The symbolism of Shiva and Shakti

 The symbolism of Shiva and Shakti in Hindu mysticism is thus representative of the creative principle of Consciousness, which brings this phenomenal universe, as it were, into existence.

Shiva is seen as that immutable consciousness, as the carrier of this power, and Shakti is seen as the creative force, the movement of consciousness itself. Shiva is thus the eternal stillness out of which the movement of Shakti flows.