Earthly Branches (Jiji) | Saju Glossary

The Earthly Branches (Jiji) are twelve symbols representing terrestrial energy: Ja, Chuk, In, Myo, Jin, Sa, O, Mi, Sin, Yu, Sul, and Hae. They also form the basis of the familiar twelve zodiac animals. Each Branch with its corresponding animal, element, and time: ● Ja (Rat): Water, 23:00-01:00 ● Chuk (Ox): Earth, 01:00-03:00 ● In (Tiger): Wood, 03:00-05:00 ● Myo (Rabbit): Wood, 05:00-07:00 ● Jin (Dragon): Earth, 07:00-09:00 ● Sa (Snake): Fire, 09:00-11:00 ● O (Horse): Fire, 11:00-13:00 ● Mi (Sheep): Earth, 13:00-15:00 ● Sin (Monkey): Metal, 15:00-17:00 ● Yu (Rooster): Metal, 17:00-19:00 ● Sul (Dog): Earth, 19:00-21:00 ● Hae (Pig): Water, 21:00-23:00 Unlike the Heavenly Stems, each Earthly Branch can contain hidden inner energies (Jijanggan, Hidden Stems), allowing for more complex interpretation beyond what is visible on the surface. The harmony (Hap), clash (Chung), punishment (Hyeong), break (Pa), and harm (Hae) relationships between Branches play a critically important role in Saju analysis. The Hidden Stems (Jijanggan) are Heavenly Stems concealed within each Earthly Branch — each Branch contains one to three hidden Stems. For example, In (Tiger) contains Gap (Yang Wood) as its dominant energy, along with Byeong (Yang Fire) and Mu (Yang Earth). These hidden energies remain latent under normal conditions but rise to the surface when triggered by specific stimuli from Major Luck Cycles or Annual Fortune. Judging a Branch solely by its surface element therefore risks missing the chart's deeper layers; accurate analysis requires examining the Hidden Stems as well. The harmony and clash relationships among Branches are more complex and varied than those of Heavenly Stems. Triple Harmony (Samhap) occurs when three Branches combine to form a single powerful elemental force: In-O-Sul creates a Fire frame, Sin-Ja-Jin a Water frame, Hae-Myo-Mi a Wood frame, and Sa-Yu-Chuk a Metal frame. When a Triple Harmony forms within the natal chart, the energy of that element becomes exceptionally strong. Six Harmony (Yukhap) pairs two Branches — such as Ja-Chuk or In-Hae — and represents personal, intimate connections. In practical life, Branch clashes frequently correlate with visible changes such as career shifts, relocations, and relationship transitions. For instance, if a person's Day Branch is In (Tiger) and Sin (Monkey) arrives through a Major Luck Cycle or Annual Fortune, the resulting In-Sin clash can trigger significant changes in spousal relationships or deep inner transformation. However, clashes are not always negative — they can also serve as turning points that break through stagnation. DESTIGER extracts and analyzes not only the surface element of each Earthly Branch but also the hidden energies within every Hidden Stem. It automatically detects Triple Harmonies, Six Harmonies, Directional Harmonies, Clashes, Punishments, Breaks, and Harms within the natal chart, and reflects in real time which Branch interactions are being activated by the current Major Luck Cycle and Annual Fortune, clearly communicating the relationship changes and life-transition signals that require attention at this moment.