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
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