Combinations and Clashes(合沖)

A fixed table defines these relationships. The five Stem Combinations are Gap–Gi · Eul–Gyeong · Byeong–Sin · Jeong–Im · Mu–Gye; the four Stem Clashes are Gap–Gyeong · Eul–Sin · Byeong–Im · Jeong–Gye. Among the branches, the six Six Harmony pairs are Ja–Chuk · In–Hae · Myo–Sul · Jin–Yu · Sa–Sin · O–Mi. The six Clashes are Ja–O · Chuk–Mi · In–Sin · Myo–Yu · Jin–Sul · Sa–Hae, and the four Three Harmony groups are Sin–Ja–Jin · Hae–Myo–Mi · In–O–Sul · Sa–Yu–Chuk. The table above lists them all, using values taken directly from the calendar library’s constants.

Seowoon’s engine also checks relationships beyond this table: Punishment, where characters push against each other; Destruction, where they break apart; Harm, where they cross wires; and Resentment, where they grate for no clear reason. These use Korean pairing tables. If the same branch appears in two positions, each positional relationship is recorded separately. The engine identifies only whether a relationship exists. It does not determine whether a combination transforms into another element or what event a clash might produce.

In general, combinations hold things together, while clashes shake things up. A chart with many combinations is read as having pillars that hold onto each other and move together. A chart with many clashes is read as having pillars that challenge and reshape one another. If none of these relationships appear, each life period is seen as having a more separate story, with disruption usually coming through ten-year periods or annual influences.

The two pillars involved shape the meaning. A clash between the year and month branches is read in terms of early life, family, and society; a combination between the day and hour branches connects you with later life. Looking at each character’s Ten God relationship to you narrows down the themes involved. This is also the basis for interpretations that a combination or clash involving a branch in Void can release that Void.

Seowoon’s free “Combinations · Clashes” reading shows each relationship between your pillars, along with its positions and Ten God roles.

People often say “clashes are bad and combinations are good”. In saju, though, a clash can set things in motion, while a combination can bind things so tightly that they stop. A lack of clashes is sometimes read as slower change, and many combinations as a tendency to be pulled along by others.The calculation identifies whether a relationship exists. It does not say that the relationship will lead to divorce · an accident · a breakup.