The title refers to the mythical spring Castalia on Mount Parnassus in Greece.

Artists who performed on this album include guitarists David Torn and Peter Maunu, bassist Patrick O'Hearn, drummer Terry Bozzio and vocalist Gayle Moran.

Torn's atmospheric guitar work and O'Hearn's bass playing make a major contribution to the unique style of this album.

Most of the pieces are in a long format, often beginning with subtle ambient textures and bursting into more active compositions.

The album's cover artwork features illustrations of the Lissajous apparatus.