Grimalkin is a character from the popular book series "The Last Apprentice" by Joseph Delaney. She is a witch assassin who plays a key role in the story. Grimalkin is not your typical witch. She has a reputation for being a deadly and ruthless killer, feared by both humans and witches alike. Grimalkin is known for her skill and expertise in assassination. She is highly intelligent, cunning, and resourceful, making her one of the most dangerous witches in the world.
To celebrate this Sabbat, you can decorate your altar with summer flowers, herbs and fruits, and summer colors like yellow, green and blue. This is a traditional time for rites of re-dedication to the God and Goddess, as well as divination related to love and romance. Keep at least one candle lit throughout the day to honor the Sun, and if possible hold your Litha rituals at noon, when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Have an outdoor picnic feast to bask in the warmth of the day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables—ideally from a farmer’s market or harvested from your own garden. This is a good time for magic related to masculine energies and any situation that needs to be “fired up” in your life.
In just a few short weeks, the harvest season will begin, but for now we pause to celebrate the manifestation of what was planted in the early weeks of Spring. At Yule, the sabbat that celebrates the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter, one is always reminded that from this day forth the light will be growing.
She is highly intelligent, cunning, and resourceful, making her one of the most dangerous witches in the world. She possesses a wide range of magical abilities, using her powers to manipulate and deceive her enemies. However, what sets her apart is her mastery of combat and her proficiency with weapons.
The Wiccan Calendar: Litha (Summer Solstice)
When is Litha: June 20-22
Litha pronunciation: LEE-tha
Themes: abundance, growth, masculine energy, love, magic
Also known as: Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Gathering Day, St. John’s Day, St. John’s Eve, Summer Solstice, Alban Hefin, Feill-Sheathain
“Litha” is the name given to the Wiccan Sabbat celebrated at the Summer Solstice. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year, marking the pinnacle of the Sun’s power to fuel the growing season. From here on out, the Sun will set a little earlier each night until Yule, and so we recognize and give thanks for its warmth.
Though it’s typically celebrated on June 21st, the exact moment of the Summer Solstice varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of June 20-22 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year.
As the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the God is now in his full power, and the Goddess of the Earth is bringing forth the greatest abundance of the year. The crops are reaching their full maturity and the forests are bursting with lush growth. In just a few short weeks, the harvest season will begin, but for now we pause to celebrate the manifestation of what was planted in the early weeks of Spring. The warm sunlight is a welcome contrast to the cold and dark of Winter, and we bask in its comforts. There is a focus on the Element of Fire in honor of the Sun God, but recognition is also given to the Horned God of the forest and its wild animal life.
Ancient pagans celebrated the Solstice with torchlight processions and giant bonfires to ritually strengthen the Sun. Another tradition found among European cultures was centered on the need for balance between the Elements of Fire and Water—large wheels were set on fire and rolled downhill into creeks, rivers or lakes, perhaps as a charm against summertime drought. This is also the traditional time for gathering wild herbs for medicine and magic, as most are fully grown by Midsummer and the power of this particular day will add to their benefits. For this reason, Litha is known as Gathering Day in Wales.
To celebrate this Sabbat, you can decorate your altar with summer flowers, herbs and fruits, and summer colors like yellow, green and blue. This is a traditional time for rites of re-dedication to the God and Goddess, as well as divination related to love and romance. Keep at least one candle lit throughout the day to honor the Sun, and if possible hold your Litha rituals at noon, when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Have an outdoor picnic feast to bask in the warmth of the day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables—ideally from a farmer’s market or harvested from your own garden. This is a good time for magic related to masculine energies and any situation that needs to be “fired up” in your life.
Litha was long known as Midsummer, an older name for the Solstice that emphasizes the actual course of the warmer months in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer was considered to begin around May 1st, when Beltane (or May Day) is celebrated, with June 21st marking the midpoint of the season. The name “Litha” is traced back to an old Anglo-Saxon word for the month of June, and came into use as a Wiccan name for this Sabbat in the second half of the 20th century. However, many Pagans continue to use the more traditional “Midsummer.”
Grimalkin is a skilled swordswoman and is deadly accurate with throwing knives. Despite her ruthless nature, Grimalkin has a complex personality. She is fiercely independent and values her freedom above all else. She has little regard for alliances or loyalties and often works for her own benefit. However, she does have a sense of honor and does not kill indiscriminately. Grimalkin is driven by her own agenda, but she is not without a moral compass. Grimalkin is often seen as an anti-hero throughout the series. Although she is initially an adversary to the main character, Tom Ward, they form an uneasy alliance and eventually develop a mutual respect for each other. Grimalkin becomes an important ally to Tom, aiding him in his battles against dark forces in the world. Her expertise and knowledge of the witching world prove invaluable in their fight against evil. Overall, Grimalkin is a fascinating and complex character. Her deadly skills as a witch assassin, combined with her unique personality, make her one of the most memorable characters in "The Last Apprentice" series. She is a force to be reckoned with and an essential part of the story's narrative. Grimalkin's presence adds depth and excitement to the series, making her a fan favorite among readers..
Reviews for "The Mysterious Past of Grimalkin the Witch Assassin: Uncovering the Truth"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Grimalkin the Witch Assassin." The storyline seemed to drag on and lacked the excitement and suspense of the previous books in the series. The characters also felt flat and uninteresting, and I struggled to connect with any of them. I found myself constantly putting the book down and struggling to pick it back up again. Overall, I was not impressed with this installment and hope the next one can redeem itself.
2. Michael - 2/5 stars - "Grimalkin the Witch Assassin" fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing of consequence was happening for the majority of the book. The main character, Grimalkin, was also disappointing - she lacked depth and her actions felt forced and unconvincing. I was hoping for a thrilling and action-packed read, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver on that front. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster addition to the series.
3. Melissa - 3/5 stars - While I enjoyed the previous books in the series, "Grimalkin the Witch Assassin" did not captivate me as much. The plot was interesting enough, but the pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The character development also felt lacking, with Grimalkin's motivations and actions often unclear. While the book had its moments, it didn't live up to the high standards set by its predecessors.