Sixty and four are the instruments of enjoyments that tempt the individual soul (jiva). Sixty and four are the divisions (kalas) within jiva; Sixty and four are the chambers of jivas chakras; Sixty and four; where Shiva-Shakti are.

Thirumandiram V. 1418

In very ancient days, eight great Female Goddesses Shaktis emerged from the cosmic soul of the Principle Dieties and formed Kali Durga, the Universal Shakti Power, These were the grand Mothers (Ashta Matrikas) of all subsequent Yoginis. According to Kaula Tantra, these eight manifested each in turn into eight Divine Shaktis, thus resulting in the 64 Tantric Yoginis.

Eight Great Mothers (Ashta Matrikas), Halebid, Karnataka

An examination of the ancient Tantric tradition reveals a particular sanctity assigned to the number eight. The eight mother faculties (tatvas) of the manifested universe, the eight directions with four cardinal and four intermediate points (digbandahs), the eight miraculous yogic powers (siddhis), eight "limbs" of Yoga (astanga) eight forms of the Divine Mother (matrikas) and eight primary mystic symbols (mudras) are just a few examples. The square of eight, or sixty-four, occupies an even more profound position in the field of Tantra which, from the point of view of the practitioner, first and foremost identifies the sixty-four Tantric Yoginis.

The Matrikas are found in inscriptions uncovered from the Indus Valley Civilization of 5000 years ago.

O Great Ones, if I am known, what need is there for pilgrimage, austerities and even sadhana itself? If I am revealed, of what use is puja, tantra, kriya, yoga and the revealed texts? My mystery is grand and broad and expansive beyond the consciousness of humanity, yet I am ever accessible as the cosmic lover beyond the thinking mind and it is I who is the source of the Peace, Light, Love, and Power that are all the hallmarks of my essence. I am the polarities and the forces of creation, the Divine feminine in union with her Lord. Manifesting in both celestial and terrestrial planes, pretending to be limited as a human incarnation, I become intoxicated with all aspects of life, in order to know Shiva as my intimate lover, with whom I always seek oneness. I take on human incarnation in order that all of his less conscious manifestations might discover their divinity though relationship with me. In doing so I provide an avenue for humanity to taste the nectar of immortality through my Kaula Tantra. Even given this, my true nature still remains secret. I live hidden in the bodies of human lovers, promoting the elevation of consciousness for those who seek it through me.

Recitation of the following sacred mantras will bring about transformation of consciousness and a closer personal relationship with the aspects of Maha Kali.

Each Mantra is preceeded by "Om" and is concluded with "Svahaa".

1. Kali Nitya Siddhamata

Read the original:
the 64 Yoginis - Yogini Ashram