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Meaning and Context
The Twelve Earthly Branches cycle through days, each carrying associations with zodiac animals, seasons, and elements. Their interactions are key to personalized date selection.
- Di (地): Earth, earthly
- Zhi (支): Branch
- 12 branches: 子丑寅卯辰巳午未申酉戌亥 (Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai)
- Each corresponds to a zodiac animal and has element associations
Classical Roots
From Xieji Bianfang Shu
「地支配日，主气之所归，察其冲合以定吉凶。」
Plain translation
"Earthly Branches correspond to days, directing where qi settles — examine clashes and combinations to determine fortune." Branch interactions are central.
Key Branch Interactions
Important relationships for date selection:
- Six Clashes (六冲): Direct opposition — Zi-Wu, Chou-Wei, etc.
- Six Combinations (六合): Harmonious pairing — Zi-Chou, Yin-Hai, etc.
- Three Harmonies (三合): Triangular element groups
- Harms and Penalties: Subtle tensions and conflicts
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's date selection, the daily branch is analyzed against your birth chart branches. Clashes with your year or day branch are flagged, while harmonious combinations are noted as favorable.
Common Misconceptions
- Only checking zodiac clashes — all four pillar branches matter
- Ignoring combinations — they can neutralize clashes
- Treating all clashes equally — day branch clash is more significant than hour
FAQ
Should I avoid days that clash with my zodiac animal?
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For important events, traditional practice recommends avoiding days whose branch clashes with your year branch (zodiac). However, this is one consideration among many. If other factors are very favorable and you can't find another date, proceeding with extra care is acceptable. The day branch (from your Bazi day pillar) is actually more personally significant than the year branch.