The Mystic Pivot of Earthly Order: A Study on the Ancient Origins of the Six Combinations and Qi Transformations of the Twelve Earthly Branches

This article offers an in-depth investigation into the pre-Qin, high-antiquity origins and inner rationale of the Six Combinations and their Qi transformations among the Twelve Earthly Branches (e.g., Zi-Chou combining to transform into Earth). Through textual examination of the Earthly Branches' origins, their connection with Jupiter's orbital cycle, the correspondences between the twelve months and the twelve sovereign hexagrams, and the spatial positioning of the four Earth-branches at the four inter-cardinal directions, the essay reveals the profound astronomical and yin-yang philosophical underpinnings of the Earthly Branch system as a cornerstone of Chinese metaphysical arts.