Moon Circle in Salento: What It Is, When It Takes Place and How to Join
Moon circles have always existed and in recent years they have come back, all over Italy, as one of the simplest ways to stop once a month: you sit in a ring, you breathe, you listen, you share. In Salento they have been held on and off, without ever having a stable, visible address. From 2026 there is one at Masseria Montanari in Carpignano Salentino, led by Valentina, fourth-level Reiki Master and astrology consultant we work with, with Davide for the breathing part. This guide explains what it is, how it unfolds and how to take part.
What a moon circle is
It is a group gathering, usually monthly, that takes its rhythm from the moon: it is held at the new moon, the moment of intentions and beginnings, or at the full moon, the moment of fullness and letting go. It is not a religious ceremony and it does not ask you to believe in anything: the moon is a calendar, a way of keeping a fixed appointment with yourself. In many cities the circles are "women's circles"; ours is open to everyone, because breath and reiki have no gender.
How it unfolds at the masseria
The circle lasts about two hours, in the evening, in the vaulted hall in Lecce stone, with the lights low and cushions in a ring. The script is simple and repeats every month, so that it becomes a habit.
- The opening. You sit down, introduce yourself by name, say in one sentence how you are arriving.
- The breath. Fifteen or twenty minutes of guided breathing with Davide: nasal, slow, to arrive in the body. No intense technique: the circle is gentle.
- Group reiki. Lying down, in silence, Valentina spends a few minutes with each person. It is the heart of the circle.
- The sky of the month. A short reading of what the moon is doing and what the month's sky suggests, with no predictions: a prompt, not a horoscope.
- Sharing. In turn, whoever wishes says what they felt or what they are taking home. Those who do not want to speak listen, and that is perfectly fine.
Who can take part
Anyone, with no experience. The circle is designed precisely for those who have never done breathwork or reiki and want to taste them in a light setting. Places are limited to 12-14 people, so that the reiki reaches everyone. Those with medical conditions to report write beforehand; reiki and gentle breathing have no contraindications, but transparency is the house rule.
When
Once a month, at the new moon or the full moon; the calendar will be published with the first dates. Those on the list receive it first and have 48 hours' priority to book. Winter is the most beautiful season for evening circles: the vaulted hall is air-conditioned, the wood-fired oven warms the entrance, and outside the sky of the Grecìa Salentina has no lights.
What to bring and how much it costs
Comfortable clothes, a shawl or a light blanket, a bottle of water. Mats and cushions are provided. Prices will be announced with the dates; in Italy an evening circle usually costs between 20 and 30 euros, and we will stay there. A group of friends of 8 or more can ask for a private circle, on the date they prefer.
How to join the circle
On the Circles page there is the form: choose "the moon circle", leave your name and email, and when the calendar opens you receive it first. To get to know Valentina and her one-to-one practices, the Energy page describes reiki and astrology readings; for those coming from far away, the masseria has six lodgings with 16 sleeping places, and the circle can become a night in Salento.