About
David Sussberg: Maps of Stars, Soil & Soul
Life speaks to us in cycles—in the living rhythms of the soil, the patterns of the stars and the connections we create between them. As an astrologer, astrocartographer, permaculturist, motivational speaker and software creator, my work brings together the Earth, the cosmos and a positive path of the heart.
Across these different forms of work, my purpose is to help people explore their questions with curiosity, compassion and a deeper connection to the world around them.
I
Embodying Chiron: The Wounded Healer
In Greek mythology, Chiron was rejected by his mother at birth, yet became a revered healer, teacher, and mentor to heroes. Later, an accidental wound from a poisoned arrow brought suffering that even his extraordinary healing knowledge could not relieve. For me, Chiron’s story holds a profound truth: our wounds do not diminish our capacity to offer compassion, insight, and guidance. I do not see suffering as something we must endure to become worthy or wise. Rather, my own healing journey has deepened my commitment to meeting others with gentleness—and sharing what I continue to learn about surrendering to your own healing process and empowering yourself to be more loving to yourself and others.
In 2016, a life-altering injury left me a burn survivor and double amputee. It changed my physical reality and began an intense, humbling journey of recovery, spiritual reflection and personal reinvention.
The wounded-healer archetype gives me a language for that experience. My journey is ongoing, and the lessons I share come from living it—not from having every answer or reaching a perfect state of healing.
In Greek mythology, the nymph Chariclo is named as Chiron’s wife.
My wife, Sarah, has offered steadfast love and support throughout my healing journey, and I am profoundly grateful for her graceful and powerful presence. In my own life, I think of Sarah as my Chariclo, and of myself as Chiron. In my own understanding of astrology, Chariclo symbolizes compassionate witnessing, boundaries, and the grace of holding sacred space thereby nourishing healing and growth.
My experience also led me to motivational speaking, where I share reflections on resilience, self-acceptance and the daily practice of cultivating a positive mindset by being gentle with ourselves and one another.
II
Awakening to the stars
My interest in astrology began through everyday synchronicity: listening with my wife to astrology podcasts that soon became favorites of my own. Curiosity grew into sustained study through astrology courses, books and the practice of interpreting birth charts.
In 2023, I began practicing professionally through Positive Path Astrology LLC. I am grateful to the clients who have trusted me to explore their questions with them. Read client reviews.
In astrology, the 10th house governs our public calling, while Aquarius rules the realms of astrology and futuristic innovation. For me, this placement is a lived reality. It expresses my soul's work as both an astrologer and a creator of innovative technology—bringing life to tools that bridge cosmic wisdom with modern exploration.
III
Relationships, traditions and living wisdom
My spiritual life has been shaped by relationships with Indigenous teachers and communities across the Americas. I have been formally adopted by two Mayan plant healers and adopted and mentored by a Diné medicine spirit doctor.
For years, I have participated in Indigenous ceremonies, Indigenous farming, and lived with the Mayan calendar, known as Cholq’ij or Tzolk’in in different traditions. Beautifully, my birth Mayan daysign, Ix, holds a special personal meaning for me because Ix is the Jaguar Shaman Astrologer. My many meaningful relationships throughout the Americas have taught me to approach living and healing with gratitude, responsibility, reciprocity, and reverence.
IV
From personal readings to an interactive map
As my astrology practice grew, I became increasingly drawn to Astrocartography: the branch of astrology that brings a birth chart onto a world map.
Working with clients on their questions about place inspired me to create my own Astrocartography App. It offers a way to explore planetary lines, read about locations and return to the places that interest you. I approach these interpretations as symbolic invitations to reflection, not guaranteed outcomes.
V
Deep roots in regenerative stewardship
Nearly two decades of working with living systems shape the way I see both people and places. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Agroecology from UC Santa Cruz, a Professional Permaculture Certification through OSU/PINA, and a Master of Science in Science Education from Montana State University.
My work and learning have included:
- Agroforestry and farming alongside Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Andes and Pehuenche communities in northern Patagonia.
- Indigenous agroecology with Zapotec communities in Oaxaca and ethnobotanical learning about Mayan plant medicine in the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Service as Regenerative Agriculture Lead Instructor for CERNA with the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, providing soil-health technical assistance to farmers and ranchers across 16,000 acres throughout Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas.
These experiences continue to inform my respect for Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the relationships between land, water, community and stewardship.
My software work also supports my regenerative-land consulting through my EarthDesign.App platform I developed to explore terrain with LiDAR, soil, hydrology, and food forest design information to empower land stewards to understand their land and grow more food!
Explore regenerative land designA positive path forward
Whether I am exploring an Astrology Birth Chart, helping folks navigate traveling through understanding their Astrocartography, speaking about regeneration and resilience, or supporting a land-design project, I want to help people recognize possibilities and take thoughtful next steps on a positive path toward achieving their dreams.
It is an honor to share this work with you.