Definition
Combination, He, names specified pairings or groups among Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches in Bazi. Stem pairs, Six Branch Combinations and Three-Harmony groups are different structures. Recognizing a pairing does not automatically establish element transformation or a favorable result.
Worked example
Jia and Ji form the stem pair traditionally associated with Earth. Zi and Chou are a branch pair, while Shen–Zi–Chen is a three-branch Water group. A Jia–Ji pair by itself does not show that both stems have ceased functioning as Wood and Earth; transformation readings need their stated seasonal and chart conditions.
Limits
San Ming Tong Hui discusses stem combinations, transformation and branch groups separately. Different lineages weigh transformation conditions differently. A symbolic combination between two charts does not establish affection, consent or compatibility.
Traditional Pair Lists
- Stem Combinations (天干五合): 甲己合土, 乙庚合金, 丙辛合水, 丁壬合木, 戊癸合火
- Six Branch Combinations (六合): 子丑, 寅亥, 卯戌, 辰酉, 巳申, 午未
- Three Harmony (三合): 申子辰水, 亥卯未木, 寅午戌火, 巳酉丑金
Sources
San Ming Tong Hui has distinct sections for stem combination, transformation, Six Combinations and Three Harmony. The retained pairing lists and the example identify which of these structures is being discussed.
Quoted excerpts
一名敗神一名桃花煞
References
- 《三命通会》四库本卷二：十干合、化气、六合、三合、咸池 · Wikisource