The Profound Principles of the Five Combinations of the Heavenly Stems and Various Scholarly Conjectures: An Age-Old Mystery from the Hetu and Luoshu to Celestial Astronomy
The Five Combinations of the Heavenly Stems (Jia-Ji combining into Earth, Yi-Geng into Metal, Bing-Xin into Water, Ding-Ren into Wood, Wu-Gui into Fire) constitute one of the most fundamental yet mysterious theories in Chinese metaphysical arts. This article delves into the profound principles behind them, analyzing various conjectures and demonstrations of 'combination and transformation of qi' from dimensions including the Hetu numerology, celestial astronomy, and the Five Phases and Six Qi system, revealing the cosmic vision underlying this ancient law.
Chapter Eight: Holographic Applications of the Five Combinations in Metaphysical Arts
Having understood the principles, let us examine their deeper significance in practical application.
1. The "Combination Pattern" in Qimen Dunjia
In Qimen, when a Heaven-plate Stem meets an Earth-plate Stem in combination, it is called "Qiyi Xianghe" (Combination of the Extraordinary Instruments). For example, Heaven-plate Yi meeting Earth-plate Geng, or Heaven-plate Geng meeting Earth-plate Yi. This typically represents: entanglement, reconciliation, remaining in place, being held fast and unable to move. If predicting travel, encountering a combination means difficulty proceeding; if predicting litigation, it may mean out-of-court settlement; if predicting marriage, it signifies destined affinity. Here, the "binding" meaning of "combination" is employed, rather than the full sense of "transformation of qi."
2. "Combination and Transformation" versus "Combination and Binding" in Bazi Destiny Analysis
In Bazi, combination and transformation is extremely stringent. Jia meeting Ji does not necessarily become Earth. If born in a Wood month (spring), when Jia-Wood is supremely strong and Ji-Earth supremely weak, this is called "combination and binding" or "combination and conquest." Jia-Wood seizes Ji-Earth so that Ji-Earth cannot move, but Jia-Wood also forgets to generate Fire or conquer Earth because it is preoccupied with Ji-Earth. Only when born in an Earth month (Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei), activating the transforming spirit, can it truly transform into Earth. This embodies the profound philosophy that "subjective desire (Heavenly Stems) must submit to objective circumstances (the Monthly Command)." What you wish to become depends not on your wanting it, but on whether the environment permits it.
3. Chinese Medicine: Five Phases and Six Qi
When a physician treats illness in a Jia-Ji year, knowing that the Earth Phase is in excess or deficiency, they can preemptively guard against diseases of the spleen and stomach (Earth diseases) or diseases from the kidneys (Water) being over-conquered. This converts the Five Combinations in the time dimension into a physiological-pathological model in the spatial dimension.