San Hui combinations are often referred to as seasonal combinations or directional combinations. They are formed when 3 Earthly Branches in a BaZi chart come together to represent a single season. In other words, if a chart contains all the Branches associated with one particular season, a San Hui combination exists.
The following are the San Hui combinations:
- Yin + Mao + Chen = Spring Wood
- Si + Wu + Wei = Summer Fire
- Shen + You + Xu = Autumn Metal
- Hai + Zi + Chou = Winter Water
A San Hui combination forms when 3 Earthly Branches in a BaZi chart together represent the same season. When that happens, the Element tied to that season is amplified strongly. It becomes the chart’s dominant force because the full seasonal energy is present.
Whether this concentration is helpful depends on the chart. If the boosted element supports the self-element, it brings advantages and strengthened abilities. If the element works against the chart, the increased intensity can create problems.
In short: the Directional Combination magnifies one Element dramatically, and that magnification can be either beneficial or harmful depending on the chart’s needs.
Yin + Mao + Chen = Spring Wood
The first trio aligns with spring: Tiger (Yin), Rabbit (Mao) and Dragon (Chen). When these three appear together, imagine a lush rainforest teeming with trees and green growth.
Wood stands for growth, development and forward movement. When Wood dominates a period, it signals branching out — new projects, expansion and stepping up to the next stage. A supportive Wood alignment favors things like franchising, product or project rollouts, skill development and other major life expansions.
Si + Wu + Wei = Summer Fire
The second trio corresponds summer: Snake (巳 Si), Horse (午 Wu) and Goat (未 Wei). When these three come together, picture a hot, sun‑baked day—dry, bright and full of summer heat.
Fire stands for performance, flair and refined beauty. Beyond showmanship, Fire is the element that shapes and influences others — it can inspire, persuade and stir strong emotions. When Fire sits well in a chart, that period brings charisma and the power to motivate people; it can also awaken spiritual or metaphysical pursuits. In short, a favourable Fire Structure often coincides with times of creative expression, leadership, and involvement in religious or inner‑work practices.
Shen + You + Xu = Autumn Metal
The third trio belongs to autumn: Monkey (申 Shen), Rooster (酉 You) and Dog (戌 Xu). Picture trees losing their leaves, branches standing bare—autumn’s crisp scene where Metal’s cutting energy trims back growth.
Metal is the element of clear judgment, fairness and moral backbone. When a Metal pattern is strong in a period, the person tends to make sound financial decisions, exercise authority with principle, and advance into positions of responsibility. Metal sharpens one’s capacity to set rules, communicate directives and apply disciplined standards—useful for climbing the corporate ladder and managing money wisely. If Metal is poorly placed, however, those strengths flip: control problems, breakdowns in communication, weak financial judgment, and even risks of betrayal or fractured trust can appear.
Hai + Zi + Chou = Winter Water
The fourth trio aligns with winter’s waters: Pig (亥 Hai), Rat (子 Zi) and Ox (丑 Chou). When these three appear together, picture heavy rains, blizzards or a vast expanse of water—an image of deep, flowing cold like a swollen river or the sea.
When Water dominates a chart, it brings a focus on thought, learning and movement. During such periods the person is often more reflective, emotionally attuned, and drawn to study, research or travel. Because Water flows and doesn’t stay put, these phases commonly involve change — frequent trips, job moves, new residences, or other shifts of location and circumstance.