Zodiac Compatibility Checker

Complete Compatibility Chart

The table below shows the classical relationship between all 144 zodiac pairings at a glance. Use it as a quick reference before diving into the detailed explanations of each relationship type.

Legend: ♥ H6 = Six Harmony   ★ H3 = Three Harmony   ⚔ Clash = Six Clash   ⚠ Harm = Six Harm   Self = Same Animal   — = Neutral

Browse Detailed Pair Pages

Click any pairing below for a detailed compatibility analysis including element interactions, relationship dynamics, and practical advice:

The Six Harmonies (六合)

The Six Harmonies represent the six most naturally compatible zodiac pairings. In classical Chinese metaphysics, these are animals whose Earthly Branches combine (合) to produce a harmonious elemental transformation. This concept originates from the Huainanzi (淮南子, 2nd century BCE) and was further codified in Tang Dynasty BaZi analysis.

The Six Harmonies are sometimes called "secret friends" (暗合) because their bond is quiet and steady rather than showy. In BaZi practice, when these branches appear together in a natal chart, they indicate areas of natural support, helpful relationships, and fortunate timing.

The Three Harmonies (三合)

The Three Harmonies group animals that share an elemental affinity through their position on the zodiac wheel, forming cooperative triads. These groupings are among the oldest compatibility structures in Chinese astrology, predating even the formalisation of BaZi.

Animals within the same triad share cooperative energy and tend to understand each other's motivations intuitively. The Three Harmony bond is broader than the Six Harmony — it connects three animals rather than two, making it common in team dynamics, friendships, and business partnerships.

The Six Clashes (六衝)

The Six Clashes pair animals that sit directly opposite each other on the zodiac wheel. Separated by six positions, their energies are fundamentally opposed:

Clashing pairs can produce friction, disagreements, and opposing life philosophies. However, classical analysis emphasises that awareness of these dynamics allows individuals to transform conflict into complementary growth. A clash does not doom a relationship — it signals where conscious effort is needed. In BaZi practice, a clash can also indicate significant life changes and breakthroughs when properly managed.

The Six Harms (六害)

The Six Harms describe pairings where hidden resentments and misunderstandings tend to develop over time. Unlike clashes, which are overt, harms are insidious — they erode relationships gradually through subtle friction:

The harm relationship (害) derives from the interference of one animal with its partner's Six Harmony bond. For example, Rat and Ox form a Six Harmony — but the Goat clashes with the Ox, thereby "harming" the Rat's most supportive relationship. Open communication is essential to prevent the erosion of trust inherent in harm pairings.

Self-Punishment (自刑)

In classical Chinese astrology, certain animals carry a "self-punishment" (自刑) relationship when doubled — that is, when two people of the same sign are paired, or when the same branch appears multiple times in a BaZi chart. The four self-punishment animals are:

Self-punishment does not mean these pairings are doomed. It means the shared energy amplifies certain internal tensions. Two Rats may overthink together; two Dragons may struggle for dominance. Awareness of these patterns is the first step toward managing them constructively.

Elemental Interactions (五行生剋)

Beyond the zodiac animal, each birth year also carries one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), cycling every two years. The elemental relationship between two people adds a second layer of compatibility:

Generating (productive) pairs create natural synergy: Wood feeds Fire, Fire produces Earth, Earth yields Metal, Metal collects Water, Water nourishes Wood. These partnerships feel effortless and mutually beneficial.

Overcoming (destructive) pairs introduce power dynamics: Wood parts Earth, Earth dams Water, Water quenches Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal chops Wood. These partnerships require more conscious effort to maintain balance.

The birth year element combines with the zodiac animal to create a more nuanced picture. For example, two animals in a Six Harmony whose elements also generate each other enjoy an exceptionally strong bond. Conversely, a Six Harmony with conflicting elements may face subtle friction despite the branch-level compatibility.

A Classical Perspective

Zodiac compatibility based solely on the birth year is the most general level of analysis in Chinese astrology. A complete assessment would examine the full BaZi chart (all four pillars — Year, Month, Day, and Hour), the five element balance of both individuals, and the interactions between all eight Earthly Branches and Heavenly Stems in their combined charts.

The calculator and chart on this page offer a starting point grounded in the classical relationships between the twelve Earthly Branches, as documented in sources from the Huainanzi to the Song Dynasty BaZi texts of Xu Ziping. For a comprehensive personal analysis, consult a qualified BaZi practitioner or explore our premium reading services.

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