A Critical Examination of the Qi Transformation of the Twelve Earthly Branches' Six Conjunctions
This paper strips away the veneer of divination and numerology to return to Pre-Qin astronomy and cosmology, critically examining the true nature of the Six Conjunctions (Liu He) among the Twelve Earthly Branches (Zi Chou, Yin Hai, Mao Xu, Chen You, etc.). It focuses on analyzing the essential 'astronomical copulation' of the Six Conjunctions and the philosophical implications—such as concealment, generation, refinement, and transformation—embedded within their 'Qi Transformation' (Hua Qi).
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."