How to Find your Astrology BIrth chart
BY MARY KATHRYN JACKSON
Intuitive Life Coach and Professional Astrologer
What is an astrology birth chart?
Astrology is an artful science that studies the location and movement of the planets in relation to where we are on Earth, and how this impacts human behavior and the human experience. It’s far more complex than horoscopes—it’s very, very personal and individual to each person. That’s because the planetary alignment at the exact minute you were born in the exact location you were born is what determined your unique birth chart. Your astrology birth chart, also called “natal” chart is a snapshot of the heavens at the moment you were born. This planetary alignment is what informs who you are and who you’re capable of becoming and evolving into while here on Earth. (To learn all about what you can discover in your birth chart, click here.)
How do I download my astrology birth chart?
Click on "My Astro" in the top right-hand corner
Click on "User Profile" in the dropdown menu
Click on "Create a horoscope immediately, as a guest user”
Enter your birth data information (if you don't know it: enter 12:00 noon or an estimation)
Click "Continue"
Click on "Chart Drawing, Ascendant" to see your birth chart
To print your birth chart, click on the image of your chart, which will pull it up in a new window that will allow you to print it
What if i don’t know the time I was born?
First of all, I get this question quite often. You’re not alone! It’s actually pretty common for folks to be unsure of their birth time because it’s not always officially documented and was even less documented in the past. So, what do we do if you can’t find your birth time? Fret not, we’ve got options to explore before we rule it out!
Start here
Do you have any idea what time you were born?
Do you have a baby book?
Was anyone else present at your birth besides your parent(s)?
Is there a photo or video with a time stamp?
Nope, so now what?
Depending on the geographical location you were born, it might be possible to order your birth certificate. Contact the local health department or equivalent service and/or the hospital if you were born in one. If you get ahold of someone in these offices, it's imperative that you specify you need the birth TIME. Otherwise, they may send you the short form of a birth certificate that does not list the birth time. I repeat: reiterate that you need the birth time and inquire how to order it.
For example, in the United States, each state has its own process and system of documenting birth times. Many of the states have listed the birth time on birth certificates for decades, while other states only just recently started listing the birth time, and some still don’t list the birth time. I’ve helped many clients order their birth time from their birth state, and even a few clients from other countries, so it’s worth a try. In the US, it’s usually pretty cheap (less than $20 at the time of publishing this).
I’ve done enough professional astrology readings to know that our parents are not always the best sources because they were pretty busy at the moment you were born (bless!), so unless someone in the room was an astrology lover, they probably didn’t look at the clock the exact moment you were birthed. For that reason, I recommend doing a little digging to verify your birth time because I can't tell you how many times I’ve been told by my clients that their parents were “certain” they were born at one time only to find out they were born much later or earlier.
Personal story: I grew up thinking I was born at a specific time and then shortly after the start of my astrology journey, I ordered my birth time because it was not listed on my birth certificate, and I found out I was born exactly one hour later than I had been told. It only changed a couple of things (nothing major), but I’m thankful I was able to get my time right at the start of my astrology studies!
I tried and still couldn’t find my birth time… what do I do?
Once you’ve exhausted all efforts, we can still conduct your reading, don’t worry! Nearly all of your chart will be accurate, however, we won’t be able to determine which "houses" the planets are in or your Rising Sign, though everything else will remain the same. Over the years as a professional astrologer, I have worked with many clients that were not able to find their birth time and the readings were very impactful and accurate nonetheless. It's a fine option, but I say try to get your birth time first via these routes first. There is a last resort option to do, called “chart rectification”, which is an astrological technique that reverse-engineers a birth chart by studying impactful dates & significant life events. It’s a very specific technique that I’d only recommend doing with a very skilled and experienced astrologer that specializes in chart rectification.
There could be a number of reasons someone might not be able to get their birth time, as in cases of adoption, refugees, the person was born in a private hospital and the records have been destroyed, a rural birth in which they didn’t document the time (or even the day!) someone was born, etc.
So, if you attempted to find your birth and were unsuccessful or if it’s just not possible, we can still conduct your reading. The birth time determines your AC (Rising Sign/Ascendant) and the precise location of the planets on the chart. Without the birth time, the planets will be in the correct sign, however your AC “Rising Sign” and the planetary position on the chart will not be accurate — meaning, you will still receive information on your major life lesson(s), personality gifts and challenges, emotional needs, communication style and needs, relationship style, karmic beliefs and lessons, and so much more.
I hope this has been helpful! Please feel free to reach out with questions and if you’re ready to dive into your unique astrology birth chart, click here to book your private astrology reading online or in-person.
