Liu He (六合) - Six Combinations

What is Liu He (六合)?

Liu He (六合), translated as "Six Combinations," "Six Harmonies," or "Six Unifications," is one of the most important relationship patterns in Ba Zi divination. It represents harmonious, cooperative relationships between specific earthly branches.

The Six Combination Pairs

The six harmonious combinations are:

1. Zi Chou He (子丑合) - Water Combination

• Branches: Zi (子) + Chou (丑)
• Element: Water + Earth
• Nature: Hidden, internal harmony
• Quality
• Subtle but persistent cooperation

2. Yin Wei He (寅亥合) - Wood Combination

• Branches: Yin (寅) + Wei (亥)
• Element: Wood + Water
• Nature: Productive harmony
• Quality
• Mutual generation and support

3. Mao Xu He (卯戌合) - Fire Combination

• Branches: Mao (卯) + Xu (戌)
• Element: Wood + Fire
• Nature: Transformative harmony
• Quality
• Creative cooperation

4. Shen You He (申巳合) - Metal Combination

• Branches: Shen (申) + You (酉)
• Element: Metal + Metal
• Nature: Unified harmony
• Quality
• Strong, solid partnership

5. Wu Wei He (午未合) - Fire-Earth Combination

• Branches: Wu (午) + Wei (未)
• Element: Fire + Earth
• Nature: Royal harmony
• Quality
• Noble and dignified partnership

6. Hai Shen He (亥申合) - Water Combination

• Branches: Hai (亥) + Shen (申)
• Element: Water + Metal
• Nature: Productive harmony
• Quality
• Mutual support and cooperation

Understanding Combination Dynamics

1. Types of Harmony

• Productive Harmony: One generates the other (Wood + Water)
• Unified Harmony: Same elements combine (Metal + Metal)
• Transformative Harmony
• One transforms into another (Wood + Fire)

2. Strength of Combination

• Direct Combination: Both branches in chart - strong
• Indirect Combination: One in chart, one in Da Yun/Liu Nian
• Hidden Combination
• Hidden stems complete the combination

3>Location Significance

• Day Pillar: Self + spouse harmony
• Year-Month: Family harmony
• Month-Day
• Career and personal harmony
• Day-Hour
• Personal and future harmony

Symbolic Meanings

Liu He represents:

• Partnership: Cooperative relationships
• Harmony
• Smooth, cooperative energy
• Support
• Mutual assistance
• Unity
• Working together
• Smooth Flow
• Effortless cooperation

Impact on Charts

When combinations appear:

1. Relationship Indicators

• Partnership Strength: Quality of relationships
• Cooperation Ability
• How well one works with others
• Relationship Focus
• Which relationships are emphasized

2. Energy Flow

• Smooth Energy: Harmonious energy flow
• Internal Unity
• Coherent personal energy
• External Connection
• Connection with external factors

3>Life Areas

• Location Matters: Which life areas are affected
• Pillar Meaning
• What the pillars represent
• Focus
• Where harmony is expressed

Important Considerations

When analyzing combinations:

• Very Auspicious: Generally positive indicator
• But Not Absolute
• Context matters
• Other Factors
• Consider whole chart
• Quality Varies
• Some combinations are stronger

Conclusion

Liu He (六合) represents harmonious, cooperative relationships in Ba Zi. These combinations indicate smooth relationships, mutual support, and partnership. Understanding these combinations helps practitioners provide relationship guidance and understand how different areas of life work together harmoniously.