Six Clashes (六沖)
Learn the six opposing Earthly Branch pairs, how clashes activate or displace chart functions, and why a clash is not automatically destructive.
Overview
Six Clashes (六沖) pairs Zi–Wu, Chou–Wei, Yin–Shen, Mao–You, Chen–Xu, and Si–Hai. A clash marks directional opposition and potential activation, movement, separation, or redistribution within the chart model. Its effect depends on which side is seasonally and structurally stronger, the palace involved, distance, roots, combinations, and whether the clash is natal or introduced by timing.
At a glance
- Pairs
- Zi–Wu, Chou–Wei, Yin–Shen, Mao–You, Chen–Xu, Si–Hai
- Core relation
- Directional opposition between branches
- Possible action
- Activation, movement, separation, or redistribution
- Strength test
- Season, roots, support, and palace position
- Timing
- Natal and period clashes must remain separate
- Boundary
- A clash is not automatically disaster
Confirm the exact opposing pair
Locate both branches and their pillars before describing the clash.
Similar Five-Phase tension is not a 六沖 unless the fixed branch pair is present.
- Match the pair list.
- Name the affected pillars.
Determine which side can act
Compare Month Command, roots, generating support, and competing relations on both sides.
A strong branch striking a weak one differs from two balanced branches activating each other.
- Weigh both sides.
- Describe direction and asymmetry.
Trace structural change instead of assuming damage
A clash can loosen a combination, disturb a root, activate a storage branch, or shift which function is available.
It can also be weak, remote, or absorbed by a stronger structure, so the changed pathway must be shown.
- Name what the clash changes.
- Include preserving evidence.
Do not equate movement with misfortune
A timing clash should be dated and compared with the natal baseline.
六沖 alone cannot predict accident, divorce, relocation, illness, job loss, or death.
- Keep timing bounded.
- Reject catastrophic single-symbol readings.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)卷二地支六沖：子午至巳亥六組對沖A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
- 《淵海子平》 (Yuanhai Ziping)地支沖剋諸論：六沖、旺衰與合解A foundational Ziping reference for branch months, hidden stems, roots, and stem-branch relationships.