What Are Earthly Branch Arch Gatherings?
Earthly Branch Arch Gatherings, abbreviated "Gong Hui," are analogous to Arch Unions but apply to the Three Gatherings (Yin-Mao-Chen, Si-Wu-Wei, Shen-You-Xu, Hai-Zi-Chou). When the central Branch of a Three Gathering is missing from the chart, the two flanking Branches "arch" around the central position, covertly forming the directional energy of the gathering.
For example: a chart has Yin and Chen (the spring Wood Gathering), sandwiching the central Mao Wood position. Although Mao is not in the chart, Yin and Chen arch around Mao Wood, creating a Wood Gathering convergence tendency.
Arch Gathering Forms for Each Three Gathering
| Arched Branch | Flanking Branches | Corresponding Gathering |
|---|---|---|
| Mao (Wood Gathering center) | Yin + Chen | Yin-Chen arch Mao Wood Gathering |
| Wu (Fire Gathering center) | Si + Wei | Si-Wei arch Wu Fire Gathering |
| You (Metal Gathering center) | Shen + Xu | Shen-Xu arch You Metal Gathering |
| Zi (Water Gathering center) | Hai + Chou | Hai-Chou arch Zi Water Gathering |
Characteristics of Arch Gatherings
- Latent convergence: Arch Gatherings represent a same-direction Five Element convergence tendency; although the full configuration is not yet formed, the Five Element influence already shows a bias.
- The central Branch is key: Mao, Wu, You, and Zi are respectively the cores of the four directions (Imperial Prosperity positions and Month Command representative Branches); arching around these Branches carries great significance.
- Filling the void triggers activation: When a Luck Cycle or Annual Luck arrives at the arched Branch, forming a complete Three Gathering, the element's energy intensifies sharply and the chart undergoes noticeable change.
Practical Significance
Arch Unions and Arch Gatherings represent relatively concealed potential energies in the chart. When analyzing a chart, if such structures are discovered, the arched Branches should be marked. When projecting Luck Cycles and Annual Luck, pay special attention to the years when those Branches are filled in -- these are typically important life milestones in the chart.