A Critical Examination of the Qi Transformation of the Twelve Earthly Branches' Six Conjunctions

Prologue: The Great Numbers of Heaven and Earth and the Genesis of Harmony and Transformation

In the eyes of the ancient forerunners, time was not an abstract number but the circulation of vital energy (qì) and the procession of the divine. The Twelve Terrestrial Branches (Zi 子, Chou 丑, Yin 寅, Mao 卯, Chen 辰, Si 巳, Wu 午, Wei 未, Shen 申, You 酉, Xu 戌, Hai 亥) already possess nascent forms in oracle bone inscriptions. Their essence lies in the ancient demarcation of Jupiter’s (the Year Star, sui xing 岁星) trajectory and a profound insight into the relationship between the Sun's apparent annual motion and the orientation of the Big Dipper.

The term "Harmony" (hé 合) is not mere superficial agreement, but rather the intersection point where "the Heavenly Dao revolves counter-clockwise, and the Earthly Dao revolves clockwise." The term "Transformation" (huà 化) denotes the "qualitative change" arising from the confluence of Yin and Yang energies in specific spatial and temporal junctures.

The Guanzi (管子) states in the chapter Xīn Shù (心术): "That which nurtures and transforms all things is the Dao" (化育万物者，道也). The Harmony and Transformation of the Terrestrial Branches are, in essence, a microcosm modeling the creation of the cosmos and the conversion of cosmic momentum. Why are there "Six Harmonies"$1 The Huainanzi, in its chapter Tianwen Xun (天文训), offers the most original astronomical explanation: "When the Moon-Lord is in harmony with the Month-Regent" (月将与月建相合).

The Month-Regent (yuè jiàn 月建) refers to the direction indicated by the handle of the Big Dipper (a Terrestrial Branch). The Moon-Lord (yuè jiàng 月将) refers to the Sun's position within the twelve divisions of the ecliptic (corresponding to the Branches but in reverse sequence).

• When the Dipper handle points to Zi (the 11th lunar month), the Sun resides in the Chou mansion, hence Zi Chou harmonize.
• When the Dipper handle points to Yin (the 1st lunar month), the Sun resides in the Hai mansion, hence Yin Hai harmonize.
• By extension, the Six Harmonies represent the copulation (交媾, jiāo gòu) of Heaven (Sun) and Earth (Dipper position).

Using this as our foundation, this article will systematically analyze the profound meaning of the transformations resulting from these six pairs of harmonies.

Chapter 1: The Harmony of Zi and Chou—The Covenant of the Netherworld and the Earth of the Great Bell (Huangzhong)

I. Astronomical and Etymological Investigation

Zi (子) is the designation for the 11th month. Its oracle bone form depicts an infant swaddled, head large and feet small, signifying the initial sprouting of Yang energy. Shuowen Jiezi (说文) states: "Zi, the 11th month, Yang energy stirs, ten thousand things sprout, people use it as a designation." Chou (丑) is the designation for the 12th month (where the Sun resides). Its oracle bone form depicts a hand twisted, meaning to tie or bind (纽, niu), signifying that the cold energy begins to untwine itself from this point. Shiming (释名) explains: "Chou, is niu (binding). The cold energy binds itself and retreats."

Question: Why do Zi and Chou harmonize to transform into "Earth" (土)$2 In the orthodox Five Element positions, Zi is Water, and Chou is Earth. Water mixes with Earth; how does this result in a transformation into Earth$3 This cannot be reduced to the simple logic of "Earth overcomes Water."

II. In-Depth Analysis from the Pre-Qin Perspective

In the pre-Qin cosmology, the month of Zi corresponds to the Winter Solstice, marking the first sprout of Yang; the month of Chou corresponds to the Great Cold, indicating the impending advance of the second Yang. The Book of Rites (Liji 礼记) describes the first month of Winter: "Heavenly Qi ascends, Earthly Qi descends; Heaven and Earth do not connect, resulting in stagnation and Winter" (天气上腾，地气下降，天地不通，闭塞而成冬).

1. The Sealing of the Earth Gate: Zi is due North, the point of extreme Yin. Chou is North-Northeast, the nexus where Yin and Yang meet. The harmony of Zi-Chou signifies the highest condensation of Northern Qi.
2. The Mechanism of Transforming into Earth:
   • Earth as the Mother of All Things: The ancients viewed "Earth" as the pivot of transformation. The Book of Documents (Shangshu 尚书) states in the Hongfan (洪范): "Earth loves the sowing and reaping" (土爰稼穑). Sowing and reaping require prior storage and sealing.
   • Astronomical Reality: When the Dipper points to Zi, the Sun is in Chou. At this time, Heaven and Earth are maximally cold; water solidifies into ice, and the ground freezes hard as stone. The liquid state of water vanishes, transforming into a hard, solid entity (frozen earth). This physical phenomenon of "solidification" is the essence of "transforming into Earth."
   • The Theory of Nayin (Hidden Sounds): According to ancient Nayin methods, Zi-Chou are sometimes associated with "Mulberry and Cypress Wood" or "Metal in the Sea," but in the theory of Qi transformation, Zi-Chou transforms into Earth because the "Moist Earth absorbs the essence of the cold Water."

Interpretation by the Sages The Jing Shi Yi Zhuan (京氏易传) implicitly suggests that the Zi-Chou harmony is a "Reverse Harmony" (逆合, nì hé). Zi contains Gui Water, and Chou contains Ji Earth. Ji Earth is lowly and moist, capable of receiving the essence of Gui Water. This union is not one of conflict, but of absorption and envelopment. It is like the snow accumulated in deep winter covering the ground—the snow (Water) merges with the Earth, thereby protecting the nascent life force (the first Yang) underground.

Conclusion The Harmony of Zi-Chou transforming into Earth is the "Sealing Earth" (封藏之土). Its imagery is the frozen plain, the embankment, and hidden vitality. It embodies the wisdom of maintaining the core (Yang Qi) through convergence and combination under extreme conditions.

Chapter 2: The Harmony of Yin and Hai—The Rising Dragon from the Abyss and the Azure Spirit Wood

I. Astronomical and Etymological Investigation

Yin (寅) is the designation for the 1st month. Its oracle bone form resembles an arrow or two hands pushing forward. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Yin, is the knee. In the first month, Yang energy stirs, emerging from the Yellow Springs (underworld), desiring to rise, though Yin remains strong." Hai (亥) is the designation for the 10th month. Its oracle bone form resembles a pig, anciently synonymous with hé (核, kernel), the kernel where all things are stored.

Question: Yin is Yang Wood, and Hai is Yin Water. It is universally accepted that Water generates Wood; why must it be called a "Harmony," and why does it transform into Wood$4

II. In-Depth Analysis from the Ancient Perspective

This pair of harmonies is hailed as the "Harmony of Long Life" (Cháng Shēng zhī hé) and is the most vital set.

1. The Water of Kunlun and the Wood of Fusang:
   • In the geographical models presented in the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing 山海经) and Huainanzi, the position of Hai (Northwest) is the Gate of Heaven (天门), while Yin (Northeast) is the Gate of Ghosts/Gate of Life (鬼门/生门).
   • Hai is the Gate of Heaven, the source of the Celestial River's flow, the sluice gate of the Heavenly Stream.
   • Yin is the Rupture of the Earth (地辟), the beginning of evolution.
   • When the Dipper points to Yin (Spring returns to the earth), the Sun is in Hai (the Northwest Gate of Heaven). This signifies the Sun concluding its annual journey and returning to the Gate of Heaven, transferring its energy in the form of "Water" to the "Wood" in the East.
2. The Mechanism of Transforming into Wood—Breaking the Kernel and Sprouting:
   • The essence of "Transformation" (huà) is a change in form. Hai stores Jia Wood (the stage of Chang Sheng, Long Life), and Yin is the Lu (祿, Prosperity/Station) position for Jia Wood.
   • Hai is not merely Water; it is the "Kernel." Yin is "Evolution."
   • The Harmony of Yin-Hai is the process of "Breaking the Kernel" (破核). The Water of Hai nourishes the internal Jia Wood, causing it to burst forth from the soil in the month of Yin. The intrinsic Qi of the Water is exhausted, entirely converting into the ascending Qi of Wood.
   • The Huangdi Neijing, in Suwen – Liu Wei Zhi Dalun (素问·六微旨大论), states: "When excessive, it harms; when supported, it is controlled; when controlled, it generates transformation" (亢则害，承乃制，制则生化). If the Water of Hai were not harmonized by Yin, it would become a flood; harmonized by Yin, the Water finds its destination and transforms into a towering tree.
3. Quotation and Verification:
   • The Zuo Zhuan (左传), in the account of Duke Zhao, 7th Year, states: "The conjunction of the Sun and Moon is called Chen (a calendrical point)" (日月之会是谓辰). The harmony of Yin-Hai is, in reality, the image of the pure splendor of Water and Wood.
   • Ancient shamans and historians believed Hai to be the "Nourishment of the Spirits" (神之食) and Yin to be the "Beginning of Humanity" (人之始). When Spirit and Man interact, their Qi is pure and noble.

Conclusion The Harmony of Yin-Hai transforming into Wood is the "Ascendant Wood" (生发之木). Its imagery is the ancient tree meeting Spring, a source that flows endlessly. It answers the question of "where life originates"—from the nourishment of the Celestial River (Hai) and the awakening in the East (Yin).

Chapter 3: The Harmony of Mao and Xu—Hunting by Burning the Forest and the Fire of the Xiū Star

I. Astronomical and Etymological Investigation

Mao (卯) is the designation for the 2nd month. Its form resembles a door opening. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Mao, is mào (to cover/emerge). In the second month, things emerge from the earth." Xu (戌) is the designation for the 9th month. Its form resembles a person guarding with a halberd. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Xu, is miè (extinction/completion). In the ninth month, Yang energy wanes, all things reach completion, and Yang sinks into the Earth."

Question: This is the most mysterious of the Six Harmonies. Mao is pure Wood, and Xu is Dry Earth. Wood overcomes Earth, so why is it a harmony$5 Even more baffling is that they harmonize to transform into "Fire"! Where does the Fire come from$6

II. In-Depth Analysis from the Pre-Qin Perspective

To solve the eternal riddle of "Mao-Xu transforming into Fire," we must return to the pre-Qin stellar constellations and sacrificial culture.

1. The Setting of the Great Fire Star and Ingress into the Tomb:
   • The pre-Qin era placed great importance on the "Great Fire Star" (Heart Mansion, Xīn Xiù 心宿). In the month of Xu (Ninth Month), the Great Fire Star sinks below the Northwest horizon, but this does not mean the fire is extinguished; rather, the Fire has "entered its tomb" (入墓). Xu is the Fire Tomb.
   • Mao is in the Eastern Zhen (震) Palace, the position of Thunder (Zhou Yi, Shuogua Zhuan 卦传: "Zhen is Thunder, Dragon, Black and Yellow").
2. The Mechanism of Transforming into Fire—Refining the Palace with Thunder and Fire:
   • Physical Aspect: Drilling Wood for Fire: Mao (Wood) rubs against Xu (Dry Earth), creating intense friction, thus generating the latent heat of fire.
   • Convection between the Gate of Heaven and the Gate of the Sun:
     • Mao is the Gate of Sunrise; Xu is the Gate of Sunset.
     • When the Dipper points to Mao (Vernal Equinox), the Sun resides near Xu (the Autumnal Equinox point).
     • This is the connection between Spring and Autumn. The generative Qi of Spring Wood (ascent) meets the dryness of Autumn Earth (contraction).
     • This drastic contrast in energy fields (generation versus execution/killing) was perceived by the ancients as generating an intense heat. "The essence of Yang Qi exchanges and gives rise to Fire."
   • Huainanzi Logic: Mao is Lesser Yang; Xu is the Fire Tomb. When the Qi of Lesser Yang is introduced into the Fire Tomb, like firewood thrown into a furnace, its momentum becomes fierce.
3. Historical Metaphor:
   • This is a "Ruthless Harmony" (wú qíng zhī hé) that transforms into a "Fervent Transformation."
   • In military texts like Sun Bin's Art of War (孙膑兵法), this combination often implies burning provisions or fighting with one's back to the river. Mao Wood sacrifices itself (Wood feeds Fire), and Xu Earth opens its capacity; together, they ultimately transform into raging conflagration.

Conclusion The Harmony of Mao-Xu transforming into Fire is the "Prairie-Scorching Fire" (燎原之火), and also the "Fire of Civilization." It represents the process where material entities (Wood and Earth) are sacrificed to transform into pure energy (Fire). This is a form of sublimation, another profound secret beyond the "Wood Nectar and Metal Essence" sought in alchemical practices.

Chapter 4: The Harmony of Chen and You—The Gold Dragon Playing with the Pearl and the Metal of Austere Execution

I. Astronomical and Etymological Investigation

Chen (辰) is the designation for the 3rd month. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Chen, is zhèn (trembling/thunder). In the third month, Yang energy stirs, thunder and lightning shake, and the people begin their farming season." You (酉) is the designation for the 8th month. Its form resembles a wine vessel, or a closed door. Shuowen Jiezi states: "You, is jiù (to arrive/accomplish). In the eighth month, the millet ripens, and ceremonial wine can be made."

Question: Chen is Moist Earth (Water Reservoir), and You is pure Metal. Earth generating Metal is logical. But why does Chen Earth, as the Earth of Spring, completely abandon its Wood nature (the residual Qi of Spring) and transform into Metal$7

II. In-Depth Analysis from the Ancient Perspective

This Six Harmony involves the ancient worship of the Dragon and Phoenix totems.

1. Astronomical Deconstruction of the Dragon-Phoenix Auspice:
   • Chen is the Dragon, located in the Eastern Kang (亢) Mansion of Metal Dragon. You is the Rooster (a common term for the Phoenix), located in the Western Mao (昴) Mansion of the Sun-Rooster.
   • The harmony of Chen-You is essentially the consolidation of Metal Qi.
   • Although Chen is in Spring, it stores Yi Wood, Gui Water, and Wu Earth. You is Xin Metal.
   • When the Dipper points to Chen (Qingming Festival), the Sun resides in You (near the Autumnal Equinox).
   • Why transform into Metal$8 At this point, the Sun in the West (You) is supremely strong, and Metal Qi dominates the Heavenly Dao. Although Chen Earth is moist, it encounters the extremely potent Qi of pure Metal. The Yi Wood within Chen is purged by the Xin Metal, the Gui Water is absorbed and used to cleanse the Metal vessel, and the Wu Earth fully devotes itself to generating Metal.
2. The Mechanism of Transforming into Metal—Alloying and Refinement:
   • This is not merely Earth generating Metal; this is a process of "Alloying" (合金).
   • The Kao Gong Ji (考工记, The Record of Endeavors of the Craftsmen) discusses casting metal, which requires an earthen mold (Chen as the mold) and molten metal (You as the bronze liquid). Only when combined can a great artifact (like a bronze bell) be formed.
   • The Meaning of Cong Ge (变革, Change/Transformation): The Shangshu – Hongfan states: "Metal is called cong ge (following and changing)" (金曰从革). Ge means transformation. The harmony of Chen-You means forcibly turning the generative Qi of Spring into the austere execution and transformative Qi of Autumn.
3. Quotation and Reflection:
   • In the Huangdi Neijing, the transformation of Chen-You into Metal corresponds to "Dryness Qi" (燥气). Dryness overcomes moisture.
   • Historical Analogy: Warring States strategists often used "Chen-You" to symbolize a strategic alliance. Chen represents the multitude, and You represents the leader. Like all stars orbiting the moon, they achieve dominance through unity.

Conclusion The Harmony of Chen-You transforming into Metal is the "Metal of Austere Execution" (肃杀之金), and also the "Metal of Transformation." It signifies the establishment of authority and the purging of heterogeneous Qi. The Earth of Chen abandons its own vitality (Wood) to achieve the sharp edge (锋芒, fēng máng) of You Metal.

Chapter 5: The Harmony of Si and Shen—The Riddle of Punishment and Harmony, and the Water of the Source

I. Astronomical and Etymological Investigation

Si (巳) is the designation for the 4th month. Its form resembles a snake, signifying the full deployment of Yang energy. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Si, is yǐ (already/finished). In the fourth month, Yang energy has emerged, and Yin energy has already been stored." Shen (申) is the designation for the 7th month. Its form resembles lightning, being the root character for shén (spirit/divine). Shuowen Jiezi states: "Shen, is shén. In the seventh month, Yin energy is complete, and the body draws itself taut."

Question: This is the most controversial and perilous of the Six Harmonies. Si is Fire, and Shen is Metal. Fire and Metal clash; how can they be said to harmonize$9 Even more bizarrely, they harmonize to transform into "Water"! How can Fire and Metal generate Water$10

II. In-Depth Analysis from the Ancient Perspective

The transformation of Si-Shen into Water represents a "singularity" in the theory of Five Element generation and overcoming. If one only understands later Five Element theory, this transformation is utterly inexplicable. We must return to the Luoshu (洛书) and climatology.

1. The Law of Long Life and Inversion of Mother and Child:
   • The Long Life of Metal is in Si: In the Twelve Stages of Life, Metal achieves Chang Sheng (Long Life) in Si. This seems contradictory (Fire overcomes Metal), but it harbors deep meaning. The ancients believed that ore (Metal) must be tempered by fierce Fire (Si) to become a functional tool. Therefore, Si is the "origin point" of Metal.
   • The Long Life of Water is in Shen: Shen is the source of the Yellow River (Kunlun), the original source of Water.
2. The Mechanism of Transforming into Water—Vaporization and Condensation:
   • Meteorological Explanation:
     • Si (Early Summer) is the onset of extreme heat, causing vast amounts of surface water vapor to evaporate.
     • Shen (Early Autumn) is when the cool air begins to generate, leading to high-altitude condensation.
     • When hot air (Si) encounters a cold source (Shen), it inevitably condenses into rain (Water).
   • Geographical Explanation:
     • Si is the position of Xun (Southeast), associated with Wind. Shen is the position of Kun (Southwest), associated with Earth.
     • When Wind travels over the Earth, carrying moisture, it encounters cold and precipitates as rain.
   • Alchemical Explanation:
     • The Cantong Qi (参同契) states: "Flowing Mercury (Water/Metal) flies when meeting Fire."
     • Metal (Shen) melts into a liquid state when subjected to Fire (Si); this liquid state inherently possesses the quality of Water.
3. The Dialectic of Punishment (Xíng) and Harmony (Hé):
   • Ancient texts state: "Si and Shen mutually punish and mutually harmonize."
   • Why Punish$11 Their power is equal; Fire and Metal are in mutual conflict.
   • Why Harmonize$12 They are mutually necessary. Metal cannot become a tool without Fire, and Fire cannot demonstrate its achievement without Metal.
   • Why Transform into Water$13 After the struggle, both parties suffer losses; their Yang Qi is exhausted, transitioning to the form of pure Yin—Water. This is a state of "entropy increase" followed by quiescence and rebirth.

Conclusion The Harmony of Si-Shen transforming into Water is the "Water of Transformation" (变易之水). It represents the unity of contradiction, the new substance generated through violent conflict and tempering. Like weapons melted down into iron slag after a war, ultimately returning to the calm of a river.

Chapter 6: The Harmony of Wu and Wei—The Conjunction of Sun and Moon and the Fire (Earth) of the Great Yin

I. Astronomical and Etymological Investigation

Wu (午) is the designation for the 5th month. Its form resembles a pestle, marking the interchange of Yin and Yang. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Wu, is wǔ (to conflict/oppose). In the fifth month, Yin energy opposes Yang." Wei (未) is the designation for the 6th month. Its form resembles overlapping branches and leaves. Shuowen Jiezi states: "Wei, is wèi (flavor/ripeness). In the sixth month, flavors mature."

Question: Wu is the extreme Yang Fire, and Wei is Dry Earth. When they harmonize, do they ultimately transform into Fire or Earth$14 Ancient texts present conflicting views.

II. In-Depth Analysis from the Ancient Perspective

This harmony is the most peculiar astronomically, known as the "Conjunction of the Sun and Moon" (日月之会). Wu corresponds to Qian (Heaven) in the Xiantian Bagua (Pre-Heaven Eight Trigrams), and Li (Fire) in the Houtian Bagua (Post-Heaven Eight Trigrams). Wei corresponds to Xun (Wind) in the Xiantian Bagua, and Kun (Earth) in the Houtian Bagua.

1. The Qi of the Heavenly Origin and the Hongfan:
   • Wu represents the Sun (Day Star), and Wei represents the Moon (Night Star). Ancient astronomy established the boundary between Wu and Wei as the "Prime Meridian" of the celestial sphere (called Shu Gong 殊宫 in antiquity).
   • When the Dipper points to Wu (Summer Solstice), the Sun resides in Wei.
   • This is the moment of maximal Yang energy. The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of Yin's birth, but the thermal peak is reached in the month of Wei.
2. Distinguishing the Qi Transformation—Fire and Earth Share the Same Origin:
   • Mainstream View: Transformation into Fire. Wu Fire is dominant, and the residual Ding Fire in Wei responds to it. Wei is inherently dry earth, which ignites readily when fire is applied. Thus, the harmony of Wu-Wei intensifies the force of Fire.
   • Alternative View: Transformation into Earth. Fire generates Earth; the Wu Fire feeds the Wei Earth, and the accumulated Qi ultimately reverts to Earth.
   • The Ancient Orthodox View: It depends on the specific context, but the essence is "Hot Energy" (燥热之气).
   • In the Suwen – Tianyuan Ji Dalun (素问·天元纪大论), under the reign of the Sovereign Fire, the Yin Essence is supported. The harmony of Wu-Wei represents the "ultimate convergence of light and heat."
3. Philosophical Metaphor—The Celebration of Sovereign and Minister:
   • Wu is the Sovereign (Li/Sun); Wei is the populace (Kun/Earth).
   • The harmony of Wu-Wei signifies the Sovereign reigning over the world, and all people submitting willingly.
   • Unlike the "dark concealment" of Zi-Chou, Wu-Wei is the "brilliance displayed in broad daylight."

Conclusion The Harmony of Wu-Wei transforming into Fire (or Dry Earth) is the "Ultimate Fire" (极盛之火). It symbolizes the apex of development, the peak of glory, and simultaneously, the eve of "extreme flourishing leading to decline." Its Qi is predominantly Yang but carries a subtle Yin (the Yi Wood within Wei), representing the final burst of energy before maturity and harvest.

Chapter 7: General Discussion—The Universe Map of Ancient Forerunners as Seen Through "Qi Transformation"

Observing the Qi Transformations resulting from the Six Harmonies of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches, we easily discern a rigorous "Ancient Natural Philosophy Logic":

1. Zi-Chou Transform into Earth: A simulation of the Winter Solstice's severe cold, where all things return to their roots and are sealed.
2. Yin-Hai Transform into Wood: A simulation of Water generating Wood, the breaking of the kernel, and the emergence of life.
3. Mao-Xu Transform into Fire: A simulation of the agitation between Spring generation and Autumn execution, generating kinetic energy (Thunder-Fire).
4. Chen-You Transform into Metal: A simulation of Earth generating Metal, the autumnal harvest, and transformative austerity.
5. Si-Shen Transform into Water: A simulation of the condensation resulting from the clash between heat (Fire) and cold/metal, resulting in a liquid state.
6. Wu-Wei Transform into Fire/Earth: A simulation of the Summer Solstice's extreme Yang, where light and heat coalesce.

Final Philosophical Reflection

Why did the pre-Qin classics place such importance on "Harmony and Transformation"$15 Because "solitary Yin cannot generate, and isolated Yang cannot flourish." If the Terrestrial Branches do not harmonize, they remain merely isolated temporal markers; once harmonized, they produce "Transformation" (huà), which means change and flow. This is the core idea of the I Ching: That which is called Yi (Change) is ceaseless generation (生生之谓易).

The transformation of the Six Harmonies is, in essence, the attempt by ancient forerunners to capture the law of Energy Transformation in the cosmos using a symbolic system. Wood transforms into Fire, Fire into Earth, Earth into Metal, Metal into Water, and Water into Wood, cycling endlessly, without beginning or end.

Studying the Harmony and Transformation of the Terrestrial Branches is not merely studying numerology; it is using it as a lens through which to glimpse that magnificent era when "Man walked alongside the Spirits, and Heaven and Earth conformed to the same law." Behind those seemingly superstitious maxims lies the ancients' simplest yet most profound grasp of the truths concerning astronomy, geography, physics, and meteorology.