Reading Branch Combinations and Clashes (合沖順序)
Apply a reproducible order to branch combinations and clashes by preserving natal positions, exact participants, seasonal force, competition, and timing.
Overview
A sound reading first records the natal branches and month command, then identifies exact six-combination, three-harmony, directional, and six-clash candidates. It next tests proximity, roots, competing relations, transformation conditions, and timing. A combination is not automatically harmony or transformation, and a clash is not automatically conflict or disaster.
At a glance
- First layer
- Natal branch positions and month command
- Candidate groups
- Six combinations, three harmonies, directional groups, six clashes
- Required modifiers
- Distance, roots, season, competing relations, and transformation
- Timing layer
- Luck and annual branches are added with provenance
- No universal shortcut
- One relation label does not erase every other relation
- Boundary
- Combination is not harmony; clash is not disaster
Freeze the natal branch map before resolving relations
Record the four branches, their pillars, hidden stems, month command, and original strengths before adding any derived relation.
This baseline prevents software or prose from deleting a branch merely because it participates in a combination or clash.
- Keep every natal symbol immutable.
- Store relations as derived records.
Enumerate exact candidates without declaring outcomes
Match each fixed pair or group against the chart and name all participants, including repeated branches and overlapping candidates.
A listed six combination, three-harmony group, or clash is evidence of a possible relation, not proof of transformation or an event.
- List all valid candidates.
- Do not stop after the first match.
Resolve strength, access, competition, and time
Seasonal command, adjacency, roots, supporting phase, missing members, and competing combinations can strengthen or limit a candidate.
When a luck or annual branch completes or contests a relation, record the active interval and preserve the natal result separately.
- Expose the adopted precedence rule.
- Separate natal and timing resolution.
Relational words are not real-world outcomes
Combination does not prove marriage, loyalty, profit, or agreement; clash does not prove separation, accident, litigation, or disease.
Use direct facts, consent, and professional advice for consequential relationship, legal, financial, or medical decisions.
- No event promise from 合 or 沖.
- Avoid fear or compatibility scoring.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)《三命通會》六合、三合、方合與六沖諸論：先辨固定參與者，再論旺衰成敗A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
- 《滴天髓》 (Dripping Heavenly Marrow)《滴天髓》合沖、旺衰與戰局評註：關係須檢查得令、根源、制化和全局去留A core later text on Bazi balance, seasonal strength, and relational reading.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology合沖判讀頁按關係識別、來源、距離、強弱、競爭、合化與反證排序，禁止自動吉凶OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.