Combinations and clashes of the earthly branches – who harmonises, who rubs
Published on November 2, 2026 · 3 min read
The twelve earthly branches do not simply stand side by side; they relate: some attract, others repel. These relationships explain why two people understand each other instantly – or why a certain year becomes restless for you.
What connects
The six harmonies are pairs that complement each other, for instance Rat and Ox or Tiger and Pig – they stand for trust and cooperation. The triads unite four groups into a shared element: Pig, Rabbit and Goat become wood, Tiger, Horse and Dog fire, Snake, Rooster and Ox metal, Monkey, Rat and Dragon water.
What rubs
The clash connects animals opposite each other on the circle – Rat and Horse, Rabbit and Rooster, Tiger and Monkey. It brings movement, separation or sudden change. Punishments stand for friction through pressure or rules, harms for quiet misunderstandings. None of these relationships is a verdict – they show where to be mindful.
Partnership and timing
In partner comparisons you look above all at the day branches of both people, since that is where the spouse palace lies. For timing: a year or day whose branch clashes with your day or year animal is less suited to big decisions; one that harmonises with it opens doors.
The three punishments in detail
The punishments (刑) are subtler than clashes. Tiger, Snake and Monkey form the “ungrateful punishment” – tensions arise when help is not appreciated. Ox, Goat and Dog form the “punishment of power” – themes like pressure, stubbornness and power struggles. Rat and Rabbit form the “rude punishment” – friction through lack of respect. Dragon, Horse, Rooster and Pig can punish themselves when they appear twice: a hint of inner strictness or self-doubt.
Directional groups: the strongest combination
Besides the familiar triads there are the directional groups (三會), which unite the three branches of one season: Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon (east, wood), Snake, Horse and Goat (south, fire), Monkey, Rooster and Dog (west, metal), Pig, Rat and Ox (north, water). If all three stand in a chart – or a year completes the group – the element becomes very strong. If it is useful for the day master, this can be an especially supportive phase.
When a combination really works
Not every harmony changes a chart. For Rat and Ox to actually transform into earth, the element earth needs support from the season or visible stems. Without it, the two only “bind” – they hold each other, which can also slow movement. Similarly with half triads of two branches: they work much more strongly when the middle branch (Rat, Horse, Rabbit or Rooster) is involved.
In practice: your branches and the year 2027
Place your four branches next to the branch of the coming year. 2027 is a Goat year: the Goat clashes with the Ox, harms the Rat, forms a harmony with the Horse and a wood triad with Pig and Rabbit. Together with Ox and Dog it forms the punishment of power. Anyone carrying these branches can see early where the year unites and where it challenges. The compatibility tool clearly shows the relations between two people.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Rat and Horse couple impossible?+
No. The clash brings dynamism and friction, but the whole birth chart of both partners decides – other pillars often balance a lot.
Which relationship is strongest?+
Complete triads and clashes act most clearly, harms most weakly.
Where do I see the relationships in my chart?+
The partner comparison and the Ba Zi “relationships” section mark all combinations and clashes automatically.
Does a harmony cancel a clash?+
It often softens it: if a branch is already bound, it partly “forgets” the clash. The tension does not necessarily disappear completely.
What is a break (破)?+
The weakest of the rubbing relations, such as Rat and Rooster. It stands for small disturbances and misunderstandings, rarely for big events.