Shaktism’s tapestry weaves together several rich philosophical currents, each casting the Divine Mother in her unique light:

1. Sri Vidyā (Śrīkula)
   – Centers on the worship of Tripurasundarī through elaborate Sādhana and mantra rites.
   – Blends dualistic bhakti with non-dual Advaita underpinnings, much like today’s “both/and” approach in modern spirituality.
   – Famous texts: Śrīvidyātantra, Lalitā Sahasranāma.

2. Kālīkula
   – Reveres fierce forms such as Kālī and Bhairavī.
   – More tantric, often emphasizing transformative fire rituals (homa) and mantra japa for inner alchemy.
   – Echoes the world’s current fascination with shadow-work and psychological integration.

3. Vāmācāra vs. Dakṣiṇācāra
   – Vāmācāra (“left-hand path”): Employs heterodox practices—animal offerings, wine, sexual rites—as symbols of breaking taboos and transcending duality.
   – Dakṣiṇācāra (“right-hand path”): Sticks to socially sanctioned ceremonies—flower garlands, vegetarian offerings.
   – Both aim at realizing Shakti as immanent power, but choose different highways: one via the scenic route, the other by the expressway.

4. Kaula Tradition
   – Seen as a substream of Vāmācāra, Kaula schools focus on guru-disciple secrecy and the five Ms (madya, māmsa, matsya, mudrā, maithuna).
   – Influential in medieval Bengal and Assam; its emphasis on the body as temple resonates with today’s body-positive movements.

5. Kashmir Śaktavāda (Pratyabhijñā and Spanda)
   – Philosophical cousins to Kashmir Śaivism, yet spotlight Śakti as the dynamic pulse behind all reality.
   – Pratyabhijñā (“recognition”): Knowledge that the world is self-revelation of the Mother.
   – Spanda (“vibration”): Everything—from a tweetstorm to a heartbeat—is her cosmic dance.

Each branch offers a distinct path: whether it’s the precise geometry of Śrī Vidyā yantras, the ecstatic drumbeat of a Kālī puja in Kolkata, or the intimate mantra transmission in a Kaula line. There’s a bit of something for everyone—just like today’s playlists, which shuffle between pop anthems and underground beats to stir the soul.