Chinnamastā, one of the Mahavidyas, 10 Tantric goddesses aspect of Devi. Fearsome iconography. The self-decapitated goddess holds her own severed head in one hand, a scimitar in another. Standing on a copulating couple. Associated w/ concept of self-sacrifice and the awakening of the kundalini – spiritual energy. Symbol of self-control of sexual desire as well as embodiment of sexual enegry. Legends emphasize her sacrifice, maternal element, sexual dominance, and self destruction.