Ch7. The Six Relationships — Reading Parents, Spouse, and Children in Your Saju
What Is the Six Relationships Theory?
The Six Relationships Theory (六親論) analyzes which family members — parents, siblings, spouse, children — each Ten God component symbolizes in a chart, and what relational patterns emerge based on that Ten God’s strength or weakness.
When a specific Ten God is strong or weak in a chart, characteristic patterns tend to appear in the corresponding family relationship.
Ten Gods and Family Correspondence Table
For Male Charts
| Ten God | Symbolizes (for men) |
|---|---|
| Bijeon / Geomjae | Brothers, colleagues, competitors |
| Sikshin / Sanggwan | Children, creative output, students |
| Pyeonjae | Father, lover, the opposite sex |
| Jeongjae | Wife, wealth |
| Pyeongwan | Children (sons), pressure, superiors |
| Jeonggwan | Children (daughters), honor, workplace |
| Pyeonin | Stepmother, aunt, a special elder figure |
| Jeongin | Mother, academics, mentor |
For Female Charts
| Ten God | Symbolizes (for women) |
|---|---|
| Bijeon / Geomjae | Sisters, colleagues, competitors |
| Sikshin / Sanggwan | Children, creative output |
| Pyeonjae | Father, mother-in-law |
| Jeongjae | Father, wealth |
| Pyeongwan | A potential husband, lover |
| Jeonggwan | Husband, workplace, honor |
| Pyeonin | Stepmother, a special elder figure |
| Jeongin | Mother, academics |
Note: The family correspondences above reflect the traditional perspective of classical Saju. Rather than applying them literally to modern family structures, it is more useful to understand them as psychological patterns.
Analyzing the Parental Relationship
Mother — Jeongin (正印)
Strong Jeongin: Abundant maternal love and care. An environment of academic support. Grew up in a stable home.
Weak or absent Jeongin: Emotional distance from mother; often becomes independent early. Must forge one’s own learning path.
Jeongin under clash or control: Possible mother’s health issues or relational conflict.
Excessive Jeongin: Excessive dependency; difficulty separating from mother.
Father — Pyeonjae (偏財) or Jeongjae (正財)
The father is represented by Jaeseong (財星) for both men and women.
Strong Jaeseong: Father is socially active with an entrepreneurial character. Abundant financial support.
Weak or absent Jaeseong: Emotional distance from father, father’s absence, or financial hardship.
Analyzing the Spousal Relationship
Male’s Spouse — Jeongjae (正財)
Strong and favorable Jeongjae: A stable spouse; a marriage that provides financial support; a realistic partner.
Weak Jeongjae: Marriage may come late, or there may be wealth-related conflict with the spouse.
Jeongjae under clash or control: Potential for marital conflict; be mindful of divorce.
Multiple Jeongjae: Tendency to pursue multiple relationships simultaneously, or the spouse may change.
Female’s Spouse — Jeonggwan (正官) or Pyeongwan (偏官)
Favorable Jeonggwan: A socially successful and stable spouse. An honorable marriage.
Only Pyeongwan: Drawn to strong, charismatic partners.
No Gwanseong: Indifference to marriage, or a preference for independent life.
Excessive Gwanseong: Complicated relationships with men, or feeling much pressure in married life.
Modern interpretation: The absence of Gwanseong in a woman’s chart does not mean she cannot marry. Modern Saju interprets this as a pattern of independent, self-directed living.
Analyzing the Relationship with Children
Children — Siksang (食傷) [men also include Gwanseong]
Strong Siksang: Rich, creative relationship with children. Ability to raise children well.
Weak or absent Siksang: Emotional distance from children; may feel difficulty in parenting.
Siksang under clash: Possible difficulties with children’s health or the relationship.
Siblings and Colleagues — Bijep (比劫)
Much Bijep: Many siblings, or an environment full of competitors. Strong independence; strives to protect one’s own territory.
No Bijep: May be an only child or emotionally distant from siblings. Independent but potentially lonely.
Assessing Marriage Timing
Marriage tends to come when the following conditions overlap:
For men:
- Jaeseong Major Luck Cycle or Annual Luck
- Gwanseong or Inseong cycle (stable environment)
- A year when Jaeseong Branch forms a combination (合)
For women:
- Gwanseong Major Luck Cycle or Annual Luck
- A year when Gwanseong Branch forms a combination
- A period when Bijep is suppressed and Gwanseong activates
Important: Saju indicates the direction of marriage — it does not mean things will necessarily happen that way. Personal will and effort can change fate.
The Spouse’s Characteristics Based on the Day Branch (日支)
The Day Pillar represents “the self,” but the Day Branch is also considered the seat of the spouse.
| Day Branch | Spouse Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ja (子) | Intelligent, highly adaptable spouse |
| Chuk (丑) | Diligent, patient, reliable spouse |
| In (寅) | Leadership-oriented, independent spouse |
| Myo (卯) | Artistically sensitive spouse |
| Jin (辰) | Charismatic, distinctive spouse |
| Sa (巳) | Wise, methodical spouse |
| O (午) | Passionate, free-spirited spouse |
| Mi (未) | Artistic temperament, sensitive spouse |
| Sin (申) | Highly strategic, versatile spouse |
| Yu (酉) | Refined, perfectionist spouse |
| Sul (戌) | Loyal, independent spouse |
| Hae (亥) | Free-spirited, generous spouse |
Basics of Compatibility (宮合)
Saju compatibility compares two people’s charts comprehensively.
Basic compatibility checklist:
- Five Element complementarity: Best when each person’s Lucky Element is the other’s Favorable Element
- Day Master combination (合): Combinations like Gabgi, Eulgyeong (where Day Masters form a pair) are favorable
- Clash (沖) between Day Branches: Frequent relational conflict if Day Branches clash
- Five Element harmony: When one person’s deficient element is provided by the other
The truth about compatibility: Even when Five Elements or charts don’t seem to match well, mutual understanding and effort can build a wonderful relationship. Compatibility charts are reference tools, not absolute standards.
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