BaZi Concepts
What Are the Six Clashes (Liu Chong) in BaZi?
Also called: Liu Chong, Six Oppositions
Plain Explanation
The Six Clashes are six fixed pairs of opposing Earthly Branches, such as Zi (子) with Wu (午), or Mao (卯) with You (酉). They identify a Branch clash; a matching pair alone does not establish a harmful event or incompatibility between two people.
Example
If the two positions being compared contain Zi (子) and Wu (午), they form a Six Clashes pair. Next identify the pillars involved, whether they are natal or cycle positions, and their strength and other relationships. The name “Zi–Wu clash” alone cannot establish that a particular event will occur.
A relationship-identification example, not a complete chart or a prediction.
The six clash pairs
| Relationship | Complete Configurations |
|---|---|
| Six Clashes (Liu Chong, 六冲) | Zi–Wu (子–午); Chou–Wei (丑–未); Yin–Shen (寅–申); Mao–You (卯–酉); Chen–Xu (辰–戌); Si–Hai (巳–亥) |
The two Branches in each pair clash with one another. The table identifies the relationship; it does not predict events or remove a Branch from the chart.
How to Check
- 1
Identify Branch pairs rather than element labels alone
The Six Clashes are the fixed Branch pairs listed here. Two elements having a controlling relationship does not by itself make them a Six Clashes pair.
- 2
Specify positions and conditions
Establish the comparison scope, then examine each Branch’s strength, function, and other relationships, including combinations that may coexist.
What It Is Used For
The Six Clashes identify the specific Branches involved when an analysis says one Branch clashes with another. Distinguishing the relationship from its effects avoids treating every clash as the same outcome.
Common Misunderstandings
A clash is not automatically unfavorable
The traditional text San Ming Tong Hui distinguishes outcomes according to the surrounding relationships in its discussion of clashes. A chart still requires contextual analysis; the label alone cannot predict illness, separation, or an accident.
A combination does not automatically resolve a clash
The commentator Xu Lewu explains that combinations and clashes can affect one another, depending on positions and qualities. Merely counting combinations does not establish resolution or a universal priority over clashes.
A clash does not erase a Branch
The Branch remains part of the natal chart or cycle being examined. A clash describes a relationship, not a deletion rule.
Related Concepts
Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy