What is the significance of the Triple Tau in Freemasonry?

The triple tau, formed by three tau crosses conjoined at their feet, serves as the badge and grand emblem of Royal Arch Masonry 1.

In traditional English Royal Arch lectures, its geometric construction—producing right angles along its exterior lines and at its center—is described as illustrating the jewel worn by Companions 1. The lectures explain that its intersecting lines form angles whose total in right angles equals the five Platonic solids, which represent the four elements and the sphere of the universe 1.

Beyond its geometric properties, writers on the Order attribute theological and symbolic meaning to the figure. Robert Lomas treats the triple tau as a representation of the single Deity in a threefold nature, symbolizing three divine aspects united as one 2. Albert Mackey, drawing upon the Book of Ezekiel where a tau cross is placed as a mark of preservation upon the faithful, considers the triple tau in the Royal Arch to be a distinguishing mark designating those who know and worship the true divine name 1.