Here’s a little excerpt from something I wrote after reading Arthur Avalon’s Shakti and Shakta a few years back. I’ve reworked it quite a bit.

Shaktas are followers of the Goddess Shakti, the divine consort of the Great yogin Shiva. Shakti represents the active aspect of the universe, the energy that runs through every living being and every cosmic process. She is the active female aspect of the Universe, whereas Shiva represents the passive male aspect. She is His Power, but ultimately they are One and the same.