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Post by thisisnecessary on Feb 15, 2012 5:23:06 GMT
I am curious as to what you all think of the symbolism of the Triple Tau. I have encountered this symbol in more than just a RA context, and our own ritual remains quiet about this curious emblem. Any thoughts?
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Post by billmcelligott on Feb 15, 2012 9:40:37 GMT
The Triple Tau The compound character known as the triple tau is one of the Royal Arch’s emblems. A triple tau is literally “three Tau’s,” the tau being the nineteenth letter in the Greek Alphabet. The triple tau of Royal Arch Masonry consists of 3 Ts linked in the centre joined at their base. This mystical character can be signified in a few different ways. First, the names Hiram of Tyre and Hiram Abif appear in the Phoenican language with the same letters “H” and “T” as they do in English. Therefore, the Triple Tau takes on the interpretation of the initial letters in Hiram Abif’s name. Second, it signifies also T. H., Templum Hierosolym, the Temple of Jerusalem, and when used as the Royal Arch symbol, some jurisdictions teach that the wearer acknowledges himself a servant of God. Thirdly, Christians in Greek or Roman influence anciently used a tau cross. The basis of a triple tau in early church history would mean the trinity of father, son, and holy spirit. A belief in the triune nature of godhead is common to many faiths and religions. A triangle is a simple shape in geometry that has taken on great spiritual significance and symbolism. The equilateral triangle was revered by ancient nations as containing the greatest and most abstruse mysteries, and as a symbol of God, denoting a triad of intelligence, a triad of deity, a triune God. The equilateral triangle shows equality with its three angles of the same degrees. In one way, it best represents deity by its equality or perfection in design and proportion. The triangle is a symbol of divine union, and an emblem of the mysterious triune, equally representing the attributes of deity, and his triune essence: omnipotence (all powerful), omnipresence (eternal) and omniscience (all knowing). freemasonry.bcy.ca/symbolism/triple_tau.html |
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Post by thisisnecessary on Feb 16, 2012 6:00:19 GMT
Taken from www.esoteric.msu.edu/VolumeV/CURIOUS.htm- this article is an interesting read in and of itself but here are some amusing thoughts on the tiple Tau that might give us more than just the stock explanation that the Royal Arch explanations give. (No offense billmcelligott) "The first emblem (Figure B) is a re-veiling, through the kabbalistic technique known as temura (simple letter substitution), employing the atbash cipher, of the words God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. In his recent book Hallowed Be Thy Name, Fr. Michael Lewis, a Carmelite priest, referred to St. Bernardine of Siena’s conscious adaptation of the IHS emblem as a symbol alluding to the ineffable name of God. In his explanation of the tetragrammaton, he quotes from Los nombres de Cristo, by Fray Luis de León, a converso “influenced consciously or unconsciously by the thought and imagery of the kabbala.” In Lewis’s exegesis of the new name given to the redeemed (Rev. 3:12), he refers to the plate of gold on the forehead of the high priest (Exo. 28: 36-38) and the tov (tau) specifically named as a mark of redemption (Eze. 9:6). For all his obvious erudition, perhaps his Roman Catholic orthodoxy prevented him from continuing his quest for meaning by examining the atbash cipher used by kabbalists. The atbash cipher is used by kabbalists as a mode of encryption and interpretation. The cipher is rather simple. While it is not relevant to explicate its many applications, temura should be understood before proceeding. The 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet are folded back on themselves so that each of the first 11 letters is paired with a letter in the second half of the alphabet. Thus paired, the atbash cipher derives the Triple Tau Cross from the three alephs in the holy utterance of God to Moses when he asked Him “Whom shall I say has sent me?”. As explained above, the encryption process by which it was re-veiled (obfuscated or occulted), was the atbash cipher. The Hebrew letter א, aleph, replaces the letter ת, tov (equal to the Greek τ, tau), hence there are three tovs (or taus) derived from the three alephs in the sacred utterance of God. Graphically, the three taus of the Triple Tau Cross produce a figure almost identical to that seen in IHS emblem, except that in a true Triple Tau Cross, the horizontal axis of the Latin cross surmounting the “H” is elevated to the top of its vertical axis, giving it the appearance of three capital Ts joined at their vertical axes. St. Bernardine, knowing the mystic allusion of the Triple Tau Cross, simply moved the horizontal bar down a bit to form a Latin cross, and in so doing, appropriated it into the Christian tradition." I have also seen the Triple Tau used in the imagery of ceremonial magic, and can be found in several renditions of the Seal Of Solomon. It also pops up in some of the circles to be drawn, but is not explained in these grimoires, as far as my memory serves me from what I have read. ...By the way, I do not mean to assert that the usage of the TT in any other context other than the that of the RA degree should be applied as such to the Masonic system, I just find it interesting that it pops up elsewhere with the same amount of elusive mystery. |
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Post by billmcelligott on Feb 16, 2012 12:15:25 GMT
Taken from www.esoteric.msu.edu/VolumeV/CURIOUS.htm- this article is an interesting read in and of itself but here are some amusing thoughts on the tiple Tau that might give us more than just the stock explanation that the Royal Arch explanations give. (No offense billmcelligott) Certainly no offence taken. but you said " and our own ritual remains quiet about this curious emblem." I am just pointing to what is included and known on this emblem. The triple Tau symbolic of the Three Original Grand Masters SKI HKT HA From the Ritual Book of HRA This symbolical arrangement corresponds to the triple tau, which forms two right angles on each of the exterior lines, and two others at their centre, by their union, for the three angles of each triangle are equal to two right angles; this serves to illustrate the jewel worn by some of the Companions of the Order, which forms by its intersections a given number of angles; these may be taken in five several combinations, and when reduced into their amount in right angles, will be found equal to the five regular platonic bodies, which represent the four elements and the sphere of the universe. and Mystical lecture There is also the triple tau, which is a character affixed to the summonses of Royal Arch Masons. The tau is the sign or mark spoken of by the angel which Ezekiel saw in spirit, when it was said to the man with the writer’s inkhorn, "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof," by which mark they were preserved alive from amidst those who were slain for their idolatry by the wrathful displeasure of the Lord. It was also a mark, in ancient times, placed on the forehead of those who were acquitted by the judges, as a proof of their innocence; and military commanders put it on those who were saved unhurt from the field of battle: for which reasons it has been denominated the mark of life. The union of the three taus here represented alludes to the grand triunison, by which the horrific, gloomy, and unshapen chaos was changed into regular form and peaceful existence. ....................... So in the Royal Arch Ritual there is ample explanation of the Tau and the Triple Tau. |
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Post by thisisnecessary on Feb 17, 2012 5:22:55 GMT
Thank you bill! And although I have read a few other versions of the HRA from other jurisdictions and also have researched their explanations, I often forget how shallow the American Rite can be(I could say the same about American Masonry in general actually) and how much it leaves out! In my Chapter ritual book, we are not given these explanations, and also the 3 lectures given by the 3 principle officers are not present either. To compensate for this lacking, the lodge/chapter/council education committee that I am a part of often confers the degrees and afterwords gives explanation of ritual, symbols, catechisms, lectures, etc that are not in use with our jurisdiction. It gives us a chance to explore and pick up more pieces to the puzzle. Its often quite discouraging to read these other rituals and go back to my own, but also kind of exciting at the same time to know we are trying different ways to revamp our Masonry here. Thank you again for the information!
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Post by jackson on Feb 28, 2012 15:22:17 GMT
"What's in a name? that which we call a rose
Would smell as sweet if it had any other name."
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Post by maat on Feb 29, 2012 1:44:31 GMT
A single tau can signify taking a step up a ladder ..
The ToL can signify a ladder ..
At the top of the ToL ladder are Three ..
Glory be!
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Post by jackson on Feb 29, 2012 8:39:47 GMT
My question is this: is it really true that we're all gods and goddesses?
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Post by maat on Mar 2, 2012 4:35:38 GMT
I guess if we are part of the All, or a spark of THE Spirit (a chip of the old block) then we can't help but be much more illustrious than we allow ourselves to believe. As we work towards perfecting ourselves we let our Light shine... the dormer light in the temple, not built with hands.
As Jesus said, 'What I do you can do also'. Scary stuff when you think about it. Such responsibility. Much easier for us to think we are not like Him, therefore we do not have to make the same sacrifices for others.
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Post by omprakashkalal on Nov 5, 2012 6:33:58 GMT
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Post by justplainlilolme on Dec 12, 2012 4:50:32 GMT
What would your inclinations be to the symbolism implied if someone had a Triple Tau in their name?
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Post by beejay on Dec 12, 2012 5:17:14 GMT
I am curious as to what you all think of the symbolism of the Triple Tau. It seems to be a copy of the triple grip - or perhaps the grip is copied from the triple tau |
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Post by beejay on Dec 12, 2012 5:40:35 GMT
My question is this: is it really true that we're all gods and goddesses? Psalm 82:6 Complete Jewish Bible: My decree is: 'You are elohim [gods, judges], sons of the Most High all of you. 7 Nevertheless, you will die like mortals; like any prince, you will fall.'" 8 Rise up, Elohim, and judge the earth; for all the nations are yours. The gods (sons of TMH) will die like mortals. |
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Post by maat on Dec 20, 2012 22:54:21 GMT
Only the physical body is mortal.. a coat of skin for for individual conscious. At death we discard the coat (and reveal the white Light (?) garment beneath.
It is the consciousness/mind which survives the grave or furnace. Mind is the Builder of the Temple ETERNAL in the Heavens.
The Triple Tau is related on this thread to three triangles, which I think of as a reference to the Three Permanent Atoms (google that) which are said to reside in the heart ( Sign of F...).
Are these the 'Three Wise Kings' who gift the baby Jesus (Prince and mortal) ... born into a lowly estate, a feeding trough for animals (instincts and behavioural patterns).
In Rose Croix we might see this Three and One connection emblazoned in lights for all to see. But how many see it? In Rose the Prince born lowly is absorbed into the Light and becomes one with it. He raises Himself up to Glory through his own efforts, one (regular)Step at a time.
Christianity aside, turn the Tau on its side and you might see that it can be seen the rung of a ladder. Three rungs on the Ladder of the Tree of Life lead to Glory. The mystical tradition of the Jews agrees with the mystical tradition of the Christians, and if you do a little research on this you will find that even here 'the Saviour' is placed in the midst of three triangles (and on the Middle Pillar).
Happy Christmas everyone, may the hardships you suffered have made you stronger and the good fortunes received made you more gracious. And I hope you get a nice little surprise or two at this very special time of the year.
With Love
Maat
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Post by billmcelligott on Dec 21, 2012 16:52:00 GMT
Happy Christmas Maat and all. Of course it could simply be that the foundation of all geometry is placed on the right angled triangle. The Grand Lodge of BC & Y expand on concept. freemasonry.bcy.ca/symbolism/triple_tau.htmlThe compound character known as the triple tau is one of the Royal Arch’s emblems. A triple tau is literally “three Tau’s,” the tau being the nineteenth letter in the Greek Alphabet. The triple tau of Royal Arch Masonry consists of 3 Ts linked in the centre joined at their base. This mystical character can be signified in a few different ways. First, the names Hiram of Tyre and Hiram Abif appear in the Phoenican language with the same letters “H” and “T” as they do in English. Therefore, the Triple Tau takes on the interpretation of the initial letters in Hiram Abif’s name. Second, it signifies also T. H., Templum Hierosolym, the Temple of Jerusalem, and when used as the Royal Arch symbol, some jurisdictions teach that the wearer acknowledges himself a servant of God. Thirdly, Christians in Greek or Roman influence anciently used a tau cross. The basis of a triple tau in early church history would mean the trinity of father, son, and holy spirit. A belief in the triune nature of godhead is common to many faiths and religions. A triangle is a simple shape in geometry that has taken on great spiritual significance and symbolism. The equilateral triangle was revered by ancient nations as containing the greatest and most abstruse mysteries, and as a symbol of God, denoting a triad of intelligence, a triad of deity, a triune God. The equilateral triangle shows equality with its three angles of the same degrees. In one way, it best represents deity by its equality or perfection in design and proportion. The triangle is a symbol of divine union, and an emblem of the mysterious triune, equally representing the attributes of deity, and his triune essence: omnipotence (all powerful), omnipresence (eternal) and omniscience (all knowing). |
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Post by beejay on Dec 21, 2012 22:07:01 GMT
If the triple Tau is a copy of the triple grip then the question changes markedly.
Is the triple grip a "a symbol of divine union"?
Which three gods could have used such a grip?
JBO?
How simple is that?
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Post by billmcelligott on Dec 21, 2012 22:39:13 GMT
The Triple symbolism seems to be in many Religions, no need to pick one of them.
This article is about the "Three Jewels", "Three Treasures", "Three Refuges or "Triple Gem" in Buddhism.
Diana, Hecate, and Isis, and is often depicted as the Maiden, Mother and Crone triad popularised by Robert Graves.
The Hindu Triple Goddess. Devanagari.
Sikh tenets wherever he went, in the following triple precept: Kirat Karo, Wand Chhako, Nam Japo.
my personal opinion is it should be the 'Union' rather than how it comes to be. The union of 2, 3, 4 etc etc. The commonality of purpose.
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Post by beejay on Dec 21, 2012 22:57:10 GMT
The Trinity appears in many religions but not the triple grip.
From where does it come?
Why is it associated with these gods?
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Post by anugama on May 10, 2013 8:08:59 GMT
I also thought it related to Hermes Trismegistus, or Thrice Greatest Hermes as a god of wisdom.
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Post by beejay on May 10, 2013 9:11:34 GMT
Here is the Tau as the Tree of Life  But that does not get us to the Triple Tau |
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