Sha Direction
The direction where the sha (malefic influence) is located, derived from the triple-combination (Sanhe) of the day's earthly branch (Dizhi): Shen-Zi-Chen days sha is south, Si-You-Chou days sha is east, Yin-Wu-Xu days sha is north, Hai-Mao-Wei days sha is west. In old times, this direction was avoided for groundbreaking and long journeys.
The Sha Direction, also known as the Chongsha Direction, refers to the direction to be avoided for groundbreaking or long journeys on a given day. Its position is calculated based on the triple-combination of the day's earthly branch: On Shen-Zi-Chen days, the sha is in the south; on Si-You-Chou days, in the east; on Yin-Wu-Xu days, in the north; and on Hai-Mao-Wei days, in the west. In old times, before construction, groundbreaking, moving, or long-distance travel, people would check the sha direction marked on the almanac and try to avoid moving in that direction, believing this could ward off misfortune. This is a specific practice in traditional date selection to avoid ill omens.