Stem Overcomes while Branch Clashes (天克地沖)
Learn how two pillars form a compound relation when their stems overcome and their branches clash, including direction, force, timing, and boundaries.
Overview
天克地沖 compares two pillar units: their Heavenly Stems stand in a Five-Phase overcoming relation while their Earthly Branches form one of the Six Clashes. Some schools use a stricter stem-clash table, so the adopted rule must be stated. Both upper and lower relations are measured separately before a compound result is assigned.
At a glance
- Upper relation
- Five-Phase overcoming between the two Heavenly Stems
- Lower relation
- One canonical Six-Clash pair between the branches
- Unit
- Two named pillars or a natal pillar and timing pillar
- Required evidence
- Direction, roots, season, position, support, and timing
- School disclosure
- Whether a stricter stem-clash table is also applied
- Boundary
- Double conflict is not automatic catastrophe
Compare the same two pillar units
Name both pillars, then map stem control above and branch clash below.
Do not combine unrelated stem and branch contacts from different pillar pairs under one label.
- Keep pillar pairing exact.
- Show both relation directions.
Measure upper and lower relations separately
Stem roots, season, and support determine whether control is effective or resisted.
Branch roots, season, combinations, and group membership determine clash force and may produce a different lower result.
- Assess stems and branches independently.
- Do not assume equal force.
Distinguish natal structure from timed contact
A timing pillar can form 天克地沖 with one natal pillar for a bounded period.
Record which functions are contacted and remove the temporary edge when the period ends.
- Name the natal reference.
- Date the active layer.
Do not turn two relations into certain harm
天克地沖 cannot alone predict accident, death, divorce, job loss, legal trouble, or illness.
Use it as a compound structural signal and require external evidence for practical claims.
- No catastrophe multiplier.
- No high-stakes prediction.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)《三命通會》干支生剋與六沖諸論：同一對柱的天干相剋和地支相沖須分層衡量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》干支配置與旺衰評註：上下兩層作用均受根源、月令和全局制化影響A core later text on Bazi balance, seasonal strength, and relational reading.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology天克地沖頁固定比較同一對柱，公開是否採天干沖表，不把雙重關係寫成災難倍增器OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.