Shakini in Yogini cult are fierce powerful female beings who
are followers of Bhairava form of Shiva in Hinduism. They had acquired the
ability to move in the air and they possessed the power of transforming human
beings into animals and birds.
The stories associated with Shakinis indicate that they move
about in aerial groups, and they visited cremation grounds and they worshipped
Bhairava form of Shiva with magical formulae.
The performed prayers, rituals, sacrifices and worship in
circular formations like chakras and mandalas.
Nudity and consumption of human flesh were an integral part
of the rites of Shakinis.
The male counterpart of Shakini is Unmatta Bhairava. This
form of Shiva can only be visualized in mind.
As per Kubjika Mata Tantra, Shakini appeared from the body of
Kuleshwar, the central male deity of the Yogini Chakra one of the five
internal chakras. It is said that she was fond of breaking the bones of human
beings.
During worship, Shakini is placed on a petal facing west.
As per Srimatottara Tatra she is depicted with the head of
lion. But as per Kularnava Tantra she has the head of a cat.
She has eight arms and is addicted to bone marrow. The body
color is smoky.