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
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