What is Tam Hợp?
Tam Hợp (三合) is the term for four groups of three zodiac animals in the system of 12 Earthly Branches, each group consisting of three branches spaced four positions apart, forming a distinct elemental combination. The four Tam Hợp groups are:
- Shen - Zi - Chen: Water combination
- Hai - Mao - Wei: Wood combination
- Yin - Wu - Xu: Fire combination
- Si - You - Chou: Metal combination
Each group has a leading branch (often called "birth"), a middle branch ("prosperity"), and a closing branch ("tomb"), forming a closed cycle of one element.
Origin and formation
Tam Hợp is formed based on the rules of yin and yang and the positions of the 12 Earthly Branches on the circle. The three branches in a group always have a harmonious combination of yin and yang and the five elements, and are considered a trio that complements each other in personality, goals, and abilities. In feng shui, Tam Hợp is also associated with the 24 mountains, each mountain belonging to a specific Tam Hợp combination, helping to interpret house directions and burial sites.
How is Tam Hợp applied?
In astrology and age selection, Tam Hợp is often used to assess compatibility between ages. People in the same Tam Hợp group are believed to easily empathize with and support each other in work and life. In feng shui, Tam Hợp is the basis for determining the combination of mountain directions, choosing dates and times, and arranging spaces. In Western astrology, "Tam Hợp" (Trine) is a 120-degree aspect between two planets, symbolizing harmony and innate talent.
Distinguishing Tam Hợp from easily confused terms
- Tam Hợp and Four Clashes: Four Clashes are four groups of three zodiac animals that clash (Zi-Wu-Mao-You, Yin-Shen-Si-Hai, Chen-Xu-Chou-Wei), opposite to Tam Hợp.
- Tam Hợp and Six Harmonies: Six Harmonies are six pairs of Earthly Branches that harmonize (Zi-Chou, Yin-Hai, Mao-Xu, Chen-You, Si-Shen, Wu-Wei), different from the three-branch groups of Tam Hợp.
- Tam Hợp in Earthly Branches and Tam Hợp in Western astrology: Two concepts with the same name but belonging to different systems, one based on the 12 zodiac animals, the other based on a 120-degree angle between planets.
Note
Tam Hợp is traditional knowledge for reference, not scientifically verified. Readers should approach it as part of spiritual culture, not as an absolute basis for all life choices.