Six Clashes (六冲): The Collisions Between Earthly Branches

What Are the Six Clashes?

The "Six Clashes" refer to six pairs of opposing Earthly Branches: Zi-Wu Clash, Chou-Wei Clash, Yin-Shen Clash, Mao-You Clash, Chen-Xu Clash, and Si-Hai Clash. These opposing branches are positioned directly across from each other in the BaZi chart, with their Five Elements in conflict. They symbolize upheaval, collision, and change, making them the most critical Earthly Branch relationship when analyzing conflicts, separations, or transformations.

The Six Clashes Are Not All Bad

A Clash can mean agitation, conflict, or even breakthrough and movement. If a stable element is Clashed, it brings chaos. But if a stagnant or blocked element is Clashed, it can unlock opportunity. Whether a Clash is auspicious or inauspicious depends on whether it strikes the Useful God (用神) or the Unfavorable God (忌神) in the birth chart.

Six Clashes in Relationship Compatibility

When two people's Earthly Branches Clash — especially the Day Branch — it often indicates personalities that easily collide, frequent separations, or a dynamic that pulls each other in different directions. Such relationships require more tolerance and adjustment. Yet, the very tension can also create attraction through complementary differences.