Chapter Six: The Deep Relationship Between the Six Combinations, Qi Transformation, and Five-Phase Generation and Conquest

Section 1: Combination Within Conquest, Conquest Within Combination

Close examination of the Six Combinations reveals intricate and elegant Five-Phase relationships:

From this we observe:

• Three combinations of generation: Yin-Hai (Water generates Wood) transforms into Wood; Chen-You (Earth generates Metal) transforms into Metal; Wu-Wei (Fire generates Earth) transforms into Sun and Moon. In generative combinations, the transformed qi is the child's qi (Water generates Wood -> Wood; Earth generates Metal -> Metal) or a qi transcending the Five Phases (Fire generates Earth -> Sun and Moon).
• Three combinations of conquest: Zi-Chou (Earth conquers Water or vice versa) transforms into Earth; Mao-Xu (Wood conquers Earth) transforms into Fire; Si-Shen (Fire conquers Metal) transforms into Water. In conquest combinations, the transformed qi is invariably a "third party" -- neither of the original two.

Why do conquest combinations produce a "third party"$17

This question is critically important. When two Phases are in conquest, contradiction and conflict exist between them. If this conflict is not resolved, it remains pure conquest (as in the opposition of the Six Clashes). But within the Six Combinations, this conflict is resolved by the power of "combination," and the mode of resolution is the production of a "third party" -- a new quality of qi.

This principle may be understood through the Yijing, "Appended Statements, Part II":

"All under heaven arrive at the same destination by different paths; all reach unity through a hundred deliberations."

Yin and yang in conquest are different paths; combining to transform qi is arriving at the same destination. Zi-Water and Chou-Earth are in conquest, yet they combine to transform into Earth -- Water's force is absorbed by Earth, converted into Earth's force. This is not Water's annihilation but Water's merging into Earth, making Earth more moist and fertile.

Mao-Wood and Xu-Earth are in conquest, yet they combine to transform into Fire. Why$18 Because the process of Wood conquering Earth -- like tree roots penetrating deep into the soil to extract nutrients -- converts that conquering force into energy (Fire), enabling the tree to grow. Wood conquers Earth and transforms into Fire: this is "resistance becoming motive force."

Si-Fire and Shen-Metal are in conquest, yet they combine to transform into Water. As detailed earlier: Fire vaporizes Metal's moisture, the vapor condenses into water. The conquering force (Fire conquering Metal) passes through a transformation process (evaporation -> condensation) and ultimately becomes an entirely new substance (Water).

Analysis of the deeper pattern reveals that the regulation of which qi is produced depends on the comprehensive consideration of temporal momentum, hidden-stem forces, and the larger trend of yin-yang waxing and waning -- not a simple Five-Phase formula.

Section 2: Transformation Within Generation, Generation Within Transformation

The three generative-combination transformations follow more straightforward patterns:

• Yin-Hai (Water generates Wood) transforms into Wood: Mother (Water) assists child (Wood), producing the child's qi. This is generation flowing in its natural direction.
• Chen-You (Earth generates Metal) transforms into Metal: Mother (Earth) assists child (Metal), producing the child's qi. Again, natural directional generation.
• Wu-Wei (Fire generates Earth) transforms into Sun and Moon: This is the special case. Fire generates Earth; following the pattern of the first two, it should transform into Earth. Yet Wu-Wei transforms into Sun and Moon (or Fire, or Earth). Why$19

In the Wu-month, Fire is extremely potent; in the Wei-month, Earth, receiving Fire's generation, is likewise potent -- both Fire and Earth are powerful. Which prevails$20 The specialness of this combination lies in the fact that Wu is yang's extreme and Wei is yin's beginning -- the most fundamental turning point of yin and yang. At this turning point, the division of the Five Phases is insufficient to describe the qi. This qi transcends the Five Phases; it is the quintessence of Sun and Moon, the qi of Great Harmony.

If one must speak in Five-Phase terms, then Wu-Wei can transform into Fire (taking the dominant force of Wu-Fire) or into Earth (following the natural direction of Fire generating Earth). Yet ancient scholars preferred to name it "Sun and Moon," precisely because its significance transcends the Five Phases.

Section 3: Conditions for Transformation and Non-Transformation

In practical metaphysical application (such as Liuren, Taiyi, and other ancient methods), not all Six Combinations successfully transform qi. Successful transformation requires certain conditions:

I. Assistance of the Season

For combination to truly transform qi, the Phase of the transformed qi must have seasonal support. For example:

• Zi-Chou combining to transform into Earth: true transformation only in months when Earth is dominant (Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei months).
• Yin-Hai combining to transform into Wood: true transformation only in months when Wood is dominant (Yin, Mao months).
• Mao-Xu combining to transform into Fire: true transformation only in months when Fire is dominant (Si, Wu months).
• Chen-You combining to transform into Metal: true transformation only in months when Metal is dominant (Shen, You months).
• Si-Shen combining to transform into Water: true transformation only in months when Water is dominant (Hai, Zi months).

If the transformed Phase lacks seasonal support (e.g., Zi-Chou combining in a month when Wood is dominant), then the combination does not transform -- it becomes merely a "binding combination" (he ban). The two Branches are joined but cannot generate new qi, like two people embracing but unable to conceive.

II. Absence of Destructive Forces

If a third-party Phase comes to conquer and disrupt the transformed Phase, the combination also fails to transform. For example:

• Zi-Chou transforming into Earth: if Wood comes to conquer Earth, the Earth qi is suppressed and transformation cannot succeed.
• Yin-Hai transforming into Wood: if Metal comes to conquer Wood, the Wood qi is suppressed and transformation cannot succeed.

This is like brewing wine: raw materials (the combination) and conditions (the season) are all present, but if an external force interferes (conquest disruption), the wine cannot be made.

III. Relative Strength of Transformation

In the pre-Qin metaphysical tradition, the Six Combination transformations also vary in power level. Generally:

• True transformation (seasonal support present, no conquest disruption) is the strongest -- both Branches completely transform into the new qi, and their original Phase attributes disappear.
• Partial transformation (seasonal support present, mild conquest disruption) is moderate -- both Branches partially transform into new qi while partially retaining their original attributes.
• Combination without transformation (lacking seasonal support, or under severe conquest disruption) is the weakest -- the two Branches are merely bound together without generating new qi.

These gradations hold significant practical importance in ancient metaphysical application -- they determine the strength and nature of prognostic outcomes.