Understanding the 12 Earthly Branches
Earthly Branches (地支) ground heaven's energy through 12 earth-connected patterns. You know them as zodiac animals—Rat, Ox, Tiger through Pig. But they're seasonal forces first, animal symbols second. These branches shape Saju patterns fundamentally.
The 12 Branches Through the Year
Spring (Wood Awakens)
- In (寅) — Tiger, February. Spring's first breath, everything stirs awake.
- Myo (卯) — Rabbit, March. Spring peaks, green everywhere.
- Jin (辰) — Dragon, April. Spring fades toward summer heat.
Summer (Fire Dominates)
- Sa (巳) — Snake, May. Summer arrives, fire energy climbs.
- O (午) — Horse, June. Peak heat, sun blazing overhead.
- Mi (未) — Goat, July. Summer wanes, autumn approaches.
Autumn (Metal Sharpens)
- Shin (申) — Monkey, August. Harvest begins, autumn clarity.
- Yu (酉) — Rooster, September. Harvest peaks, metal energy cuts clean.
- Sul (戌) — Dog, October. Autumn fades toward winter's chill.
Winter (Water Retreats)
- Hae (亥) — Pig, November. Winter starts, life withdraws inward.
- Ja (子) — Rat, December. Deepest cold, yet seeds of renewal stir.
- Chuk (丑) — Ox, January. Winter's last grip before spring breaks through.
Element Mapping
| Element | Branches |
| Wood | In (寅), Myo (卯) |
| Fire | Sa (巳), O (午) |
| Earth | Jin (辰), Mi (未), Sul (戌), Chuk (丑) |
| Metal | Shin (申), Yu (酉) |
| Water | Hae (亥), Ja (子) |
When Branches Collide and Connect
Clash, Combine, Punish, Unite
Branches interact dynamically: Clash (沖) creates head-on collision, Combination (合) bonds energies, Punishment (刑) generates friction, Meeting (會) gathers seasonal force.
Fortune cycles activate these interactions—when new branches enter, life pivots. Branch dynamics drive major transitions.
Hidden Stems (支藏干)
Each branch conceals 1-3 Heavenly Stems inside. These hidden stems aren't decorative—they determine patterns, activate latent energies, shape your chart's hidden architecture.
Curious about how the branches interact in your Saju? Check it out at [Saju Analysis](/saju).