Mao (Rabbit)
Definition
Mao is the fourth of the Twelve Earthly Branches, belonging to Yin Wood and corresponding to the Rabbit zodiac sign. The Mao hour spans from 05:00 to 07:00. As the Wood of mid-spring, Mao Wood internally stores Yi Wood; it is gentle, elegant, and luxuriant—symbolizing mildness, refinement, and artistic ability. Mao is one of the four cardinal Peach Blossom positions, but a single occurrence does not automatically establish a Peach Blossom pattern; it must be judged together with the day/hour pillars, Ten Gods (e.g., Direct Wealth / Indirect Officer), and overall configuration. Ziping Zhenquan explicitly states: ‘a single Mao does not establish a Peach Blossom pattern.’
How to Find
Mao Wood is identified from the Earthly Branches in the Four Pillars of a Bazi chart. If Mao appears in the Year Branch, the native belongs to the Rabbit zodiac; if Mao appears in the Day Branch, the Spouse Palace is occupied by Mao Wood. Mao Wood is strongest during Mao Month (the second lunar month).
Attributes
Chart Meanings
Combinations
Mao-Xu Combination (transforms into Fire)
Mao and Xu form a Six Harmonies; transformation into Fire requires Bing/Ding stems to penetrate and a Si or Wu Fire root in the branches—otherwise it is merely a binding combination and does not signify benefactors or marriage. Sanming Tonghui notes: ‘harmony without transformation only stirs Fire qi’; Ziping Zhenquan rejects ‘harmony without penetrating Fire as empty.’
Mao-You Clash
The clash between Mao and You signifies Metal-Wood conflict, leading to emotional instability and potential health concerns regarding liver and gallbladder.
Hai-Mao-Wei Triple Combination (Wood)
The Hai-Mao-Wei triple combination strengthens Wood energy, bestowing exceptional literary talent—but excessive softness must be guarded against.
Examples
A person born on a Ding-Mao day has Mao Wood in the Day Branch acting as the Indirect Seal; their spouse possesses artistic talent and a gentle disposition.