Sa (巳)(巳)
Sa (巳), the sixth of the twelve Earthly Branches, corresponds to the Snake. It represents early summer beginning at the Start of Summer, the hours of 9–11 a.m., and Fire (火) energy beginning to blaze.
As the branch that opens summer, it suggests visible passion alongside quiet strategy, wisdom, and focus.
Basics
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Five Elements·Yin and Yang | Fire (火) · Yin (Yang in function) |
| Zodiac animal | Year of the Snake |
| Month | From the Start of Summer (around May 6) |
| Hours | 9–11 a.m. |
| Season · Direction | Early summer · South-southeast |
| Hidden stems (Seowoon engine) | Byeong (丙) · Gyeong (庚) · Mu (戊) — the first is the main energy |
| Six Harmony | Sa-Sin Combination (Water) |
| Three Harmony | Sa-Yu-Chuk Metal configuration |
| Clash | Sa-Hae Clash |
| Resentment | Sa-Sul |
| Branch category | Four birth positions (sasaengji, 四生地) — Traveling Horse positions |
What Sa (巳) means
Sa is considered Yin in form but Yang in function, with Byeong Fire (丙火) as its main hidden energy. It therefore suggests intense passion and ambition beneath a calm exterior.
As a Traveling Horse branch and one of the four birth branches, it also suggests activity, travel, and a busy pace.
Detailed Explanation
Sa holds Byeong Fire (丙火)·Gyeong Metal (庚金)·Mu Earth (戊土), making it a place where Metal grows within Fire. This is also how tradition explains the Sa-Yu-Chuk Three Harmony Metal formation.
Sa forms a Six Harmony pairing with Sin, taking on Water energy, and joins Yu and Chuk in a Three Harmony Metal formation. It clashes head-on with Hae and has an uneasy Resentment relationship with Sul. As one of the four birth branches (sasaengji, 四生地), it also carries Traveling Horse qualities.
It contains Byeong (丙) · Gyeong (庚) · Mu (戊), according to the Seowoon engine's table of hidden stems by seasonal period. The first stem, its main energy, is used to determine the Ten Gods and Day Master strength.
Personality: Strengths
Sa is associated with intelligence, quick judgment, and sustained focus once a goal is set. Its signature strengths are insight, a way with words, and quiet passion.
Personality: Weaknesses·Things to Watch
Keeping feelings private may make someone seem suspicious, and emotions may linger once they take hold. A common piece of advice is to manage jealousy and competitiveness.
Careers and Natural Aptitudes
It is considered suited to work involving words and knowledge (teaching·law·consulting·journalism), expressive pursuits (art·entertainment·marketing), active roles (sales·trade), and medicine·research.
Love and Compatibility
In love, it suggests a cautious exterior but deep commitment once the heart is set. A common piece of advice is to seek reassurance through conversation rather than suspicion.
In branch compatibility, Six Harmony with Sin and Three Harmony with Yu·Chuk suggest attraction. The Clash with Hae and Resentment with Sul call for care. A full compatibility reading considers both people's Day Masters and day branches.
Health
Saju tradition associates Fire with the heart·small intestine. Readings of charts with several Sa branches traditionally recommend rest to ease heat and tension.
These traditional organ associations are an old framework for interpreting constitution, not a medical diagnosis. Any physical symptoms should be evaluated according to modern medical standards.
A common misconception
People often say “Snakes are cold”, but Sa is the Fire branch that opens summer, suggesting warmth within. Readings focus on the branch's element and the balance of the full chart rather than the animal's image.
Check it in your chart
Enter your date of birth and we calculate it. No payment or sign-up to check.
Related entries
- Sin (申)Sin (申), the ninth of the twelve Earthly Branches, represents the Monkey, early fall beginning at Ipchu, the hours 15:00~17:00, and Metal (金) energy growing firm as it matures.
- Hae (亥)Hae (亥), the last of the twelve earthly branches, represents the Pig, early winter beginning at the Start of Winter solar term, the hours 21:00~23:00, and the embracing energy of Water (水).
- O (午)O (午), the seventh of the twelve Earthly Branches, represents the Horse, midsummer beginning at Mangjong, the hours 11:00~13:00, and Fire (火) energy at its strongest.
- Jin (辰)Jin (辰), the fifth of the twelve Earthly Branches, corresponds to the Dragon. It represents late spring beginning at Clear and Bright, the hours of 7–9 a.m., and the energy of moist spring Earth (土).
- All of Earthly Branches Dictionary
Frequently asked questions
What hidden stems are inside Sa (巳)?
In the Seowoon engine, Byeong Fire is the main energy, with Gyeong Metal·Mu Earth also present.
What happens when Sa and Hae meet?
The Sa-Hae Clash brings Fire and Water together in a clash between Traveling Horse branches, suggesting increased movement and change.
What kind of relationship is the Sa-Sin Combination?
Sa and Sin form a Six Harmony pairing associated with Water energy. They also have a Punishment (hyeong, 刑) relationship, so both the combination and the strain are considered.
Last updated