Half Combination (半合): Partial Harmony of the Three Harmony
What Is Half Combination?
In the Earthly Branches (Di Zhi), there are "Three Harmonies" (三合局):
- Shen (Monkey), Zi (Rat), Chen (Dragon) → Water Harmony
- Hai (Pig), Mao (Rabbit), Wei (Goat) → Wood Harmony
- Yin (Tiger), Wu (Horse), Xu (Dog) → Fire Harmony
- Si (Snake), You (Rooster), Chou (Ox) → Metal Harmony
When only two of the three branches are present — and crucially, the central branch (Zi, Wu, Mao, You) is included — this is called a "Half Combination" (半合). For example, seeing only Shen and Zi (Monkey and Rat) still creates a centripetal, harmonizing pull toward Water, but the energy is weaker than the full Three Harmony of Shen-Zi-Chen.
Half Combination in Relationship Charts
When two people's Earthly Branches form a Half Combination, it indicates a mildly positive attraction: they share a common direction and tend to come together easily. However, the bonding force is not as stable as a Six Combination (六合) or a full Three Harmony. This is a "fated but requiring effort" type of connection — promising, yet needing conscious nurturing to flourish.
Key Characteristics
- Weaker than full Harmony: The missing third branch reduces the cohesive power.
- Centripetal energy: Still draws the two parties toward a shared goal or feeling.
- Requires effort: Unlike a full Three Harmony, which feels effortless, a Half Combination demands active maintenance.