Earthly Branch Relationship

Affinity Relationship (Attraction)

The affinity relationship of Earthly Branches is from the relative positions (in the sky) of Sun and Moon in an old calendar system.

Rat (1) and Cow (2) like each other and generate Earth ingredient.

Dragon (5) and Chicken (10) like each other and generate Metal ingredient.

Snake (6) and Monkey (9) like each other and generate Water ingredient.

Tiger (3) and Pig (12) like each other and generate Wood ingredient.

Rabbit (4) and Dog(11) like each other and generate Fire ingredient.

Enmity Relationship (Fighting/Rejection)

Just like Stem relationship, the enmity relationship is from relative positions of the elements. Chinese considered "face to face" as the enmity relationship. Wood is in the east and faces Metal in the West. Water is in the north and faces Fire in the south. They are dislike each other, so they live in different places. Also, same genders reject each other which is natural.