THE TWELVE EARTHLY BRANCHES
Chou · 丑 (chǒu)
Chou is the second branch and pairs with Ox.
Go deeper: the full reference
The idea in context
Chou follows Zi in the winter portion of the traditional branch cycle. Its image gives language to preparation and holding a course while conditions change.
An example to picture
Chou can help name the maintenance work that supports a later launch.
A question to sit with
What needs patient preparation now?
Native app reference
The original examples describe Synastry’s date-only native year reader. This web guide does not calculate a placement or a Four Pillars chart.
Keep the calendar convention in view
The website offers these educational readings. Synastry’s native year reader uses a civil date and Lunar New Year; it is separate from a full Four Pillars or BaZi chart. Begin with the convention before comparing year labels.
Sources and conventions
These references identify the calendar or historical method used in this guide. Keep the named convention in view when comparing other traditions.
Hong Kong Observatory — Gregorian–Lunar Calendar Conversion Tables ↗ · Calendar reference covering 1901–2100, including leap months and cautions near midnight boundaries. The Synastry native reader uses its separately disclosed date-only Lunar New Year convention; this website provides the educational guide.