Five Combinations (五合): Attraction and Union Between Heavenly Stems
What Are the Five Combinations?
The "Five Combinations" refer to five pairs of Heavenly Stems that naturally attract and bond: Jia (Yang Wood) combines with Ji (Yin Earth), Yi (Yin Wood) combines with Geng (Yang Metal), Bing (Yang Fire) combines with Xin (Yin Metal), Ding (Yin Fire) combines with Ren (Yang Water), and Wu (Yang Earth) combines with Gui (Yin Water). These combinations symbolize attraction, cooperation, and emotional ties in fortune analysis, making them one of the most direct Stem-Branch relationships for evaluating interpersonal dynamics and romantic potential.
The Five Combination Pairs
- Jia (Yang Wood) + Ji (Yin Earth) → Transforms into Earth
- Yi (Yin Wood) + Geng (Yang Metal) → Transforms into Metal
- Bing (Yang Fire) + Xin (Yin Metal) → Transforms into Water
- Ding (Yin Fire) + Ren (Yang Water) → Transforms into Wood
- Wu (Yang Earth) + Gui (Yin Water) → Transforms into Fire
How to Read the Five Combinations in a Birth Chart
When two individuals' Day Masters or other Heavenly Stems form a Five Combination, it often indicates a natural attraction and rapport, making them likely to draw close and support each other. However, "combination" also implies entanglement and obligation. Whether the union is truly beneficial depends on the strength or weakness of each stem and the overall favorable and unfavorable elements in the chart.