In episode 169 of the podcast astrologers Chris Brennan, Leisa Schaim, and Patrick Watson provide a detailed introduction to the topic of rectification, which is a procedure used to find a person’s birth time when it is otherwise unknown or uncertain.

Rectification is often regarded as one of the most difficult things to do in astrology, since it is essentially an investigative process that involves taking into account many variables.

It is also very important though, because having an accurate birth time is it is often crucial in order to use many techniques in astrology, ranging from simple ones like the twelve houses, to more elaborate timing techniques.

As a result of this, it may be necessary to employ rectification in some capacity when someone doesn’t know their birth time, or the recorded birth time is only approximate and needs to be fine-tuned.

Leisa and Patrick both do rectification work for clients on a regular basis, and you can find out more about their work here:

Chris is not currently doing consultations, but has a lecture on birth chart rectification for sale on his website, and is in the process of developing a course on the subject.

Rectification is a pretty big topic, so we had a lot to cover, and this ended up being a long 3-hour episode. There is both an audio version and a video version of this episode available below. The audio quality on the audio version is better than the audio in the video version, but they are both the same in terms of content.

Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording of this episode of the podcast.

Rectification Outline

Rectification: defining our terms. Rectify: to set right, to put right, to correct. A procedure usually used to find a birth time when it is unknown or uncertain.

defining our terms. Many techniques in astrology require an accurate time. Both natal interpretation like houses, as well as timing techniques. Makes rectification necessary in some instances.

Sometimes the term is used more broadly to reverse engineer a chart in general. Earliest historical reference I could find was from 1st century BCE (Varro). Attempt to find the chart for Rome and its founder.

Basic premise is that the birth chart will describe quality of life and events in future. By extension, one should be able to reverse engineer a chart from known events. Rectification applies this theory in practice, usually in cases of necessity.

When is rectification usually necessary? Limited known time window vs. 24-hour rectification. Rough birth time recorded but need more exact for particular technique. Worst case scenario is if there is absolutely no birth time in entire 24-hr period. Less worst case scenario is if they have some general idea of time of day. Best case scenario is when they have a rounded time that just needs fine tuning. Although even this can be tough for people with cuspy Ascendants.

Rectifying out of necessity versus as a matter of principle. Chris always saw rectification as a matter of necessity. But I’ve met some astrologers who believed every chart should be rectified (e.g. Axel Harvey). Argument in favor is that many times may be rounded. No guarantee that even a decent looking time recorded accurately. Argument against is that the recorded time may be accurate despite astrologer. They may not be looking at the right techniques, or have full knowledge of the life. Risky then to rectify everything as you may be wrong.

Rectification as speculative Major underlying issue is that rectification is always ultimately speculative. Unless the birth time is later discovered, no certain way to verify. Each astrologer will use their own preferred techniques in rectification. As a result, different astrologers can come to different conclusions. Due to this, every rectification needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Any time rectification has been employed you need to state that up front. If you see an astrologer for a consultation, for example. Recently annoyed that AstroDatabank has been listing rectifications.



Strategies for Rectification

First, important to search everywhere for possible records. Attempt to find birth certificate, birth record, baby book, etc. Talk to parents, other relatives, see if they recall time of day. Can help narrow down the time frame, like if it was around sunrise, evening, etc. Careful though, as parent’s memories can be unreliable.

Rising sign rectification versus Ascendant degree rectification. It is easier to figure out the rising sign than the rising degree. This should always be your first starting point, since there are only 12 signs. Using whole sign houses makes this easier. Since all houses change with each rising sign. Huge difference between one rising sign and another. Within a few hour time frame maybe only 2 or 3 signs available. Becomes a process of comparing essentially 2 or 3 distinct charts. Once you narrow down the correct rising sign, you can then narrow the degree.

Establishing the evidence for the rectification by talking with the client. Primary data is known characteristics and events in the client’s life so far. Some will match natal placements, others are tied to timing techniques. Client’s clear perception of life is major variable, as is good memory or records. Much on what you do depends on accurate reporting on their part. Need to ask good questions, then listen closely to answers for subtle clues. Sometimes important to realize when their perception isn’t accurate. This can be an important clue sometimes in it of itself. What are some of the major events that have already occurred in their life? What makes their life distinct from other lives in general? Problematic point: people normalize their unique experiences. Focus on benefics and malefics. Mostly want to focus on topics that match the 12 houses. 1st house: character, body, appearance, 2nd house: finances, possessions, 3rd house: siblings, travel, education, 4th house: parents, home, living situation, 5th house: children, 6th house: illness, injury, work, subordinates, 7th house: relationships, partners, 8th house: death, other people’s money, 9th house: religion, travel, foreign stuff, education, 10th house: career, reputation, 11th house: friends, groups, 12th house: enemies, loss, isolation.

Knowledge of natal astrology as the foundation of rectification. Your ability to rectify a chart rests on your understanding of natal astrology. You have to know what you would expect from one house placement vs. another Also ability to be flexible and see how different placements are manifesting for individuals Not just about house placements, but also rulers of the houses. Must be careful about overlapping indications.

Getting started doing rectification. Having the ability to animate the chart really speeds up the process. We all use Solar Fire for that. Use promo code AP15 for a 15% discount on Solar Fire from Alabe.com Figure out your time frame and then try to narrow down rising sign.

Birth chart placements to pay attention to. What changes during the course of the time frame you have to work with? Rising sign: the quality of the sign, planets in the sign. Planet ruling Ascendant, its condition and house placement. Moon sign changes Applying/separating aspects of the Moon Sun and other planetary sign changes (less common) Using benefic/malefic along with sect extremely useful in rectifying House placement of the most positive and negative planet. Mitigations can complicate this, though

Timing techniques: After you narrow down possibilities, check timing techniques. People tend to use same timing tools for rectification that they normally use. Transits by house are especially important, especially slower planets. Saturn and Jupiter transits through the whole sign houses. Jupiter and Saturn because their natures are so distinct Eventually you can narrow this down to specific degrees. Annual profections One sign/house per year. Other degree-based techniques. Zodiacal Releasing – can try to fine tune a little by when the Lots move signs Secondary progressions Solar Arcs Primary directions

Concluding remarks Rectification relies on your ability to delineate natal charts in the first place. Just the application of your approach to natal to establish expectations. Ultimately it is speculative and should be treated with caution. Sometimes necessary though, and can be very helpful.



Watch the Video Version of This Episode of the Podcast

Here is the video version of our birth chart rectification episode:

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Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode

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