San Hui (Directional Combinations): The Seasonal Trios

Definition

San Hui (directional combination) unites three [Earthly Branches](/bazi/glossary/di-zhi) of the same direction into one pure, powerful seasonal force. It is the most forceful class of branch combination, often purer and more concentrated than a [trine](/bazi/glossary/san-he).

The Four Directional Trios

- **Yin–Mao–Chen** → **East Wood**; - **Si–Wu–Wei** → **South Fire**; - **Shen–You–Xu** → **West Metal**; - **Hai–Zi–Chou** → **North Water**. These are three consecutive same-season branches — hence "directional," a solid wall of qi.

San Hui vs. San He

- A trine unites Long-Life, Emperor, and Tomb from different directions (e.g. Shen–Zi–Chen), borrowing the force of combination; - A directional combination links three same-direction branches (e.g. Hai–Zi–Chou) — like qi seeking like, a solid mass, purer and stronger. - In force, a directional combination usually exceeds a trine.

Nature and Use

- A formed directional combination makes that element overwhelmingly strong — powerful as a [Useful God](/bazi/glossary/yong-shen), severe as an unfavorable one, and capable of producing a [Dominant-Element pattern](/bazi/glossary/zhuan-wang-ge). - All three branches must be present; missing one, it does not form.

Significance in Chart Analysis

Directional combinations markedly reshape [strength](/bazi/glossary/qiang-ruo), key to judging the pattern and the cycles. See your chart's combinations with the [free BaZi calculator](/bazi/chart).