Same Stem with Clashing Branches (天比地沖)
Learn the OpenFate convention for two pillars with matching stems and clashing branches, including repetition, competition, timing, and school disclosure.
Overview
OpenFate uses 天比地沖 for two compared pillars whose Heavenly Stems are identical while their Earthly Branches form a Six-Clash pair. Some schools broaden 天比 to same-phase peer stems, so the convention must be stated. Repeated upper identity and lower opposition are assessed separately and do not prove conflict between people.
At a glance
- OpenFate upper rule
- The compared pillars carry the same Heavenly Stem
- Lower rule
- Their branches form one canonical Six-Clash pair
- School difference
- Some systems broaden 天比 to peer stems of the same phase
- Evidence
- Pillar positions, roots, season, repetition, support, and timing
- Possible reading
- Repeated upper role with lower movement or opposition
- Boundary
- The label does not identify rivals or enemies
Declare what counts as 天比
Under the OpenFate rule, the two compared stems must be identical.
If a lineage includes same-phase peer stems, disclose that broader convention before comparing results.
- State the upper rule.
- Do not mix definitions silently.
Keep upper repetition and lower clash distinct
Record the repeated stem’s roots, roles, and pillar positions.
Then confirm the lower Six-Clash pair and evaluate its branch force independently.
- Assess both chart levels.
- Use the exact pillar pair.
Track temporary repetition precisely
A timing pillar may repeat a natal stem while clashing that pillar’s branch.
The compound contact belongs to the active period and can change when annual or monthly layers join.
- Name the natal reference.
- Date activation and expiry.
Do not invent interpersonal conflict
天比地沖 cannot alone prove rivalry, sibling conflict, duplicate opportunities, accident, relocation, or loss.
Use it as a pillar-topology description and verify any life interpretation separately.
- No enemy narrative.
- No event guarantee.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)《三命通會》同干重見與地支六沖諸例：天干相同是比和，地支相沖另按固定表與旺衰判斷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》形象、旺衰與干支評註：同類支援和下支沖擊可並存，不能互相抵銷或合成單一吉凶A core later text on Bazi balance, seasonal strength, and relational reading.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology天比地沖頁只比較同一對柱，保留上方比和與下方六沖的不同方向及時間邊界OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.