Psyche Speaks: In Memoriam of Margaret Johnson-Gaddis

Abstract

In the wake of Margi Johnson-Gaddis’ sudden, unexpected death, I feel bleak—at the edge of a black hole—in an agony beyond words. When I ask Psyche to speak, she shows me a path into dark woods marked by the tombstones of dearly beloved friends who were on the Psychological Perspectives Editorial Board. Psyche Speaks: “This is the fourth death in as many years of people you’ve worked with for decades—Jungian kin, fellow devotees to the mission to be a journal of global consciousness integrating psyche, soul, and nature. First there was Margaret Ryan, loving editor, with her keen eye for language, her generous ear for poetry, her big heart, and skilled hands. Then Gilda Frantz, who, with Margi Johnson, was coeditor-in-chief from the mid 1990s until her retirement. Gilda was your soul sister. She called your husband Dan ‘cuz’ because their ancestors came from the same shtetel in what’s now Poland. You visited with her every time you were in L.A. You miss her deeply. Then, in the midst of the pandemic, you lost Robin Robertson. He had written many books about Jungian psychology and science, was a frequent contributor to Psychological Perspectives, and its general editor. He guided the journal’s development and was a good friend and support to the editors. He was your mentor—he believed in your writing even as your Sister from Below wandered the publishing wilderness for years.”