Triad's Discord (羊击猪蛇)
Triad's Discord (羊击猪蛇) is one of the most intricate and subtle hidden Patterns in Bazi (Four Pillars) astrology. In this context, "Goat" refers to the Earthly Branch Wei (未), "Pig" to Hai (亥), and "Snake" to Si (巳). The essence of this Pattern lies in a chart where there are no visible Executive (Direct Officer) stars. Instead, the presence of multiple Wei (未) branches covertly combines to draw out the Hai (亥), which then, as a "phantom spirit," remotely clashes with Si (巳), thereby revealing the hidden Executive star within Si (巳) for the Day Master to utilize. This Pattern is a chain of subtle mechanisms, bestowing nobility in the most intangible of ways.
How to Identify This Pattern
This Pattern centers on Xin Wei (辛未) or Gui Wei (癸未) Day Masters. The four Pillars should contain two or three Wei (未) Earthly Branches, with no visible Executive stars or the branches Si (巳) and Hai (亥). Through "hidden combination and remote clash," the Executive star concealed within Si (巳) is drawn out.
The criteria are as follows:
- Day Master Restriction: The Day Master must be either Xin Wei (辛未) or Gui Wei (癸未).
- Multiple Wei Branches: In addition to the Day Branch, it is best if one or two more Wei (未) branches appear in the Four Pillars, gathering the power of hidden combinations to activate the Pattern.
- No Executive Stars Present: There must be absolutely no Bing (丙) Fire (the Executive star for Xin) or Wu (戊) Earth (the Executive star for Gui), nor should Si (巳) or Hai (亥) appear in any of the Heavenly Stems or Earthly Branches. Their presence would "solidify" the Pattern, which is the greatest taboo—if seen, the Pattern is broken.
- Favorable to See You (酉) or Chou (丑): This is the key to forming the Pattern. If a You (酉) or Chou (丑) branch is present, it can combine with the remotely clashed Si (巳) Fire to form the Si-You-Chou Three Combinations Team, "locking in the noble energy" and greatly elevating the Pattern, making the nobility stable and enduring.
Meaning of the Pattern
Those whose charts enter the Triad's Discord (羊击猪蛇) Pattern are endowed with exceptional strategic wisdom and far-reaching vision. The way this Pattern bestows nobility is circuitous and ingenious, symbolizing a person who does not follow the beaten path, but excels at using indirect means and multi-step planning to achieve their ultimate goals. Such individuals are often meticulous, composed, and adept at orchestrating from behind the scenes—able to overcome strength with subtlety and accomplish great undertakings. When the Pattern is pure, it signifies great nobility and the potential to rise to high positions, marking one as a top strategist or leader. However, the requirements for this Pattern are extremely stringent, its mechanism complex, and easily disrupted. If the Pattern is not pure, the individual may become lost in fantasy, with many plans but little realization. Additionally, if the power of Wei (未) Earth is overly concentrated, it may result in a more introverted or stubborn personality, or even certain health imbalances.
Favorable and Unfavorable Factors
Favorable:
- You-Chou Combine for Nobility: This is the essence of the Pattern. The presence of You (酉) or Chou (丑) in the chart acts as a bridge, firmly locking in the Executive star that has been subtly invited, transforming intangible nobility into tangible authority.
- Pattern Purity: The complete absence of any Executive or Warlord (Bing, Wu) stars and the solidifying branches (Si, Hai) is crucial for the Pattern's level and effectiveness.
- Strong and Vital Day Master: If the Day Master, Xin Metal (辛) or Gui Water (癸), is supported by Peer (Friend) or Rival (Rob Wealth) stars in the Heavenly Stems, or receives appropriate support from Mentor (Direct Resource) stars, they are better equipped to bear the great nobility attained through such complex mechanisms.
Unfavorable:
- Si (巳) or Hai (亥) Appearing: This is the primary taboo. If Si (巳) or Hai (亥) appears in the natal chart or during luck cycles, the mechanism of hidden combination and remote clash is destroyed, and the Pattern collapses instantly.
- Executive Stars Exposed: If Bing (丙) Fire or Wu (戊) Earth appears in the natal chart or luck cycles, there is no need to seek hidden Executives—the Pattern does not form and should be interpreted as a standard Pattern.
- Chou (丑) and Wei (未) Clashing: Although Chou (丑) is a favorable spirit, if it forms an intense clash with Wei (未) in the chart and there is no resolution, the foundation of the Pattern is shaken, destabilizing the chart and lowering the Pattern's quality.
Classical Source
San Ming Tong Hui (《三命通会》)
此格乃辛未、癸未二日，以二三未字合起亥字，冲出巳中丙戊为辛癸之官，柱有酉、丑一字合住贵气为妙，怕填实、冲刑。如甲戌、辛未、癸未、癸丑; 和 庚申、癸未、辛未、乙未，二命合格，俱贵。诗曰：“羊击猪蛇格最强，日逢辛癸未相当。柱中再逢酉申字，合禄无伤入庙堂。”
Explanation: This Pattern applies to Xin Wei (辛未) and Gui Wei (癸未) days, relying on two or three Wei (未) branches in the chart to covertly combine (with Mao) and draw out the Hai (亥) branch. This hidden Hai (亥) is then used to clash with Si (巳), revealing the Bing (丙) Fire and Wu (戊) Earth hidden within Si (巳) as the Executive stars for Xin and Gui days. If any of the Four Pillars contain You (酉) or Chou (丑), these can lock in this noble energy, which is the Pattern's subtlety. The greatest concern is having the Executive star or useful spirit "solidified," clashed, or punished. For example, the two charts Jia Xu, Xin Wei, Gui Wei, Gui Chou and Geng Shen, Gui Wei, Xin Wei, Yi Wei both fit this Pattern and are considered noble. The poem says: "Triad's Discord Pattern is the strongest; the Day Pillar must be Xin Wei or Gui Wei. If You (酉) or Shen (申) appears in the Pillars, the Executive and fortune are combined and unscathed, allowing one to rise to high office and enter the halls of power."
FAQ
What is Triad's Discord Pattern in Bazi astrology?
Triad's Discord (羊击猪蛇) is a rare and complex hidden pattern in Bazi (Four Pillars) astrology. It involves the interplay of the Earthly Branches Wei (未), Hai (亥), and Si (巳), specifically in charts with Xin Wei (辛未) or Gui Wei (癸未) Day Masters. This pattern reveals a concealed Executive star through subtle mechanisms, symbolizing strategic wisdom and indirect achievement. People with this pattern are often meticulous and excel in multi-step planning, marking them as exceptional strategists or behind-the-scenes leaders in Chinese metaphysics.
How to identify Triad's Discord Pattern in a Bazi chart?
To identify the Triad's Discord Pattern in a Bazi chart, look for a Xin Wei (辛未) or Gui Wei (癸未) Day Master with two or three Wei (未) branches present in the Four Pillars. Ensure there are no visible Executive stars like Bing (丙) or Wu (戊), and avoid the appearance of Si (巳) and Hai (亥) branches or stems. The presence of You (酉) or Chou (丑) branches is favorable, as they help stabilize and elevate the noble energy of the pattern. Purity of these conditions is essential for the pattern to manifest successfully.
Why is Triad's Discord Pattern considered significant in Bazi readings?
The Triad's Discord Pattern is highly valued in Bazi readings for its association with hidden nobility, strategic intelligence, and leadership potential. When present in a chart, it suggests the individual possesses exceptional vision and the ability to achieve goals through indirect, ingenious means. This pattern is a mark of those who can orchestrate from behind the scenes, often rising to influential positions. Its significance also lies in its strict requirements and the transformative effect it has on a person's destiny when pure.
What are the favorable factors for Triad's Discord Pattern in Bazi?
Favorable factors for the Triad's Discord Pattern include the presence of You (酉) or Chou (丑) branches, which help stabilize the hidden Executive star and reinforce noble energy. Pattern purity is critical—there should be no visible Executive or Warlord stars, nor Si (巳) or Hai (亥) branches. A strong Day Master, supported by Peer or Mentor stars in the Heavenly Stems, further enhances the individual's ability to utilize the pattern's potential, ensuring tangible authority and lasting success.
When can Triad's Discord Pattern be disrupted in a Bazi chart?
The Triad's Discord Pattern can be disrupted when Executive stars like Bing (丙) or Wu (戊), or the branches Si (巳) and Hai (亥), appear visibly in the chart. These elements "solidify" the pattern, breaking its subtle mechanism and negating its effects. Additionally, if the Wei (未) Earth is overly concentrated, it can lead to personality imbalances or health issues. Maintaining pattern purity and avoiding these disruptive factors are essential for the pattern’s effectiveness in Bazi astrology.