Harm (相害)
Learn the six Earthly Branch harm pairs, how harm differs from clash and punishment, and how to evaluate indirect obstruction without overclaiming.
Overview
Harm (相害) pairs Zi–Wei, Chou–Wu, Yin–Si, Mao–Chen, Shen–Hai, and You–Xu. It is commonly read as an indirect obstruction or incompatibility within the branch network, but its force is contextual and usually less direct than a strong clash. Position, season, roots, hidden stems, overlapping harmonies, and chart layer determine whether the relation is operational.
At a glance
- Pairs
- Zi–Wei, Chou–Wu, Yin–Si, Mao–Chen, Shen–Hai, You–Xu
- Character
- Indirect obstruction within the branch network
- Difference
- Not identical to clash, punishment, or break
- Force
- Position, season, roots, and hidden stems matter
- Overlap
- Harmony and other relations must be retained
- Boundary
- Harm does not prove intentional harm
Confirm the six fixed harm pairs
Locate the exact pair and the chart houses in which it appears.
Do not infer 相害 from general Five-Phase control or interpersonal language.
- Match a canonical pair.
- Name both pillar positions.
Read harm inside the wider relation network
A harm pair may also carry harmony, clash, punishment, break, or hidden-stem connections.
Preserve those relations and explain which pathway is supported rather than letting one label erase the rest.
- Map overlapping relations.
- Use evidence-based priority.
Distinguish presence from practical force
Near, rooted, seasonally active branches may matter more than a remote, unsupported pair.
Describe the function that becomes less direct, diverted, or difficult to coordinate.
- Assess access and support.
- Name the technical obstruction.
Do not turn harm into accusation
相害 cannot prove malice, betrayal, poisoning, illness, abuse, litigation, or a hidden enemy.
Use real-world facts and appropriate professional help for safety, medical, or legal decisions.
- No intent attribution.
- No high-stakes forecast.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)卷二地支六害：子未至酉戌六組配對A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
- 《淵海子平》 (Yuanhai Ziping)地支害法諸論：六害與六合六沖關係A foundational Ziping reference for branch months, hidden stems, roots, and stem-branch relationships.