Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses

 The Goddess or cosmic feminine force in Tantra is worshipped as Shakti, generally translated as “power,” whereas the God or cosmic masculine force is worshipped as Shiva, meaning “peace.” Yet to render Shakti as power creates many misconceptions. Shakti is the power of Shiva or the power of peace. It is not power born of violence or aggression. It is the power born in passivity, in silence of mind, the energy which comes forth from the Void, like the life that comes forth from the womb. Shakti is not a power which is asserted against something, but a power that enlivens everything from within.