Six Harming Groups of Chinese Zodiac (Liu Hai - 六害)

Since Chinese zodiac consists of twelve signs, there are six groups of signs harming each other, which are called Six Harming Groups (Liu Hai – 六害). Generally speaking, harming means "being harmful to each other". In simple terms, if two signs in the same harming group stay together, they can unintentionally harm each other and find quite unlucky. This kind of incompatibility is less serious than those in the punishment and offending (conflicting) groups.

Six Harming Groups 
1. Rat and Sheep   2. Ox and Horse   3. Tiger and Snake   4. Rabbit and Dragon  5. Monkey and Pig  6. Rooster and Dog

 

Many cases show clearly that Liu Hai has the power of separation and two signs in the same harming group finally break up. It is a kind of invisible damage in the complicated relationship of Feng Shui, which often occurs between relatives and friends, especially in the conflict of interests. If two signs in the same harming group are lovers or get married, they would make trouble out of nothing and quarrel with each other a lot. In the cases mentioned above, some said they were not happy, some broke up or divorced while others barely scraped by.

 

Many factors contribute to the harming and other incompatible relationships between zodiac signs, such as mutual promotion and restraint between the five elements. Each sign has its own change rules in five elements. For example, Wu Si belongs to fire and Zi Hai belongs to water. Because of this, the match of Six Harming Groups are somewhat fixed.

 

A number of cases show clearly that Liu Hai contains the power of separation, which can result break-up. And in a breakup, there must be a party taking the initiative:

In the harming group of Rat and Sheep, Sheep often takes the initiative while Rat is in a passive position.

In the harming group of Ox and Horse, Ox often takes the initiative while Horse is in a passive position.

In the harming group of Tiger and Snake, Snake often takes the initiative while Tiger is in a passive position.

In the harming group of Rabbit and Dragon, Rabbit often takes the initiative while Dragon is in a passive position.

In the harming group of Dog and Rooster, Rooster often takes the initiative while Dog is in a passive position.

In the harming group of Pig and Monkey, Pig often takes the initiative while Monkey is in a passive position.

 

In a team composed of two signs in the same harming group, there can be problems in coordination since the two are on bad terms. The key lies in that one has the initiative while the other is in the passive position, and unwilling to get close to his/her partner; however, the one with the initiative feels good about the leading role, and looks down on the other or refuses to communicate, making the other side in an awkward state. In this way, they are in a dilemma and lose the opportunity of joint development, which is undoubtedly detrimental to unity and leads to breakup.

 

As for love relationship, two signs in the same harming group tend to keep at arm's length rather than love each other dearly. Because of the harming relationship, one side wants to get close while the other side appears to be unresponsive, and makes the relationship meaningless. Naturally, they appear to be in love with each other but fail to make great strides forward.

 

In marriage, two signs in the same harming group often start a cold war. Their marriage bonds are more like working relationship in lack of conjugal love. This is caused by the limited communication: one side talks more while the other side is unresponsive. Over time, no one has interest. They seldom get along with each other in a lively and cheerful atmosphere, and their married life is routine.

 

In interpersonal communication, Liu Hai is just like a hidden killer and the two signs always hurt each other inadvertently. The match of two signs in the same harming group doesn't hinder and even might be beneficial to the communication with each other; but over time, the active side would no longer have any scruples about the friendship, take it for granted that the other side should be grateful to him/her and treat the other side coldly. This harms their friendship and selfishness weakens the relationship until it is broken up.