NOVEMBER
Reflections from Northport and crossing the threshold of a new decade
By Shanna Morse
The Northport retreat stirred so much up for me in ways I didn’t expect. One moment I continue to go back to is the first night that included the fire ceremony. It was an opportunity for each of us to boldly step up to the fire and “clear the debris” by writing down what we wanted to release and then surrendering it to the flames.
I’ve let my words pour out onto paper before, crumpled them up, scribbled them out, and burned them on my own. But doing it at the retreat, surrounded by energy that was rooted in love and support, was something very different. Although it was a sacred moment I had by myself out by the fire, I felt ignited by so many of the moments leading up to it in which I let myself be emotionally witnessed. There was a certain power in knowing that my words weren’t the first to be claimed by the flames and that they wouldn’t be the last. Like there was almost more assuredness somehow that my words wouldn’t be resurrected because we burned them in unison — all of our inhibitions reduced to a collective pile of ash.
This November, I am looking ahead to turning 30 and thinking about what I want to invite into the next decade. In doing so, my heart feels called back to Northport and the ceremonial power of the flames. To the exact moment that I watched the burning glow of the heat wrap around my words, allowing myself to exhale, and take a less burdened step forward (alongside the other inspirational souls who did the same thing).
From this, I am recognizing the very necessary step of first tapping into awareness around what first needs to be “sent into the fire” so that I can root into the ground beneath the ashes; creating a foundation for everything I am ushering in for the next decade.
Regardless of whether you were part of the Northport experience or if you have a milestone occasion on the horizon, I invite you into this thoughtful reflection in your own life. What can you figuratively (or literally) throw into the flames? Fire doesn’t just destroy — it clarifies. It burns away what is rootless until only truth remains.
What long held beliefs, generational hand me downs, and ideas rooted in fear or self-doubt are not supporting the version of you that you’re becoming? To put it simply, what is past due to be thrown into the flames?
As I prepare to cross the threshold into the next decade, I’m reflecting on burdens over the last ten years that I just don’t have space, nor the desire, to carry forward.
I am relinquishing:
Guilt over past decisions I have made to end relationships that weren’t aligned with my becoming. Hindsight can cloud clarity so if I look back, I will do so with compassion.
The belief that I must be uncomplicated to be loved. There is space for the range and complexity of my emotions.
Scarcity mindset around how much time I have or don’t have. Nothing that is meant for me could possibly pass me by, and I trust the timing of my life.
The grasp I have on a long-held, highly idealized version of me. I give myself permission to redefine who I’m becoming.
The fear that I will be betrayed. I trust my wisest self to guide me.
In one of her Sunday Release classes, Kelli once said: “untraditional wounds require untraditional healing” and it has stuck with me ever since. This November, I hope you lean into healing in ways that might not be found along your traditional healing path. Whether it’s having your first fire ceremony, or allowing yourself to simply be emotional and be witnessed by someone you’ve built trust with. I have uncovered the most profound healing in things I initially felt great resistance toward (including the Northport retreat itself and the fire ceremony). I invite you to consider: What practices might your mind dismiss, but your soul be curious about?
If you’re feeling called toward trying this practice, here is a simple fire ceremony that you can facilitate on your own:
Write down anything you no longer wish to carry. Old stories, habits, energies not rooted in love, etc.
Depending on whether you have access to an outdoor fire pit, you may need to find an item or two to help create a makeshift fire pit. A steel bowl or other cooking dish and candle work perfectly well, placing the candle inside the fire safe basin. You’ll also need a bowl of water to keep nearby, both for safety and to close out the ceremony.
First, set the tone beginning in silence or with gentle background music, maybe taking a few deep breaths to settle into presence and set your intention.
Once your candle or outdoor fire is lit, announce yourself to the flame, stating your purpose. For example, “My name is Shanna Morse and I arrive at this fire ready to relinquish the stories I am no longer tied to.”
Recite aloud or read what you have written on the paper silently to yourself.
When you’re ready, place your paper safely in the fire or the flame of the candle, letting it fall into the bowl to finish burning if you are using the candle method.
Watch the smoke rise as you recite a statement of gratitude for the fire, your experiences, and what both have taught you.
Blow out the candle and, if needed, ensure the burning pieces are fully extinguished by pouring or sprinkling water over the contents until it is completely out.
Optional: do this between November 12 and November 15 during the waning moon, when energy naturally supports letting go before the New Moon on November 20th, symbolizing new beginnings.
Optional and encouraged: invite a friend or loved one to participate with you and explore the courage and accountability that is possible when you allow yourself to be witnessed.
Similar to the element of fire, Scorpio season (October 23-Novebmer 21) encourages us to dive deeper into outdated identities and patterns so that we may reveal deep truths. The phoenix is one of Scorpio’s symbols, representing transformation after destruction. My wish for you this November, Space, is that you lean into this energy and continue your journey of reclaiming in a way that both challenges and enlightens you.
With so much love, Shanna
Scorpio Season Songs
Born in November, Lindsay Stollenwerk created this yummy and dimensional playlist for you <3
November Meditation: Softening to Rising
Take a walk, and see if you can pause somewhere along the way to take this mindful meditation in.
Take a deep breath in through your nose… and exhale through your mouth.
Let your shoulders soften, your jaw release.
You’ve made it here — into this moment of stillness, into a new season.
Scorpio season is the season of fire beneath the surface —
the quiet burn that transforms, the deep invitation to shed and renew.
Like the phoenix, you are called to rise through your own ashes —
to release what no longer serves, and remember who you truly are.
Body Grounding
Bring awareness into your body.
Notice the sensations — where you feel grounded, where you feel tight.
Without judgment, simply breathe into those spaces.
Imagine a soft, glowing ember at the base of your spine.
With each inhale, it glows warmer.
With each exhale, it travels upward —
through your belly, your heart, your throat —
warming, clearing, awakening as it moves.
This is your inner fire — steady, alive, intelligent.
It does not destroy. It transforms.
It helps you release the parts of yourself that are ready to be renewed.
Breath & Energy Flow
Inhale — draw in courage, truth, clarity.
Exhale — let go of outdated stories, tension, resistance.
Inhale — expansion.
Exhale — release.
Let your breath become your alchemy —
turning heaviness into light,
turning endings into beginnings.
Mind & Heart Reflection
Bring your awareness to your heart.
Notice how it feels to release.
Notice the quiet space that’s now open within you — space for creativity, for gratitude, for peace.
Whisper to yourself:
“I am transforming with grace. I am safe in my becoming.”
Let that affirmation ripple through your body.
Let it anchor you in calm and courage.
Closing Intention
As we move through this November —
may you trust the fire within you.
May you let it refine you, not consume you.
May you rise from every release more luminous, more you.
Take one final deep breath —
inhale transformation, exhale renewal —
and gently return when you’re ready.
