As interest in astrology surged in the 2010s, Johnson’s popularity grew.
Refinery 29 raved about her “brilliant gift for
calling out the nonsense of
any sun sign in need of real truths.” Fader magazine gave glowing reviews of her “
dead on descriptions of each zodiac sign and [guiding] them to wellness through detailed moon rituals.”
But behind the persona of a magical healer, Johnson fought “legions of demons,” her mother said, struggling with mental health issues, “low-vibrational energy” and postpartum depression after the birth of her first child.
Cole [the mother] said she tried to get Johnson to seek help. She thought her daughter should see her own reiki healer or try something more traditional, such as talking with a therapist or psychologist.
In the days before the killings and Johnson’s suicide, her online messages became increasingly alarmist. She seemed especially disturbed by
the solar eclipse, calling the astronomical event
“the epitome of spiritual warfare” and telling people they needed to “pick a side.” She said: “The apocalypse is here.”