If you have an approximate time that you think you were born, it is important to verify that time.  The reason for verification is illustrated by the case of a client who said she was told by her mother (who is now deceased) that she was born between 11:00 PM and midnight of June 11th.  When she found her birth certificate it stated that her actual time of birth was 12:02 AM on June 11th.  If Gary had used an approximate time of 11:30 PM for her instead of her actual birth time of 12:02 AM, her chart would have been in error by almost 24 hours!

If you were born in a hospital after the mid-1930's in a U.S. city of 100,000 population or more, your time of birth was probably recorded.  However, not all versions of birth certificates include time of birth.  Such is the case when birth information is transcribed onto an abbreviated form, called a "short form," on which your birth time is not included, even though it may have been recorded.  Do not assume that the time was not recorded if the version you have is missing your time of birth unless it is a photocopy of the original record.  Most states now require that birth certificates include time of birth.

Whether you were born in a big city, a small town, or in a rural area, in most cases you may obtain your birth record from the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the city hall or the county seat of your city or county of birth.  This is often a good source of your time of birth because most local records like this include birth time.  If you call the local Bureau of Vital Statistics and talk to a sympathetic person who is willing to look up your birth record, you might obtain your time of birth over the phone.  If they insist on sending your record by mail, make sure that your time of birth is on the record before you request it.  Ordering your record from this source may take less time than ordering from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics (see the next paragraph).

Each of the 50 states has a Bureau of Vital Statistics where complete birth records, that usually include time of birth, are collected and stored.  This is the most reliable source of your birth time.  If you are lucky and your timing is right, you may be able to obtain your time of birth from such a Bureau over the phone.  If they won't give it to you over the phone, you can order a photocopy of your birth record called a "certified copy," "full copy," or "long form."  Unfortunately, it is usually 3-5 weeks from when you order your birth certificate before you receive it.  In addition, be sure to emphasize that you want the copy only if your time of birth is present (unless you want it for other reasons).  If you want to order such a photocopy, Gary has the address of the Bureau of Vital Statistics in each state.  See the end of this page or call him for ordering information.

Another very reliable place to obtain your birth time is the hospital where you were born.  Most hospitals keep birth records indefinitely but such records are not always immediately accessible.  You can request your time of birth over the phone but hospital staff may not be willing or able to quickly locate your record - often it is stored in an off-site warehouse.  In rare cases, birth records have been destroyed by fire or flood or the hospital no longer exists.

If you are unable to find your time of birth on government or hospital records, look for any written record your family has.  These include baby books, diaries, family Bibles, letters, birth announcements, and engraved or embroidered keepsakes such as baby spoons.  If you cannot find a written record, your mother is the next best source.  Keep in mind that not all mothers have clear memories of such details after 30 or more years, especially if you have several siblings.  If your mother gives you a time that is on the hour or half-hour, it is probably not an exact time.  Less than 20% of my clients rely solely on their mother's memory for their time of birth.

If you were born at home or somewhere other than a hospital, it is unlikely that your time of birth is on your birth certificate. Even if there is a time on the certificate, it is suspect because it may have been recorded long after your birth.  However, such a time is better than none at all, especially if a relative can confirm it.

Gary cannot calculate your birth chart if you are unable to find a time of birth.  Instead, he will generate and interpret what is called a solar chart.  Although it lacks important personality details, it still contains much useful information.  General time frames like "early morning" or "afternoon" don't qualify as a time of birth so he must still resort to using a solar chart in such cases.  However, some astrologers specialize in a technique called "rectification," which often results in an accurate chart (if you know a general time frame) or what is sometimes called a "workable chart" if you have no idea what time of day or even a general time frame when you were born.

There is one remaining good source of your time of birth if you are unable to locate a documented time:  your memory of your birth!  Using regression, a powerful memory recall technique, a regressionist or hypnotist can take you back in time to the moment of your birth and ask you what time it is or to look at a clock!  Gary has used this method quite successfully to yield birth charts which accurately describe detailed personality traits of clients.

Gary has the address of the Bureau of Vital Statistics in each state and how to make out your check or money order for the fee.  He also has a phone number to call to obtain their current fee.

When writing for your birth certificate: