earths:
Clashes of the Four Storage Earths refer to Chen-Xu clash and Chou-Wei clash. A ‘vault’ (Ku) is a place where all things are stored, and it’s the tomb/storage vault of the Five Elements. Clashes involving Chen-Xu-Chou-Wei are fundamentally different from Yin-Shen-Si-Hai clashes and Zi-Wu-Mao-You clashes. Chen-Xu-Chou-Wei clashes are merely a form; they are named clashes but are actually Punishment-Clashes (xingchong). Ancient texts state: Chen-Xu clashes involve the Wu Earth in Chen-Xu Earth’s Hidden Stems generating the Xin Metal in Xu Earth’s Hidden Stems; the Xin Metal in Xu Earth’s Hidden Stems generates the Gui Water in Chen Earth’s Hidden Stems; the Gui Water in Chen Earth’s Hidden Stems generates the Yi Wood in its Hidden Stems; the Yi Wood in Chen Earth’s Hidden Stems generates the Ding Fire in Xu Earth’s Hidden Stems; the Ding Fire in Xu Earth’s Hidden Stems generates the Wu Earth in Chen-Xu Earth’s Hidden Stems. This is a completely incorrect understanding.
Clashes of the Four Storage Earths not only lack chaotic struggles among the Hidden Stems of the Earthly Branches, but through the cyclical generating interactions between the Hidden Stems, the central Qi and residual Qi are all transformed into the main Qi of Earth through the form of clashing, multiplying their strength. Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei are outwardly clashes, but are actually ‘punishment’ (xing). When reflected in the Heavenly Stems, this means the Earth element becomes stronger with more clashes.
Clashes of the Four Storage Earths are often confused with combinations. If Chen-Xu-Chou-Wei are considered Earth combinations, it blurs the conceptual and qualitative differences between punishment and combination, and punishment and clash. Punishment is punishment, combination is combination; different concepts have different natures, forms, and contents.
Clashes of the Four Storage Earths are also called Clashes of the Four Tombs, and Clashes of the Wealth Vaults. Generally, they indicate legal disputes, hurting officials, and financial loss. In practical application, they often relate to hospitals, graves, and prisons. Numerous vaults primarily signify treasuries and real estate. If a Favorable God encounters a clash, it signifies increased wealth; if an Unfavorable God encounters a clash, it means injury, life-threatening disaster, or financial loss.
Conditions for Earthly Branches Clash:
1. Two branches must be adjacent to clash. That is, the Year Branch and Month Branch, Month Branch and Day Branch, Day Branch and Hour Branch, and any branch in the natal chart with the Grand Luck (Dàyùn) or Annual Luck (Liúnián) are all considered adjacent.
2. For two branches to clash, as long as two clashing Five Elements appear in the Heavenly Stems (no need for the Heavenly Stem of the same pillar to be visible).
3. In Si-Hai clash and Zi-Wu clash, even if Bing or Ding Fire is not visible in the Heavenly Stems, the visibility of Wu or Ji Earth also constitutes a clash. (Because Fire and Earth share the same palace).
4. In a one-on-one clash, both sides suffer. Only the one with more power dispels the one with less power; the stronger one dispels the weaker one.
5. Chen-Xu clash and Chou-Wei clash, similar to the conditions for Six Combinations and Half-Three Combinations, require the Heavenly Stem of the same pillar to be visible, revealing the corresponding Five Elements.
6. Six Combinations and Half-Three Combinations disperse upon clash. Three Combinations and Three Meetings: the clashing occurs as normal, and the combination occurs as normal. Three Combinations disperse if two branches clash them. Three Meetings, if two branches clash them, are considered two opposing Five Elements.
If the Year Branch Yin Wood clashes with the Month Branch Shen Metal, and the two branches are adjacent, with Geng Metal and Jia Wood visible in the Heavenly Stems, the conditions for a Yin-Shen clash are met. If the Day Branch Wu Fire clashes with the Hour Branch Zi Water, and the two branches are adjacent, but Water or Fire, or corresponding Five Elements of Water and Earth, are not visible in the Heavenly Stems, then Zi-Wu does not constitute a clash. However, in specific destiny analysis, it can be viewed as an image of clash, representing a directional clash or a Peach Blossom clash.
If the Day Branch Chen Earth clashes with the Hour Branch Xu Earth, and the two branches are adjacent, with Wu Earth visible in the Heavenly Stem of Xu Earth, the Chen-Xu clash is successful.
Under singular conditions, the information conveyed by Earthly Branch clashes always has very clear effects and purposes. For example, in Yin-Shen clashes or Mao-You clashes, regardless of whether both sides suffer or one of the Five Elements is damaged, if it pertains to injuries, the probability of musculoskeletal or surgical issues is higher. Of course, combining this with an analysis of the entire natal chart and clarifying the sequence of Five Element generating and controlling relationships can lead to more detailed and accurate judgments. When specifically using the conditions for Earthly Branch clashes, it is essential to carefully analyze and research the inherent meaning of Earthly Branch clashes. Only then can one act purposefully.
The Daymaster Yi Wood is dominant, supported by siblings and friends in the Hour, and has roots in the Month and Day Branches. Xin Metal appears twice in the Year and Month, with roots in the Hour Branch. Earth and Metal are taken as Favorable Gods.
In the Pillars, Mao-You clash occurs, satisfying the conditions and triggering a Metal-Wood conflict. Information about injuries and marital problems is evident.
During the Jia-Wu Grand Luck and Ji-Mao Annual Luck, the Heavenly Stems Jia and Ji combine but do not transform. The Grand Duke (Tai Sui) triggers three Mao clashing one You, dispelling You Metal, making the Daymaster strong and unchecked. The native suffered financial loss, underwent surgery, and experienced marital changes that year.
The Daymaster Geng Metal is floating without roots. Ren Water in the Hour is dominant, rooted in the Year and Day, and closely depletes the Daymaster. Jia Wood appears twice in the Year and Month, closely consuming the Daymaster. The Daymaster Geng Metal experiences both depletion and consumption. Earth and Metal are taken as Favorable Gods, and Fire as an Auspicious God.
The original natal chart shows an image of Metal sinking due to excessive Water. The Zi-Wu clash between Day and Hour is not formed; it only awaits activation by luck cycles (Grand Luck and Annual Luck) to dispel the Favorable God Wu Fire, which is a hidden danger for the native. During the Bing-Zi Grand Luck and Bing-Zi Annual Luck, with the luck cycles coinciding, four Zi clashing one Wu were triggered, dispelling the root of the Grand Duke. Excessive Water caused Wood to float, and Wood was powerless to mediate for Fire. That year, the native suffered from epilepsy, became permanently disabled, and lost the ability to work.
Regarding the Application of Clash and Combination, and Combination Resolving Clash:
The relationship between combination and clash involves the transformation of power between two Earthly Branches through clash and combination, leading to a redistribution of Five Element power. This change has a significant impact on the generating and controlling interactions of the visible Heavenly Stems’ Five Elements.
Combination refers to a combination formation (Heju), specifically: Six Combinations (Liuheju), Half-Three Combinations (Bansanheju), Three Combinations (Sanheju), and Three Meetings (Sanhuiju). Clashing is directed at these combination formations, specifically when Earthly Branches with clashing relationships and conditions appear in combination formations that have already been formed. Generally, Six Combinations and Half-Three Combinations disperse upon clash; for Three Combinations, they disperse if two branches clash them. If only one branch clashes, the clash proceeds as normal, and the combination proceeds as normal, with the stronger power dispelling the weaker. For Three Meetings, if two branches clash them, they are treated as two opposing Five Elements.
Regarding the clashing and combination relationships between Earthly Branches, there have always been significant differences in academic debate over a long period. In reality, the lack of a sufficiently clear understanding of the dialectical components of adaptable Five Element generating and controlling interactions is the true reason why the clashing and combination relationships of Earthly Branches cannot be definitively settled. Some say that combination can resolve clash; others say that a clash prevents combination. Even now, no one has conducted thorough research and explanation on the clashing and combination relationships between Earthly Branches. Consulting numerous sources, only “Di Tian Sui” states that Si-Shen combination is a ‘punishment-combination’ (xinghe) that does not disperse upon clash, but provides no further detailed explanation as to why. So, what is the meaning of Si-Shen punishment-combination not dispersing upon clash?
In a Six Combination, Si-Shen combines to transform into Water, which means “transforming one form of energy into another.” This involves changing two different Five Elements, Fire and Metal, both into the Five Element of Water. This transformation, while violating the original attributes of two different Five Elements, should be considered a forced measure, hence termed a ‘punishment-combination’ (xinghe). This phenomenon is unique among Six Combinations. It combines two Five Elements with an overcoming relationship into another Five Element, and this combination does not disperse upon clash. In other words, after Si Fire and Shen Metal combine into the Five Element of Water, for Hai Water and Yin Wood, which originally had a clashing relationship, Hai and Si become the same Five Element, and Shen and Yin also become Five Elements that generate each other. Thus, the Si-Shen combination does not disperse upon clash because there is no clash anymore.
Having understood the principle of Si-Shen punishment-combination not dispersing upon clash, two important rules can be directly deduced regarding the relationship between Earthly Branch combinations and clashes:
- If two Five Elements originally in clash transform after combination into Five Elements that generate each other or are the same, the clash does not disperse.
- If two Five Elements originally in clash, after combination and transformation, still overcome each other or still clash, then clash causes dispersion.
From this, it can be inferred that combination resolving clash is not due to the clash being unbreakable, but rather because there is no longer a clash. Therefore, in Six Combinations, Three Combinations, and Half-Three Combinations, this principle must be followed. One cannot clash simply because a clash is seen, or combine simply because a combination is seen. A clash must meet the conditions for clashing; a combination must meet the conditions for combination. Both are indispensable.
The Month Branch Hai Water and Day Branch Si Fire appear to clash, and with Water and Earth Five Elements visible in the Heavenly Stems, the conditions for a clash are met. The Day Branch Si Fire and Hour Branch Shen Metal are adjacent and combine. The Heavenly Stem of the Hour Branch Shen Metal reveals the same transformed Five Element, forming the conditions for combination. The Day Branch Si Fire and Hour Branch Shen Metal combine to transform into Water, which no longer clashes with the Month Branch Hai Water. This is an example of combination resolving clash.
The Day Branch You Metal and Month Branch Si Fire are adjacent and combine. The Heavenly Stem of the Day Branch You Metal reveals the same transformed Five Element, forming the conditions for combination. The Day Branch You Metal and Hour Branch Mao Wood are adjacent and clash, and with Metal and Wood Five Elements visible in the Heavenly Stems, the conditions for a clash are met. The Day Branch You Metal combines with Month Branch Si Fire to form Metal, but it still clashes with Hour Branch Mao Wood. This is an example of ‘clash causes dispersion,’ where combination cannot resolve clash.
I. Specific Rules for Six Combinations Encountering Clashes
When a Six Combination encounters a clash, it must follow the two rules between Earthly Branch combinations and clashes. From this, the following specific conditions are derived:
- Zi-Chou combines to transform into Water: Wu Fire clashing disperses it; Wei Earth clashing disperses it.
- Zi-Chou combines to transform into Earth: Wu Fire clashing does not disperse it; Wei Earth clashing does not disperse it.
- Yin-Hai combines to transform into Wood: Shen Metal clashing disperses it; Si Fire clashing does not disperse it.
- Mao-Xu combines to transform into Fire: You Metal clashing disperses it; Chen Earth clashing does not disperse it.
- Chen-You combines to transform into Metal: Xu Earth clashing does not disperse it; Mao Wood clashing disperses it.
- Si-Shen combines to transform into Water: Hai Water clashing does not disperse it; Yin Wood clashing does not disperse it.
- Wu-Wei combines to transform into Fire: Zi Water clashing disperses it; Chou Earth clashing does not disperse it.
- Wu-Wei combines to transform into Earth: Zi Water clashing disperses it; Chou Earth clashing does not disperse it.
II. Specific Rules for Half-Three Combinations Encountering Clashes
- Shen-Zi Half-Three Combination (Water): Yin Wood clashing does not disperse it; Wu Fire clashing disperses it.
- Zi-Chen Half-Three Combination (Water): Wu Fire clashing disperses it; Chen Earth clashing disperses it.
- Yin-Wu Half-Three Combination (Fire): Shen Metal clashing disperses it; Zi Water clashing disperses it.
- Wu-Xu Half-Three Combination (Fire): Zi Water clashing disperses it; Chen Earth clashing does not disperse it.
- Hai-Mao Half-Three Combination (Wood): Si Fire clashing does not disperse it; You Metal clashing disperses it.
- Mao-Wei Half-Three Combination (Wood): You Metal clashing disperses it; Chou Earth clashing disperses it.
- Si-You Half-Three Combination (Metal): Hai Water clashing does not disperse it; Mao Wood clashing disperses it.
- You-Chou Half-Three Combination (Metal): Mao Wood clashing disperses it; Wei Earth clashing does not disperse it.
III. Specific Rules for Three Combinations Encountering Clashes:
For a Three Combination, if one branch clashes it, the clash proceeds as normal, and the combination proceeds as normal, with the stronger power dispelling the weaker. A Three Combination also consumes an equivalent amount of power when it dispels other Earthly Branches.
If a Three Combination encounters two branches clashing it, it is considered dispersed. But which two Earthly Branches clashing lead to its dispersion? A Three Combination consists of three branches: Growth, Prosperity, and Tomb of the Five Elements. This means the central branch of the Three Combination is the core of its power. Only when the central branch is simultaneously damaged is the Three Combination considered dispersed.
For a Three Combination to disperse when two branches clash it, in addition to following the rules of Earthly Branch combinations and clashes, there is an supplementary condition:
If a Three Combination encounters two branches clashing it, at least one of these must be a clash with the central branch (Zhong Sheng), and the combination is then considered dispersed. Similarly, if two central branches clash, the combination is also considered dispersed. The central branch (Zhong Sheng) is the middle branch of a Three Combination.
Through the above conditions and rules, the principle for a Three Combination dispersing when two branches clash it is as follows:
- Shen-Zi-Chen Three Combination (Water): Yin Wood plus Wu Fire clashing does not disperse it; Wu Fire plus Xu Earth clashing disperses it. Or, two Wu clashing disperses it.
- Yin-Wu-Xu Three Combination (Fire): Shen Metal plus Zi Water clashing disperses it; Zi Water plus Chen Earth does not disperse it; two Zi Water clashing disperses it.
- Hai-Mao-Wei Three Combination (Wood): Si Fire and You Metal clashing does not disperse it; You Metal and Chou Earth clashing disperses it; two You clashing disperses it.
- Si-You-Chou Three Combination (Metal): Hai Water plus Mao Wood clashing does not disperse it; Mao Wood plus Wei Earth clashing does not disperse it; two Mao Wood clashing disperses it.
IV. Analysis of Various Scenarios for Combination Formations with Multiple Branches Adding Strength Encountering Clashes:
The effect of Earthly Branch combination formations is to strengthen the power of one Five Element. Any additional branches participating in the combination are considered to add strength to the combination. Only under this premise, when the clash is formed and dispels the combination’s power, is the combination considered dispersed.
Here, the relationship between Earthly Branch combination formations and Earthly Branch clashes must be considered. In reality, they are a competition of power. Furthermore, it is also necessary to consider the conditional transformation and application between combinations and combinations, and combinations and punishments.
Taking Six Combinations as an example:
Two Zi combine with Chou. If they combine to transform into Water, one Wu Fire clashing does not disperse them; instead, it can dispel the Wu Fire. One Wei Earth clashing, however, can disperse them.
Analysis: Two Zi combine with one Chou. If they combine to transform into Water, one Wu Fire clashing does not disperse them; instead, it can dispel the Wu Fire. This illustrates that the relationship between combination and clash is also a comparison of strength. The stronger power dispels the weaker; the one with more power dispels the one with less.
Two Zi combine with one Chou. If they combine to transform into Water, one Wei Earth clashing can disperse them. This requires adherence to the conditions where Six Combinations and Half-Three Combinations yield when forming a Six Combination with Earth or two branches self-punish.
Similarly:
Two Zi combine with one Chen: one Wu Fire clashing does not disperse it; one Xu Earth clashing disperses it.
Two Yin combine with one Wu: one Zi Water clashing disperses it; one Shen Metal clashing does not disperse it.
Similarly:
Shen-Zi-Chen Three Combination (Water): one Wu Fire and one Xu Earth clashing disperses it.
Shen-Zi-Chen Three Combination (Water): if there is no Wu Fire, even three Xu Earths clashing do not disperse it. If there is no Wu Fire, and two Chen Earths self-punish it, the Shen-Zi-Chen Three Combination (Water) does not yield.
Two Earthly Branches, two Five Elements, in the interplay of clashes and combinations, with specific conditions for application, have relatively clear directionality and impact on the transformation of Five Element power and the redistribution of Five Element power. As long as one can skillfully apply the relationships of Earthly Branch clashes and combinations, more concrete and vivid information can be captured.
The Daymaster Ji Earth is dominant, rooted in the Year and Month Branches, and supported by Wu and Ji Earth in the Year and Month, making the Daymaster strong. Yi Wood is visible in the Hour, rooted in the Hai-Mao-Wei combination (Wood formation), which also combines away the strong root of Ji Earth in the Month Branch. The Daymaster is strong, and the Seven Killings are even stronger.
During the Xin-You Grand Luck and Yi-You Annual Luck, two You clash and break the Hai-Mao-Wei Three Combination (Wood formation). The Three Combination (Wood) is considered dispersed, and Hai and Wei are analyzed for their original Five Element generating and controlling interactions in the natal chart. At this point, Earth has the power to generate Metal, and You-You self-punish, while Mao-You clash, dispelling the strong root of the Seven Killings. With no foundation for the Seven Killings, and Eating God overly controlling the Seven Killings, the native’s father passed away that year.
During the Ji-Mao Grand Luck and Xin-Wei Annual Luck, the Grand Duke (Tai Sui) triggers the Si-Wu-Wei Three Meeting (Fire formation), which combines away Ji Earth’s strong roots in Si Fire, Wu Fire, and Wei Earth. Excessive Fire scorches Earth, and strong Fire overcomes Metal. Simultaneously, Si-Hai clash is triggered, dispelling Hai Water. Ren Water Official Star has no root or source, meaning the official does not control the Daymaster, and the Daymaster suddenly becomes excessively strong. That year, the native’s father passed away, and the engagement was broken.
In Ren-Shen year, with the Day Pillar forming a Heavenly Stem-Earthly Branch combination, Si-Shen combines to transform into Water. The Si-Hai clash between Day and Hour no longer occurs. Moreover, one Ding combines with two Official Stars, but the combination does not transform. The Daymaster suddenly became weak, and the native had an inauspicious year.
Yi Hun Bazi: Chapter 3, Section 3 – Earthly Branches Punishment (Dizhi Xiangxing)