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
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