Discuss the role of deities in Tantra in a way that makes it clear that you understand what deities are, how they are supposed to help the practitioner, and what the practice of deity yoga is ultimately supposed to achieve

In Sanskrit, Tantra means warp, the weave of the fabric, the weave of a tapestry that extends. In its origin, Tantra has nothing to do with sexuality or sex. It represents the idea that all things in the universe are connected, intertwined, joined together, through a kind of invisible thread that forms this intimate union of all things.

That which unites everything, that is within everything, is divine Power (Shakti). This Power is within each of us, and it is also outside of us. However, our common way of looking at the universe and seeing ourselves does not allow us to see this perfection of everything. Tantra, as a practice, leads to a transformation of the person, allowing him to see beyond appearances and perceive divine reality in everything.

Everything that exists can be used as a vehicle to get in touch with Divinity, nothing is wrong or impure. As long as he has developed the right spiritual attitude, the Tantra practitioner can experience perfection in everything.

“There is nothing that you cannot do and nothing that you cannot eat. There is nothing that one cannot think or talk about, whether pleasant or unpleasant. The supreme Self exists within him as well as in other beings. Thus, the Yogi must approach food and drink and other things.”

Yoga means unity, connection, and the main objective of the practice is to make us reconnect with our essence, through breathing, meditation and postures, to let go of our ego identification and realize that our true essence transcends everyone the concepts in which society tries to fit us.