Mastering Liu Hai starts with knowing the 6 Combinations and the 6 Clashes.
In combinations, two branches cooperate; in clashes, a branch opposes another. A Harm arises where those two patterns intersect.
For example: Yin and Hai normally form a benign pairing, but when Si (Snake) appears it clashes with the Yin-Hai pairing and breaks that bond. The resulting interaction between the Yin and Si is called a Liu Hai, or betrayal. Practically, a betrayal often plays out as harm or a breakdown in a previously functioning partnership — someone you were working with turning on you once the liu hai is triggered.
The 6 betrayal relationships between earthly branches are:
- Zi + Wei (Rat + Goat)
- Yin + Si (Tiger + Snake)
- Shen + Hai (Monkey + Pig)
- Wu + Chou (Horse + Ox)
- Chen + Mao (Dragon + Rabbit)
- Xu + You (Dog + Rooster)
Experiencing a betrayal can feel like being harmed—shaky emotions, broken trust, a sudden sense of loss. Yet sometimes the upset has a hidden use. If the Liu Hai removes a harmful influence from someone’s life, the immediate shock can lead to long‑term gain: a toxic pattern ends, a bad ally departs, or a limiting situation is forced open. In that light, the painful episode becomes a cleansing event that clears space for healthier growth.
On the other hand, if the Liu Hai strikes something positive—an asset, a relationship, or a source of confidence—the result is usually pure setback. Instead of a useful wake‑up call, the person may collapse under the loss, feel defeated, and take away few real lessons. The difference lies in what the clash targets: losing a negative factor can be painful but ultimately liberating; losing a positive one tends to leave lasting harm unless it’s followed by careful recovery and rebuilding.
Zi + Wei
A Zi + Wei betrayal tends to produce emotional confusion and misdirection. In practice it often looks like being led astray by information that seems sincere but is misleading—whether through honest mistakes, half‑truths, or deliberate falsehoods. You act on what you’re told and end up taking the wrong step because the guidance was inaccurate, deceptive, or simply unreliable.
Yin + Si
A Yin + Si betrayal often shows up around travel and relocation — it brings unexpected hassles tied to movement. Picture being tempted by a seemingly perfect job transfer or relocation deal that, on closer inspection, turns out full of hidden catches. Or imagine moving for an opportunity and only discovering serious problems once you’ve already uprooted yourself. In short: promises tied to travel or moves that look good at first can backfire, producing inconvenient, sometimes costly surprises.
Shen + Hai
This betrayal targets the emotional side of relationships. It shows up when someone you trusted—perhaps a close friend, partner, or colleague—lets you down, harms, or betrays you. Often it leaves you feeling used: you invested time, effort or loyalty, and in return you get disappointment or a sense of being shortchanged.
Wu + Chou
This Harm tends to produce unexpected delays and blockages. You may be waiting on someone else for information or action—only for that help to be late or never arrive—so opportunities slip away. In short: plans stall because key support or timing breaks down, leaving you stuck instead of moving forward.
Chen + Mao
This betrayal typically shows up around legal and paperwork troubles. Expect documentation disputes, contract arguments, or bureaucratic hassles. In more serious cases it can escalate into litigation, formal complaints, or costly legal battles—so watch the fine print and keep records.
Xu + You
This brings messy disruptions and unexpected fallout from well‑intentioned actions. You might help or trust someone and wind up embarrassed or burdened instead. Domestic squabbles, meddling in‑laws, or schemes that turn a peaceful home into chaos are classic examples. Keep your guard up around favors that could backfire.