#casting a formation
The reason we make a formation of any kind is to center and ground the spell. It protects and holds the energy in place. Most people choose to cast a circle, as there is no beginning and no end, making it strong and effective. It is in and of itself, one.
However, I have found that casting a circle first and then a triangle or square within it is also powerful and protective for different kinds of spells. If you are not at ease using a triangle or square within a circle, stay with the circle only. Remember, never use a square or triangle alone. Always cast them within your circle.
The Types of Formations
The Circle
The circle is the most important formation- this is why all other formations are cast within a circle. It fulfills all the needs in any spell and achieves what is necessary in a beautiful and transcendent way. It shields and is a place to contact the God of your understanding, the gods/goddesses, the universal life force energy, spirit guides, angels, or any of the ascended masters. It can also be adapted solely for a place to balance and receive messages from spirit or your inner self, having no spells involved.
The circle is representative of wholeness, universal life force, power, achievement, balance, and emotions.
Sit directly in the middle of the circle and face the direction suggested in the spell or the direction that is comfortable for you.
The Triangle
The pyramids are triangular; the body, mind, and spirit are a trinity. We see power in threes through symbology from ancient culture to modern day. Three is a number of multiplication and abundance. The ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras spoke of three as the perfect number… a beginning, middle and end.
The triangle is representative of self-expression of creative and artistic pursuits, spirituality, power and high energy, psychic abilities, astral projection and divination.
Sit at the base of the triangle facing the direction suggested in the spell or the direction that is comfortable for you.
The Square
Buildings have four sides, a table has four legs, and there are four compass points on a map. All fours represent stability. To cast a spell using a square is not as powerful as a circle or triangle. However, when casting for reasons such as work and career, it is the very best. For spells that have to do with home buying or building, the square is the perfect choice. If you want an idea to be set into solid form, this is the formation that should be chosen.
The square is representative of stability, work and career, all business matters, legal issues, money affairs, and organization.
Sit directly in the middle of the square and face the direction suggested in the spell or the direction that is comfortable for you.
How to Cast a Formation
White Light Protection:
Before casting your formation, apply “white light” protection by visualizing a white light of protection around you. The white light will protect you from negativity entering into your body. It should encompass your entire being for at least the size of the area that you will use to cast your formation.
To bring forth the white light of protection, stand in your spell area, close your eyes, and visualize the white light coming from above you and flowing down and eventually encompassing you. It enters through the top of your head and streams slowly down to your toes and grows outward from there. It should come to the very edges of your formation.
Drawing the Formation:
Next, stand in the direction in which you will be eventually facing to cast the spell. Turn in a clockwise manner, as you will always cast a circle first. Then, also in a clockwise direction, cast your triangle or square. Do not be concerned if the formation is not perfect. To indicate that the formation is cast, an acknowledgement of the completion process is recited.
As you say the following words, remain standing and raise your arms with palms up as if lifting the energy up from the Earth. Say:
“This ____ (fill in circle, triangle, or square) cast with all-knowing eyes, bring forth the power, may the energy rise.” If you prefer to shorten this, merely say “May the energy rise.”
At this point you can be seated and begin your spell.
Opening and Closing Your Formation
If for some reason you must leave your formation before the spell is completed, you must create an invisible doorway in which to leave. Whether you used stones or a wand, you should not leave without the proper passage. If you’re using a circle of seashells, for example, stand and take your right hand with your first and second fingers (like a blessing) and pass your hand over the shells at a height that is comfortable for you and large enough for you to fit through. You have made an invisible door. Step over the shells and leave. Do not step on any item that has made up your foundation- always step over it. Once on the other side, immediately close the circle in the same manner. When re-entering, open the circle in the same way and close it again when you are back inside. This should take only seconds, as it is virtually done with the sweep of an arm.
Releasing You Formation
Everything needs closure when something is completed, and that also applies to formations. When your spell is accomplished, you must release the energy of the formation. To do this, stand and hold your arms up with palms down angled above your shoulder (as if ready to dive into the water), and in a gentle pushing motion, lower your arms and visualize the energy going back down into the Earth. Say, “The energy is released,” or other closing words such as “done” or “It is.”
Source: Moon Spells by Diane Ahlquist
