Library
Hidden relations · Stem access

Hidden Combination (暗合)

Learn how hidden combinations are defined through visible and concealed stems, why schools use different lists, and how to avoid double-counting them.

Chinese
暗合

Editorially reviewed: · Reviewed by OpenFate · Editorial Methodology

Overview

Hidden Combination (暗合) describes a combination inferred through concealed access, usually between a visible stem and a compatible hidden stem or through a branch’s hidden-stem structure. It is not one universally fixed pair table. A reliable page must declare its school convention, identify the actual stems and branches, test access and roots, and keep the result below a clear visible combination unless stronger evidence exists.

At a glance

Mechanism
Combination inferred through concealed stem access
Convention
Pair lists differ across schools and software
Evidence
Actual hidden stems, roots, access, and chart layer
Weight
Usually below a clear visible stem combination
Double count
Do not score one contact as several independent relations
Boundary
Hidden does not mean secret behavior or affair

Declare the hidden-combination rule set

State whether the system recognizes visible-to-hidden stem contact, branch-based shorthand, or a narrower list.

Without that declaration, another reader cannot reproduce the result.

  • Publish the school convention.
  • Name the underlying stems.

Verify concealed access and support

Locate the branch containing the hidden stem and assess whether that stem has seasonal, rooted, or exposed support.

A buried, remote, or heavily damaged stem should not receive the force of a visible adjacent pair.

  • Show the hidden-stem path.
  • Scale force to accessibility.

Avoid double-counting the same evidence

The same branches may already participate in harmony, clash, punishment, harm, or break.

Record one underlying contact once, then describe its modifiers instead of adding several scores for the same symbols.

  • Map shared evidence.
  • Separate labels from independent force.

Reject secret-event literalization

暗合 does not prove an affair, hidden contract, conspiracy, private income, or secret illness.

Such claims require direct evidence; the chart term only describes a concealed technical route.

  • No intent or secrecy claim.
  • No relationship accusation.

Sources and editorial basis

  1. 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)
    卷二支元藏干與天干合：明干、藏干相合路徑A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
  2. 《滴天髓》 (Dripping Heavenly Marrow)
    「通神論」透藏段：天干透出、地支藏氣與暗中作用A core later text on Bazi balance, seasonal strength, and relational reading.
Was this article helpful?

Search the Wiki