TL;DR: Liuhe Mao - Tuat is a pair of earthly branches with yin-yang harmony, creating a perfect complement between Mao (flexible) and Tuat (loyal). In folk belief, this pair symbolizes harmony and durability in love and business cooperation.
Meaning of the Mao - Tuat Six Harmony in Eastern folk belief
What is the Six Harmony?
In the Earthly Branch system of Eastern culture, besides the relationships of mutual clash, mutual harm and mutual punishment, there is also the Six Harmony relationship (six pairs that harmonise with each other). The Six Harmony is the pairing of six Earthly Branch pairs that share a yin-yang compatible relationship, creating harmony and mutual support. In folk belief, people born under a Six Harmony pair tend to understand each other easily and help each other grow together.
The six Six Harmony pairs are:
- Ty - Suu (transforms into Earth)
- Dan - Hoi (transforms into Wood)
- Mao - Tuat (transforms into Fire)
- Thin - Dau (transforms into Metal)
- Ty - Than (transforms into Water)
- Ngo - Mui (transforms into Earth, yin-yang compatible)
So the Mao - Tuat pair is one of the six Six Harmony pairs, representing the combination of the Cat (Mao) and the Dog (Tuat).
The six Six Harmony pairs in the Earthly Branches, together with their transforming element and corresponding yin-yang characteristics.
| Earthly Branch pair | Transforming element | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ty - Suu | Earth | |
| Dan - Hoi | Wood | |
| Mao - Tuat | Fire | |
| Thin - Dau | Metal | |
| Ty - Than | Water | |
| Ngo - Mui | Earth | yin-yang compatible |
Origin and symbolism of Mao and Tuat
What does the Mao (Cat) signify in Eastern culture?
In Eastern culture, especially in Vietnam, the Cat (Mao) is seen as a symbol of agility, cleverness and gentleness. People born in the year of the Cat tend to be calm, skilful in communication, good at listening and understanding others. They dislike conflict and always look for a peaceful way to solve problems.
What does Tuat (Dog) signify in Eastern culture?
By contrast, the Dog (Tuat) symbolises loyalty, frankness and courage. People born in the year of the Dog tend to live by principles, have a strong sense of responsibility, and are ready to protect family and friends. They are not afraid to face difficulties and always stand firm in their position.
The combination of Mao and Tuat creates a pair that is opposite yet perfectly complementary: Mao's flexibility helps balance Tuat's rigidity, while Tuat's steadfastness helps Mao stand firmer in their decisions.
What does the Mao - Tuat Six Harmony mean in love and marriage?
In folk belief, the Mao - Tuat pair is considered one of the Earthly Branch pairs rated very highly in matters of the heart. The yin-yang harmony (Mao is Yin, Tuat is Yang) creates a balance of energy that helps the two people sympathise and share with each other easily.
People born in the year of the Cat are often sensitive and refined, while those born in the year of the Dog are strong and protective. That is why they complement each other so well: Tuat shelters Mao, while Mao helps Tuat be gentler in how they behave. In marriage, this couple tends to have few major conflicts, and they know how to yield to and respect each other.
However, it is not always rosy. People born in the year of the Dog can sometimes be too stubborn, while Mao can be too sensitive, leading to small misunderstandings. But thanks to understanding and patience, they can get past these differences.
What does the Mao - Tuat Six Harmony mean in career and business cooperation?
In work, the Mao - Tuat pair is seen as a well-matched duo. People born in the year of the Cat have good diplomatic skills and creativity, and know how to seize opportunities; those born in the year of the Dog are disciplined and persistent, helping the work reach its goal. This combination creates a perfect team: one handles strategy, the other handles execution.
Mao harmonising with Tuat also expresses absolute trust. People born in the year of the Dog value their word greatly and never betray friends or colleagues; those born in the year of the Cat are also loyal and keep their promises. Therefore, when cooperating in business, they tend to build lasting, long-term relationships.
What does the Mao - Tuat Six Harmony mean in feng shui and astrology?
In feng shui, a Six Harmony pair is often used to dissolve unlucky stars and strengthen good fortune. People born in the year of the Cat can place a feng shui item shaped like a Dog (Tuat) in their home or workplace to attract luck and increase stability. Conversely, people born in the year of the Dog can use an image of a Cat (Mao) to add gentleness in communication and improve social relationships.
In astrology, when choosing ages for business or marriage, people often give priority to those who form a Six Harmony pair with them. That is why people born in the year of the Cat and the year of the Dog are advised to cooperate and bond, because they can bring each other many good things.
Points to keep in mind
Although the Mao - Tuat Six Harmony carries much positive meaning, one should not rely too heavily on this factor. A person's fate also depends on many other factors such as time of birth, living environment, and most importantly one's own effort. The Six Harmony concept is only one reference perspective, helping us understand more about the nature of relationships between the zodiac signs, and from there find a suitable way to behave.
In addition, one should distinguish the Six Harmony from the Three Harmony. The Three Harmony is a group of three zodiac signs with the same direction, while the Six Harmony is a pair that complements yin and yang. Both are good but they mean different things. While the Three Harmony creates broad agreement, the Six Harmony creates deep harmony and a lasting bond.
