Information about the Gnostic title Tau

Tau is used as a title, given to Gnostic Bishops.

In Greek the letter Tau forms a “T,” and also in Hebrew the letter called “Tau” is shaped like a “T” ancient Hebrew. Thus the title Tau in terms of esoteric Occultism, indicates the T Cross. The Tau cross, being given the meaning of a state of complete enlightenment and immersion in the Divine Light – the power of being a Theolalite; hence, it indicates embodiment or realisation of Gnosis and Sophia. Tau as a symbol represents the womb and vagina of the Priestess, which is the source of life and enlightenment.

In Eastern Orthodox traditions, and those evolving from the Orthodox tradition, generally it is the Greek Tau that is used, but in the Gnostic tradition it is the Hebrew Tau, which bears added esoteric meaning because it is the last letter of the Hebrew Alef-Bet, and therefore has the same meaning as “Omega” in Greek – the end or fruition, perfection and completion. From this a deeper and more esoteric meaning may be drawn from a saying of: “I am Alpha and Omega,” or “I am Alef and Tau.” All life starts in the womb and enlightenment is also found there, the Holy Grail. The beginning of the Great Work starts from the day you are born, and for males at least, it ends in complete enlightenment that he receives from the Goddess incarnate, the Priestess.

Although in Orthodox traditions the title Tau is used synonymously with the title of Bishop, and indicates the ecclesiastical function of a Bishop in apostolic succession – an overseer and direct successor to the original apostles. In our esoteric apostolic succession, or Gnostic apostolic succession, the title of Tau indicates something distinct from the title of Bishop – a Tau may be a Bishop in the sense of the exoteric apostolic succession, but the title Tau is used to indicate a state of illumination and attainment. We use this to indicate a realised individual or spiritual King or Queen who has the capacity to transmit something of the power of their realisation.

The exoteric apostolic succession relies upon faith, and upon creed and doctrine, and rites and rituals. Gnosis or actual enlightenment is not the criteria for ordination or consecration. In the Gnostic apostolic succession, however, recognition is based upon Gnosis – an actual experience of enlightenment or self-realisation, and the capacity to convey something of that realisation to others.

When someone has reached this attainment of Tau it is rather obvious – initiates experience and can bear witness to various gradations of Kundalini awakening. In our Church, a Tau serves as the principle teachers and guardians of the lineage, and attend to the spiritual labour of the outer circle. A Tau also serves as the knowledge-keepers and revealers of the lineage, and attend to the inner circle.

Of course someone might become enlightened and choose to not serve as a Tau lineage holder. Enlightenment is not dependent on receiving the title in its self.

We understand that the term Tau is something more than a title as it is used in our Church – it represents a state of being. The spiritual and mystical teachings associated with “Tau,” are more than symbolic metaphor – they indicate an actual experience of Divine Gnosis or Divine Illumination.