Tau and Triple Tau Cross

Tau and Triple Tau Cross

Tau Cross

The Tau Cross, also known as the St. Anthony's Cross or the Crux Commissa, is a T-shaped cross with a rich and varied history that spans across multiple cultures and religious traditions. The cross derives its name from the Greek letter 'tau', which is shaped like a capital 'T'. Throughout history, the Tau Cross has been adopted by several religious sects, including Christianity and ancient Egyptian mythology, and it has been associated with a diverse range of symbols and meanings.

In Christianity, the Tau Cross has been closely linked to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God to mark the foreheads of the righteous with the symbol of the tau (Ezekiel 9:4), which was subsequently interpreted by early Christians as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion. The tau shape was seen as representing the shape of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. As a result, it has become a prominent symbol in Christian iconography, especially in the early Church.

Moreover, the Tau Cross has been associated with various Christian saints, most notably St. Anthony of Egypt, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Anthony of Padua. St. Anthony of Egypt, a prominent desert father and one of the earliest Christian monastics, is often depicted holding a Tau Cross, which later became known as the St. Anthony's Cross. St. Francis of Assisi was said to have experienced a vision in which an angel presented him with a Tau Cross, leading him to adopt the symbol as part of his monastic order's habit.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the Tau Cross symbolises the concept of eternal life and is closely related to the ankh, another well-known symbol of Egyptian culture. The ankh, or 'key of life', consists of a loop atop a T-shaped cross, and the tau is often considered a simplified form of this symbol. The tau has been found in various Egyptian artefacts, including amulets and tomb paintings, signifying its importance in their belief system.

Despite its predominantly religious associations, the Tau Cross has also been adopted as a symbol by various secular organisations, including the medical profession. The symbol of the tau-rho, which combines the Greek letters tau and rho, has been used to represent the Hippocratic Oath, the ethical code for medical professionals. This connection may have its origins in the tau's association with the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius.

Triple Tau Cross

The Triple Tau Cross, often simply referred to as the Triple Tau, is a symbol that consists of three interlaced tau (T) characters, forming a composite figure resembling an equilateral triangle. Although the Triple Tau Cross bears resemblance to the Tau Cross, it possesses unique meanings and associations within specific contexts.

One of the most notable uses of the Triple Tau Cross is in the context of Freemasonry, where it serves as an emblem of significant importance, particularly within the Royal Arch degree of the York Rite. The Triple Tau is considered a symbol of the Royal Arch Mason's dedication to the principles and teachings of Freemasonry, with the three interlinked tau characters symbolising the union of the individual with the divine and the fraternity.

Within the context of Freemasonry, the Triple Tau Cross is also associated with the phrase "templum hierosolyma" or "holiness of Jerusalem", and it is sometimes used as an abbreviation for "Clavis ad Thesaurum" or "A Key to the Treasure" and "Theca ubi res pretiosa deponitur" or "A place where a precious thing is concealed". This highlights the Triple Tau's importance in Freemasonry, as it embodies the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth undertaken by its members.

The Triple Tau has also been connected to various religious and spiritual traditions. In Christian symbolism, the Triple Tau can be interpreted as a representation of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This interpretation is supported by the triangular shape formed by the interlaced tau characters, which can be seen as an allusion to the concept of the divine triad.

Furthermore, the Triple Tau has been associated with the combination of the Greek letters "I" (iota) and "H" (eta), which are the first two letters of the name Jesus in Greek. In this interpretation, the Triple Tau serves as a Christogram or monogram for Jesus Christ. Similarly, the Triple Tau has been connected to the Hebrew letter "Shin" (ש), which is sometimes used to represent the name of God, particularly in Kabbalistic mysticism.