Earthly Branches (地支)

The Twelve Earthly Branches (地支) are: 子丑寅卯辰巳午未申酉戌亥. They correspond to the Chinese Zodiac animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger...) and the twelve two-hour periods of the day.

Each branch belongs to one of the Five Elements and contains Hidden Stems (藏干). Branches interact through:

• Clashes (冲): opposition (e.g., 子午 Rat-Horse)
• Combinations (合): harmony (e.g., 三合 Triple Harmonies)
• Harms (害): subtle conflict
• Punishments (刑): tension and consequence

These interactions animate the static chart, revealing dynamics between the pillars.