Birth Times and Improving Data Collection Efforts

August 11, 2015

In episode 41 of the podcast Patrick Watson and Nick Dagan Best join the show to discuss the topic of birth data collection.

We start by answering some fundamental questions about why the birth time is important in natal astrology and why data collection is crucial for different types of astrological research.

Later we launch into a broader discussion about the subject of data collection and provide a guide for those who are interested in getting involved, as well as some ways that we can still improve this effort as a community.

Ultimately the show is supposed to act as a call to action for the younger generations of astrologers to get involved in birth data collection and related research, since it seems like focus on this area has waned somewhat over the past decade or so.

Patrick, Nick, and Chris share different anecdotes about their own attempts at collecting different pieces of birth data from notable figures, and try to convey the sense of the interest and excitement that is involved when one gets involved in data collection.

Since we tried to cover a lot of ground this ended up being the longest episode of the podcast so far, clocking in at a solid 2 hours and 12 minutes.

Broad Outline of the Episode

Below you will find an outline of some of the different topics that we touched on during the course of the show, followed by links to download or stream the recording.

Why is the birth time important in astrology?
Why is birth data collection important?
What are the primary collections or repositories for birth data?
Discussion about AstroDatabank, its founder, history, and structure.
Overview of the Rodden Rating system and the different levels:
- AA – Exact data as recorded by the family or state.
- A – Data as quoted by the person, kin, friend, or associate.
- B – Biography or autobiography
- C – Caution, no source
- DD – Two or more conflicting quotes that are unqualified.
- X – Data with no time of birth
- XX – Data without a known or confirmed date

Discussion about the accuracy of birth times.
Pros and cons of rectification.
Areas where existing data collections can grow and improve.
Call to action for more astrologers to get involved in birth data collection.
Some tips or guidelines for collecting birth data and learning how to order birth certificates.
Different sources for birth times.
States and countries that record birth times.
Open versus closed states and countries for ordering birth certificates.
AstroDatabank Data Collector’s Handbook
Discussion about the ethics of birth data collection.