The zodiac is not twelve isolated animals - it is a web of relationships. Three traditional systems describe them: San He (三合, trine groups of three), Liu He (六合, six harmonious pairs), and Liu Chong (六沖, six clashes). Here is the full chart, and what it does and does not mean.
Free one-page PDF. Zodiac Compatibility One-Page: Trines, Pairs & Clashes — print it, keep it. No signup needed.
Download free PDFSan He: the four trines
Four groups of three, each sharing an elemental frame: Rat-Dragon-Monkey (water frame), Ox-Snake-Rooster (metal frame), Tiger-Horse-Dog (fire frame), Rabbit-Goat-Pig (wood frame). Trine signs are read as natural allies - different strengths, same direction.
Liu He: six pairs
Six one-to-one harmonies: Rat-Ox, Tiger-Pig, Rabbit-Dog, Dragon-Rooster, Snake-Monkey, Horse-Goat. Where trines are teams, pairs are partnerships - the classic "secret friend" (六合貴人) combinations of folk tradition.
Liu Chong: six clashes
Six oppositions, each pair six steps apart: Rat-Horse, Ox-Goat, Tiger-Monkey, Rabbit-Rooster, Dragon-Dog, Snake-Pig. "Clash" sounds alarming; in practice it means friction and difference of rhythm, not doom. Many strong partnerships are clashes that learned to work.
The full chart
| Sign | Trine allies (三合) | Secret friend (六合) | Clash (六沖) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | Dragon, Monkey | Ox | Horse |
| Ox | Snake, Rooster | Rat | Goat |
| Tiger | Horse, Dog | Pig | Monkey |
| Rabbit | Goat, Pig | Dog | Rooster |
| Dragon | Rat, Monkey | Rooster | Dog |
| Snake | Ox, Rooster | Monkey | Pig |
| Horse | Tiger, Dog | Goat | Rat |
| Goat | Rabbit, Pig | Horse | Ox |
| Monkey | Rat, Dragon | Snake | Tiger |
| Rooster | Ox, Snake | Dragon | Rabbit |
| Dog | Tiger, Horse | Rabbit | Dragon |
| Pig | Rabbit, Goat | Tiger | Snake |
What this does not decide
A sign-to-sign chart is the coarsest layer of the tradition. Real BaZi compatibility reads full charts - stems, branches, elements, and timing - where one clash can be absorbed by three harmonies elsewhere. Use this chart for curiosity and conversation; for anything that matters, the chart tool and BaZi basics go deeper.
For guidance and self-awareness purposes only. This lesson explains Chinese astrology as a cultural and philosophical framework - what it is, where it came from, and how its vocabulary works. It is not a prediction of your future, a medical or financial opinion, or a substitute for professional advice.