Skt., sakta
One of the four major religious systems of what is called Hinduism, Shakta designates the worship of a Goddess, Shakti, as the principal deity and primal energy of universe and creation.
The creative force, recognized as being s.exual in nature, is therefore often represented in images of fe|male union; a practice very similar to those within Tantra. Different sub-schools may use teachings that mirror this on the physical plane by using the libido in their rituals, others see it as mere symbology and reject all actual union.
One of the features that clearly delineates the difference between Tantra and Shakta is the fact that the latter teachings always regard the feminine principle, Shakti or Devi, as supreme - whereas in Tantra the devotee is more or less free to choose whether she or he takes a male or femals deity as personal yidam.
In western literature, with its love for ‘isms’, Shakta is often called Shaktism.
See also Devi Purana, Kalika Purana, Niruttara Tantra.