What Are Earthly Branch Half Unions?
Earthly Branch Half Unions refer to situations within a Three Union (Shen-Zi-Chen, Yin-Wu-Xu, Hai-Mao-Wei, Si-You-Chou) where only two of the three Branches appear, with the third missing, forming a "half union" state. A Half Union already shows directional tendencies toward the full union, but its force is less than that of a complete Three Union with all three Branches present.
Half Union Combinations of the Four Three Unions
Using the Water configuration (Shen-Zi-Chen) as an example:
- Shen-Zi (missing Chen): Water configuration half union; Shen Metal generates Zi Water, showing the union tendency
- Zi-Chen (missing Shen): Water configuration half union; Zi Water connects root to the Chen storage
- Shen-Chen (missing Zi): Weakest force, because the Imperial Prosperity position (Zi) is absent
The other configurations follow the same pattern:
| Three Union | Half Union Combinations (two Branches each) | Core Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Shen-Zi-Chen (Water) | Shen-Zi, Zi-Chen, Shen-Chen | Zi (Imperial Prosperity) |
| Yin-Wu-Xu (Fire) | Yin-Wu, Wu-Xu, Yin-Xu | Wu (Imperial Prosperity) |
| Hai-Mao-Wei (Wood) | Hai-Mao, Mao-Wei, Hai-Wei | Mao (Imperial Prosperity) |
| Si-You-Chou (Metal) | Si-You, You-Chou, Si-Chou | You (Imperial Prosperity) |
Strength of Half Unions
- Half unions containing Imperial Prosperity are stronger: For example, Shen-Zi (containing Zi Water at Imperial Prosperity) has greater strength and a clearer union tendency.
- Half unions without Imperial Prosperity are weaker: For example, Shen-Chen (missing Zi) has a weaker union tendency.
- Annual Cycles can fill the void to complete the Three Union: If a Luck Cycle or Annual Luck brings the missing third Branch, the Half Union upgrades to a full Three Union, with greatly increased power.
Practical Significance
When a Half Union exists in the natal chart, one should pay close attention to whether the Luck Cycle or Annual Luck will fill in the third Branch. If the void is filled and the full configuration forms, it often marks a time when the chart's Five Element structure undergoes significant change, and the life matters governed by the corresponding Ten Gods may experience notable shifts.