On this page
Meaning and Context
The 12 Earthly Branches form six opposing pairs. When these pairs meet, they create clash energy that can manifest as conflict, change, or disruption.
- Liu (六): Six
- Chong (冲): Clash, rush against, oppose
- Pairs are formed by branches 6 positions apart in the cycle
- Used in date selection to avoid unfavorable days
Classical Roots
From Xieji Bianfang Shu
「六冲者，子午、丑未、寅申、卯酉、辰戌、巳亥也。」
Plain translation
"The Six Clashes are: Zi-Wu, Chou-Wei, Yin-Shen, Mao-You, Chen-Xu, Si-Hai." These are the fundamental opposing pairs.
The Six Clash Pairs
Each clash pair with zodiac correspondence:
- Zi-Wu (子午): Rat-Horse
- Chou-Wei (丑未): Ox-Goat
- Yin-Shen (寅申): Tiger-Monkey
- Mao-You (卯酉): Rabbit-Rooster
- Chen-Xu (辰戌): Dragon-Dog
- Si-Hai (巳亥): Snake-Pig
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's tools, six clashes are checked between the selected date and your birth chart. A clash with your year branch or day branch is flagged as a potential concern.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking all clashes are equally bad — context and which branch matters
- Assuming clashes mean disaster — they often just indicate change or movement
- Ignoring that clashes can break stagnation — sometimes beneficial
FAQ
Should I avoid dates that clash with my zodiac sign?
+
For important events, avoiding dates that clash with your year branch (zodiac animal) is traditional practice. However, it's one factor among many. A day clashing with your year branch isn't automatically terrible, especially if other factors are favorable. For significant life events, considering personal clashes adds a layer of personalized date selection.