Greetings in the name of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, H.I.M King Selassie I, JAH RASTAFARI

It is all so common to see people of all walks of life wearing “Dread Locks”, Red Gold and Green, Smoking Ganja and wearing Bob Marley T-Shirts. This pop culture phenomenon in of it self serves to be a double edged sword. It lends it self to being evidence of the positive vibrations of the Rastafari Movement, yet at the same time serves as a direct force of disinformation of the Rastafari livity. More times than none, the type of person I have just described are whom InI call “Fashion Dreads” or Importers. Further more it is easy to run into those who call themselves Rasta, but in all actuality they are Rastafari Sympathizers; infatuated with the culture and lifestyle of the Rastafari Breadreen and Sistreeen.
Recently a friend of mine, who I might add is a Gentile, asked me the following question and requested that I blog my thoughts on it.
“In regards to becoming a Rastafari, is it foolish or considered taboo for a white person to convert or join this way of life because of the Pan-Africanism and Afro-centric beliefs and world view.”

Within this question there are actually 3 elements to be discussed.

1. Conversion to Rastafari
2. The principals of Rastafari
3. White Rastafari peoples

Please follow me as I address these three elements.

Conversion to Rastafari

One does not convert to Rastafari, because Rastafari in its essence is a Livity (way of life) that one is called upon by the Most High to live.
The Irit (Spirit) of Rastafari is with InI from Ireation (Creation) however it often reveals itself stage by stage. Rastafari is a livity (way of life), and as in life, you learn as you live. As you grow, you learn the elements of Life, Love, Justice and the workings of the Iniverse (universe) and your eyes open a little bit wider. It is when one fully opens their eyes and submits to the will and teachings of the Head Creator as manifested in the image of Rastafari, does one become Rastafari in fullness.
To that end “many are called but only the few are chosen”, thus you do not chose to be Rastafari you are created Rastafari

The principals of Rastafari

There are three main Mansions of Rastafari, the Theocratic Order of Nyabinghi, Boboshanti, and 12 Tribes of Israel. The dress, services, and interactions vary from Mansion to Mansion however all Rastafari maintain the following principals and manifest them in their lives. Any man or woman who claims to be Rastafari and do not submit to these “Kingcipals” are either wolves in sheep’s clothing, ignorant to the way of Rastafari, or are simply just sympathizers of the Movement. For these principals are the defining factors that separates a Ras from a Dread.

1. Rastafari revere H.I.M. Emperor Haile Sellassie I of Ethiopia as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Conquering Lion of Judah. The 225th descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, the last to sit upon the Throne of David, God Head, and the Ancient of Days. The same Lion of Judah that the book of Revelations Ch. 5 spoke of. Thus we submit to his will and teachings.
2. The Honourable Marcus Garvey is our Prophet and has his place in the hierarchy of Rastafari
3. InI actively fight against oppression and downpression (hence the word Nyabinghi means “death to all black and white oppressors”)
4. Ethiopia is the Holy Land and is an integral part of the Garden of Eden as recorded in the book of Genesis.
5. "Africa for the Africans, at Home and Abroad”. Rastafari assert that all the African peoples brought to the western hemisphere through the advent of European slave trading, whose progeny still survives, have the inherent rights to demand their repatriation back to the African continent if so desired. Furthermore, all costs and reparations should be contributed by nations that participated in the nefarious practises of African slave trading
6. Adhere to a Rastafari “Ital Livity”, a lifestyle that is organic and sustainable
7. Reasoning and or being Reasonable.

All Rastafari brethren hold sacred these basic I-cepts of the culture, to which we offer Biblical and Historical reference; particularly the recorded history of Ethiopia.

White Rastas, Taboo?

Rastafari knows no boarders; it flows through race, gender, or geography because it is an Ineversal (universal) Irit (spirit).  The mission of Rastafari is to create unity and universal harmony.  In his 1963 Declaration to the League of Nations H.I.M King Selassie I said:

"Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned, everywhere is war and until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation, until the colour of a man's skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes. And until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race, there is war. And until that day, the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, rule of international morality, will remain but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, but never attained... now everywhere is war."

In saying all this, Rastafari Idren do not look down upon their brothers and sisters who may be of a Caucasoid, Asian, South East Asian or any other genealogy. I would like to reverse the question now and ask are you willing to humble yourself to accept the principals of an Afro-centric world view.  Would you be willing to submit to the teachings and will of a Black King and God. 

I am above the earth, and I am at the ends of the world, and I am Master of everything. I am in the air, My place of abode, and I am above the chariot of the Cherubim, and I am praised everlastingly by all the angels and by holy men. And I am above the heights of heaven, and I fill everything. I am above the Seven Heavens. I see everything, and I test everything, and there is nothing that is hidden from Me. I am in every place, and there is no other god besides Me, neither in the heaven above nor in the earth beneath; there is none like unto Me, saith God; My hand hath laid the foundation of the earth, and My right hand hath made strong the heavens; I and My Son and the Holy Spirit.

Jah People came up out of Africa, out of Ethiopia and Egypt, and did settle in Palestine around Jerusalem, and along the Brook of Kanah, the River of the Tree of Life, which meanders from the Great Sea unto the Hills of Ephraim, and some settled as far north as Nazareth and even by the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Others of Judah, and even some of Israel, stayed along the Nile, at Hermes, at Thebes, at Alexandria; the Children of Light took refuge in the hills of Ethiopia and the hills of Judah.

Abraham turned his face to the East, and he stretched out his hands and said, “Be Thou my God, O Lord, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Creator of the sun and the moon, Creator of the sea and the dry land, Maker of the majesty of the heavens and the earth, and of that which is visible and that which is invisible; O Maker of the universe, be Thou my God. I place my trust in Thee, and from this day forth I will place my trust in no other save Thyself.” And then there appeared unto him a chariot of fire which blazed, and Abrahama was afraid and fell on his face on the ground; and [God] said unto him, “Fear thou not, stand upright.” And He removed fear from him.

Blessed is the name of Our Lord God Jah Ras Tafari, and Blessed is he who comes in the name of Jah, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie I. May His name and His glory be Blessed.

Behold ZION, behold salvation, behold the one who rejoiceth, behold the splendour like the sun, behold the one adorned with praise, behold the one who is decorated like a bride, not with the apparel of fleeting glory, but the one who is decorated with the glory and praise which are from God, whom it is meet that men and women shall look upon with desire and shall not forsake; whom ye shall desire above all things and shall not reject; whom all shall love willingly and shall not hate; whom everyone shall approach willingly and shall not keep afar off.

We have written to you so that you might understand the book of Moses, the books of the Prophets, and David and Sol-Amun and all the generations. It is written: When all these things happen to you in the Last Days, the blessing and the curse, you call them to mind and return to Him with all your heart and with all your Soul. Love one another at the end of the age, then you shall live Forever.

Ezra took the scripture of the north, Israel, intertwined and bolted it together with Holy Word from the south, Judah, and the Torah was born. Upon his return to Jerusalem, he read from seven in the morning until noon, and the Chosen People were both astonished and thankful.

This ignorance of the Father brought about terror and fear. And terror became dense like a fog, that no one was able to see. Because of this, error became strong. But it worked on its hylic substance vainly, because it did not know the truth. It was in a fashioned form while it was preparing, in power and in beauty, the equivalent of truth. This then, was not a humiliation for him, that illimitable, inconceivable one. For they were as nothing, this terror and this forgetfulness and this figure of falsehood, whereas this established truth is unchanging, unperturbed and completely beautiful.

For this reason, do not take error too seriously. Thus, since it had no root, it was in a fog as regards the Father, engaged in preparing works and forgetfulnesses and fears in order, by these means, to beguile those of the middle and to make them captive. The forgetfulness of error was not revealed. It did not become light beside the Father. Forgetfulness did not exist with the Father, although it existed because of him. What exists in him is knowledge, which was revealed so that forgetfulness might be destroyed and that they might know the Father, Since forgetfulness existed because they did not know the Father, if they then come to know the Father, from that moment on forgetfulness will cease to exist.

Oh God Above Us, Jah RasTafari Selassie I,
At the dawn of the New Day when the birds are singing

Let Your grace shower Our awakening dream

As I begin my day, stay with me from start to finish

May your love never leave Us

I N I thank you, and Love You.

IN I believe in a Supreme Being, and in Jah Chosen People. We know that Our Works and Our Life are crucial, and through Love can each be made Divine. For by the power of the Creator there is brought forth Music, and the people rejoice, and they Dance.

By the power of Melchizedek
Dominion on Earth shall pass from Belial
To the Righteous Sons of Light

Congegration of the Sons of Righteousness,
Heed the message of Jah Ras Tafari, His Majesty
Emperor Haile Sellassie I, Defender of Unity,
Of Jeshua and Man

Ethiopians, Judeans and Palestinians
You share DNA that is absent from others
Ye are the people of the God of History
With great power comes great responsibility

Jah traced out a city
In Kish, the Holy Seven
Laid out the Foundations

 A city they established
A fine dwelling place
But a Shepherd they withheld

Etana Jacob Jeshua
Jah Chosen Thirteenth
He who ascended to Heaven
Who consolidated all the lands

Holy Tafari stands forever,
As a testament to Jeshua
A living, breathing, healing
Life-Giving celebration of Christ

Return to me with all your heart and soul,
Obey the words of Jeshua of Nazareth
Fulfiller of the Law

I will deliver ye
From the power of enemies
Redeem ye from being ground under foot
By those who despise you

I will bring Thee
To the land of your fathers
Ye shall be redeemed
and ye shall multiply

I rejoice over Thee
Good Rasta people
I am Jah;
Ye are MY people

Illuminate My words in your works
I was tortured and nailed to a cross
Beaten, strangled and thrown in the ground
Rose again and again in the souls of men

Baptize by water, anoint by fire
ALL chosen Israelites
are anointed by Fire

In those days Solomon was King in Jerusalem, and Makeda was Queen in Ethiopia. Unto both of them were given wisdom, and glory, and riches, and graciousness, and understanding, and eloquence of speech, and intelligence. Gold and silver were held as cheaply as brass, and rich stuffs wherein gold was woven were as common as linen garments, and the cattle and the horses were innumerable.

The Queen of the South shall rise up on the Day of Judgment and shall dispute with, and condemn, and overcome this generation who would not hearken unto the preaching of My word, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Sol-Amen:

I saw many visions in a dream, and it seemed as if a sun had risen upon ISRAEL, but it snatched itself away and flew off and lighted up the country of ETHIOPIA; peradventure that country shall be blessed through thee; God knoweth. And as for thee, observe what I have told thee, so that thou mayest worship God with all thy heart and perform His Will. For He punisheth those who are arrogant, and He showeth compassion upon those who are humble, and He removeth the thrones of the mighty, and He maketh to be honoured those who are needy.

Ethiopia, the Goddess of Africa, the Caribbean and Amharica, is My Kaneh, My Music, My Heart, Soul and Desire, My Jah; for it is through Her Love of Christ that the world will find Holy Salvation. The Church of Haile Sellassie and the Cathedral of Robert Nesta Marley is Africa, and the Height of Africa is Itopia, Praise Her!!!

Excerpted from League of Nations speech, 1936

The Assembly of the League of Nations meets to consider the situation created by Italian aggression. I assert that the problem submitted to the Assembly today is a much wider one. It is not merely a question of the settlement of Italian aggression.

It is collective security: it is the very existence of the League of Nations. It is the confidence that each State is to place in international treaties. It is the value of promises made to small States that their integrity and their independence shall be respected and ensured. It is the principle of the equality of States on the one hand, or otherwise the obligation laid upon smail Powers to accept the bonds of vassalship. In a word, it is international morality that is at stake. Have the signatures appended to a Treaty value only in so far as the signatory Powers have a personal, direct and immediate interest involved?

No subtlety can change the problem or shift the grounds of the discussion. It is in all sincerity that I submit these considerations to the Assembly. At a time when my people are threatened with extermination, when the support of the League may ward off the final blow, may I be allowed to speak with complete frankness, without reticence, in all directness such as is demanded by the rule of equality as between all States Members of the League?

Apart from the Kingdom of the Lord there is not on this earth any nation that is superior to any other. Should it happen that a strong Government finds it may with impunity destroy a weak people, then the hour strikes for that weak people to appeal to the League of Nations to give its judgment in all freedom. God and history will remember your judgment.

Such is the place of the blessed; this is their place. As for the rest, then, may they know, in their place, that it does not suit me, after having been in the place of rest to say anything more. But he is the one in whom I shall be in order to devote myself, at all times, to the Father of the All and the true brothers, those upon whom the love of the Father is lavished, and in whose midst nothing of him is lacking. It is they who manifest themselves truly since they are in that true and eternal life and speak of the perfect light filled with the seed of the Father, and which is in his heart and in the Pleroma, while his Spirit rejoices in it and glorifies him in whom it was, because the Father is good. And his children are perfect and worthy of his name, because he is the Father. Children of this kind are those whom he loves.

Colonialism and the policy of racism impose soul searching questions of human rights, weighing equally on the conscience of all men and nations of good-will. History amply shows that the freedom enjoyed by the many becomes fragile when the denial, even to the few, of basic human rights is tolerated.

Our efforts as free men must be to establish new relationships, devoid of any resentment and hostility, restored to our belief and faith in ourselves as individuals, dealing on a basis of equality with other equally free people.

We believe in cooperation and collaborration to promote the cause of international security, the equality of man and the welfare of mankind.

We believe in the peaceful settlement of all disputes without resorting to force.

All well ordered and modern states can only base themselves upon Courts of Justice and Conduct of Laws which are just, correct and geared towards the protection of the rights of individuals. Justice is a product of education.

Man’s ingratitude to man is often manifested in willingness to relegate human beings to the scrapheaps of life when they enter the twilight of their careers and younger brains and stronger arms are found to replace them.

All of this We have, from Our earliest days, recognized, and in the years during which We have guided and directed the destinies of the Ethiopian people and nation, We have endeavored to accommodate and give due consideration to this basic truth. To you the legislators of the Empire, has been confided the high responsibility of ensuring that the needs and the desires of those who chose you as their representatives are well and truly served in the legislative programmes which will be placed before you. You must ensure that in your desire to achieve immediate goals, long-term considerations of equal or greater importance are not ignored or irrevocably prejudiced. Those who will prepare your Government’s programmes will do so honestly and sincerely, seeking thereby to secure the further progress of Ethiopia and her people. But you, as well as they, share in the responsibility for guaranteeing that this progress is not only apparent but real and that each step forward paves the way for the next. May Almighty God grant you wisdom, understanding and judgment.

Distinguished members of the Jamaican Parliament, I am glad today to get this opportunity of conveying some thoughts to the Jamaican Parliament and people. The people of Jamaica have a long glorious history. The Jamaican people have struggled to attain their independence and since independence the Jamaican people in an exemplary national unity have gone on to bring further abundance and progress to themselves. Because I know of the history of these wonderful people and because I know of the sentiments the people of Jamaica entertain for the Ethiopian people, I have always wished to come and visit Jamaica. Now, thank God, this wish of mine has been fulfilled.

Upon arrival in Jamaica I have seen more than I have expected. I have seen the progress of the people and I have seen their determination to march forward in unity towards greater progress. I have also witnessed personally the extent of the feeling of the Jamaican people for the Ethiopian people. Again I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the Government and people of Jamaica for the wonderful reception that was accorded to me.

Our relations with the Jamaican people, as I have said already, is not of present origin. At a time when the Ethiopian people bore aggression, harsh aggression, the people of Jamaica showed their concern and sympathy to the Ethiopian people and have in this way provided us with encouragement regarding which the Ethiopian people shall be forever grateful.

Since I arrived in Jamaica, I was able to witness myself that these feelings of sympathy that had existed then have continued, and even now there is a greater desire to establish a closer relation with the people of Ethiopia.

The relations, in a broader sense, between the people of Jamaica and the people of Ethiopia and Africa are deep and abiding. We have all struggled for independence and have achieved it now. Because we are people dedicated to the achievement of our independence. we have attained an objective that Is the basis for continued mutual cooperation and goodwill.

In addition to this there is a bond of gratitude, a bond of brotherhood. The people of Jamaica, by and large, have originated in Africa. This again gives us another basis upon which we can contract a healthy relation, a relation that is not only going to be useful to our respective peoples but a relation, because of the fundamental similarity between us, that will in the long run contribute to a better maintenance of international peace and security.

In addition to this both the people of Jamaica and the people of Ethiopia are dedicated to another cause, that is the cause of progress and prosperity. Here again the struggle we have to undergo, the difficulties we must all overcome, and the programmer we must adopt have much similarity. Thus I say the people of Jamaica and Ethiopia have much in common and these common factors can be used as the basis for even stronger relations between our two peoples

The people of African origin have immigrated to many parts of the world. Some of them have come to Jamaica; others to other parts of the world. But wherever they may be they have similar historical experiences and the problems that await them depend on sympathy, and this can be used by all of us as the basis for the establishment of greater cooperation which will be for our mutual benefit.

In addition to this I also believe that the peoples of Jamaica and Ethiopia have another important cause in common, that is the cause of international peace. For much more than means of warfare, the violation of peace somewhere, must be discouraged to prevent the utter devastation of the human race. We have as an important concern that there should not be a violation of international peace and security.

However, if small countries do not combine all their energies, if small countries do not put all their weight in one direction towards the maintenance of international peace, then their individual voices in today’s world would not matter much. This is precisely why the smaller states, little Jamaica and Ethiopia, have the supreme interest that international peace and security be preserved. And to this end we have to continue to collaborate so that our voice on the international scene would be augmented.

In addition to this it is quite true that a country can achieve material progress alone. However, we know from the experiences of the past that international co-operation tends to quicken the pace for progress of individual countries. This is again another area for us to think about and see in what way we can further expand the relations between the peoples of Jamaica and Ethiopia. From another fundamental point of view this is why the organization of African Unity has been established. It is because the African continent, which comprises more than 250 million people, were it to remain divided among more than 30 states, their individual voices would not carry weight. It is precisely why, since there is an identity of interest, we have attempted to include Jamaica also, so that we can carry this weight in the councils of nations, and also through the process of co-operation and expanded economic relations we might be in a position to quicken the pace of development of the individual member countries of the Organization of African Unity.

Prayers for All

Berhane
Elijah David
Elijah Marley
David Nesta Marley
Elijah Nesta Marley
Elijah David Marley
Robert Elijah Marley
Elijah David Nesta Marley
Elijah David, Prince of Light
Elijah David Robert Nesta Marley
Elijah Marley, Tribe of Joseph, Berhane Sellassie I
Honourable Robert Nesta Marley
Lion of Israel, Lamb of Judah
Elijah Robert, King of Music
Robert David Marley
Elijah Nesta Marley
Elijah David Nesta
Bob Nesta Marley
Berhane Elijah
David Elijah
Brother Bob
Berhane

In honour of Berhane Selassie:

May He Grace You

May Jah grace ye with the Holy Spirit
With all His rewards may He delight you
May he grace you with overseeing
With the holy spirit and loving-kindness

With an eternal covenant may He grace you,
Causing you to greatly rejoice
As He graced you with righteous judgement
That you not stumble

May He look graciously upon all your works
May He grace you with eternal truth
May He look graciously upon all your youth
May He guide and protect Rasta people

I have heard the words of this people
They are right in all they have spoken
Heed the words of Jah Prophet
Speaking of goodness in My name

Jah Ras Tafari sees clearly
Hears utterances of the Word
Knows the knowledge of the Most High
Still today with one eye open

Jahn Hoy observed Your word,
And kept Your covenant
His people burn incense before You
and sing songs of joyful praise

They will praise Him for His grace
Saying Arise, Jah Ras Tafari
Your name is my deliverance
My rock, my fortress, my deliverer

Jah, You renew my heart
Turn to me and be gracious to me
Give of Your strength to Your servant
Show me a good omen

I, Your anointed one, have understanding,
and I will tell others about You,
For You have given me knowledge
You have endowed me with great insight

So Tuff Gong Seh:

If we are going to win the revolution,
We have to win it with Rasta,
For if ya win another way,
Ya have to fight again.
If we win with Rasta,
There’s no more war.

Prayer from Fiifi Adinkra

May the good Lord preserve Rasta from Babylon
May He keep the rasta strong in His faith
May he let the younger generation stay away from tribulation
May He bring all Blacks together as one
May he let the dreadlocks grow long
May He bless us all
May Jah Word be told all over Our earth

More Rasta Prayers and Reasonings from around the world:

When I N I take an oath and make another take an oath, I N I do not make mention of the names of other gods of the heathen. And when I N I sacrifice, Our faces be towards JERUSALEM and the holy ZION; and when I N I pray, Our bodies face towards JERUSALEM, and We pray towards the habitat of Our LORD.

And I swear by Myself and by ZION, the Tabernacle of My covenant, which I have created for a mercy seat and for the salvation of men, and in the latter days I will make it to come down to thy seed, that I will have pleasure in the offerings of thy children upon earth, and the Tabernacle of My covenant shall be with them for ever. And when a cloud hath appeared in the sky, so that they may not fear and may not imagine that a Flood is coming I will make to come down from My habitation of ZION the Bow of My Covenant, that is to say, the rainbow, which shall the Tabernacle of My Law. And it shall come to pass that, when their sins multiply, and I am wishful to be wroth with them, I will remember the Tabernacle of My Covenant, and I will set the rainbow in the sky, and I will put away Mine anger and will send My compassion. And I will not forget My word, and that which hath gone forth from My mouth I will not overlook. Though heaven and earth pass away I Word shall not pass away.

Peace 2 All,

Yuya

King of Iration

One does not convert to Rastafari, because Rastafari in its essence is a Livity (way of life) that one is called upon by the Most High to live.
The Irit (Spirit) of Rastafari is with InI from Ireation (Creation) however it often reveals itself stage by stage. Rastafariis a livity (way of life), and as in life, you learn as you live. As you grow, you learn the elements of Life, Love, Justice and the workings of the Iniverse (universe) and your eyes open a little bit wider. It is when one fully opens their eyes and submits to the will and teachings of the Head Creator as manifested in the image of Rastafari, does one become Rastafariin fullness.
To that end “many are called but only the few are chosen”, thus you do not chose to be Rastafari you are created Rastafari

Conheço ela há pouco tempo, mas temos muitos assuntos em comum, conversamos na mesma lingua, buscamos a mesma liberdade e vemos tudo por um ângulo diferente.

De um carisma fora do comum e um ar de " te conheço há muito tempo", marcamos o ensaio. Inicialmente seria com o tema rock, mas depois de muito conversar, ela decidiu mudar os ares, fomos para o reggae e chegamos no rasta.

Ela separou tudo que havia relação com isso e fomos para a casa do namorado dela, o Hunfrey. Lá é bem arborizado, e um pé de limão cravo foi o primeiro cenário. Depois fomos para algumas árvores centenárias e no final da noite, viemos pra minha casa, para fazermos algo um pouco mais tranquilo, longe de olhares curiosos, como todo namorado tem.

O ensaio fluiu como uma brisa matinal...

Produção: Fátima Salomeh e Fernando Macaco
Maquiagem: Fátima Salomeh
Iluminação: Fernando Macaco
Fotografia: Nathalie Gingold

Heis aqui o texto que ela escreveu para descrever a sensação e logo em seguida, algumas fotos do ensaio, aproveitem!!!!

Quem você vai ser? Essa foi a primeira coisa que Nathalie me perguntou quando tudo estava pronto para me fotografar. Respondi prontamente que seria o Bob Marley.  Um dia antes procurei em minha casa, tudo que pudesse usar como referência ao reggae, tema do ensaio. Fiz algumas bijouterias com as cores do reggae, separei meus vestidos, enfim, estava muito ansiosa.

Nunca fui o elemento principal de um ensaio fotográfico, sempre achei que não tinha perfil adequado para ser fotografada, não tenho estereótipo de modelo, não me porto como uma e não sou alta, talvez por isso estivesse ali. Aceitei o convite, pois tenho uma necessidade muito grande de me olhar e me gostar. E foi exatamente isso que senti. Percebi que 5, 6 ou 10 quilos a menos não me fariam gostar mais de mim, já estava me amando.

A atenção da Nathalie, a produção do Macaco, a maquiagem da Fátima e os dreads que ela fez nos meus cabelos despertaram em mim grande emoção. Estava me sentindo uma verdadeira rastafari.

O primeiro cenário era a natureza, um pé de limão-cravo, que mais parecia o elemento principal do ensaio e eu uma mera coadjuvante. Nenhum problema pra mim, já que fazíamos parte de um todo naquele momento. Mas faltava uma coisa. Uma coisa que fazia com que o verde ficasse mais verde, o amarelo mais amarelo e o vermelho mais vermelho. E então mudamos de cenário. Um cenário construído pelas mãos da Nathalie e do Macaco. Com as luzes e a brisa que davam algo especial na beleza que eu achava que não tinha. E ai as cores ficaram mais vivas. Tão vivas que meus olhos mal podiam enxergar. E o astral mudou. As coisas ganharam movimento e meu corpo como num ritual sagrado do rastafarismo se entregou, e tudo que mandava meu coração, em um ato de obediência meu corpo cumpria.     

Pude perceber que menti para Nathalie quando falei que queria ser Marley. Menti, pois todo o tempo queria ser eu mesma. E fui.

 

Yaga Yaga (obrigado)

Flávia Carvalho.

There are three main Mansions of Rastafari, the Theocratic Order of Nyabinghi, Boboshanti, and 12 Tribes of Israel. The dress, services, and interactions vary from Mansion to Mansion however all Rastafari maintain the following principals and manifest them in their lives. Any man or woman who claims to be Rastafari and do not submit to these “Kingcipals” are either wolves in sheep’s clothing, ignorant to the way of Rastafari, or are simply just sympathisers of the Movement. For these principals are the defining factors that separates a Ras from a Dread.

1. Rastafari revere H.I.M. Emperor Haile Sellassie I of Ethiopia as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Conquering Lion of Judah. The 225th descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, the last to sit upon the Throne of David, God Head, and the Ancient of Days. The same Lion of Judah that the book of Revelations Ch. 5 spoke of. Thus we submit to his will and teachings.
2. The Honourable Marcus Garvey is our Prophet and has his place in the hierarchy of Rastafari
3. InI actively fight against oppression and downpression (hence the word Nyabinghi means “death to all black and white oppressors”)
4. Ethiopia is the Holy Land and is an integral part of the Garden of Eden as recorded in the book of Genesis.
5. Africa for the Africans, at Home and Abroad”. Rastafariassert that all the African peoples brought to the western hemisphere through the advent of European slave trading, whose progeny still survives, have the inherent rights to demand their repatriation back to the African continent if so desired. Furthermore, all costs and reparations should be contributed by nations that participated in the nefarious practices of African slave trading
6. Adhere to a Rastafari “Ital livity”, a lifestyle that is organic and sustainable
7. Reasoning and or being Reasonable.

All Rastafari brethren hold sacred these basic I-cepts of the culture, to which we offer Biblical and Historical reference; particularly the recorded history of Ethiopia.

‘Ruff Enuff’ og ‘Hard Target’ er strandens sejeste gutter. Det fandt vi hurtigt ud af efter at have taget to stole og slængt os tilrette i den lille bugt Pirates Bay langt væk fra alfavej. De to kom sejlende i hver deres båd af samme navn, og vi fik både tilbud om at købe hash, betale for stolen og nyde livet - til gengæld lovede de os, at de ikke ville dræbe eller røve os. Tak skæbne, tænkte vi, mens ‘Hard Target’s (som vi valgte at døbe ham) guldtand blinkede i solen. Vi afslog begge dele og takkede for hans gestus om at lade os bevare penge og helbred i orden, og så var det bare med at nyde synet, sandet, vandet, revet og de dramatiske skyer, der hang ind over de træklædte bjerge på begge sider af bugten.

Paradis uden mad
Vi rejste rundt på de to caribiske øer Trinidad og Tobago i to uger. Det meste af tiden brugte vi på langs - enten snorklende i det turkisblå vand eller læsende på de purhvide strande. Guidebogen havde proklameret, at menneskene på de to øer var meget venlige. Vi synes nu mere, at de var en kende arrogante.  Ingen oejenkontakt, sludder eller den mindste hjaelp til noget som heslt. Til gengaeld hoerer de sindsygt hoej musik dagen lang. Helst reggae, calypso og andet i den dur, og ALTID med en bajer i haanden uanset hvad tid, det er paa dagen.

Fra Trinidad og T...

Efter at have boet en enkelt dag i den mest turistede by Crown Point paa Tobago tog vi op nordpaa. Vejen snoede sig op gennem bjergene, indtil vi endelig ankom til den lille fiskerby Charlottesvile. Vi havde haabet paa - ja, hvad ved vi ikke engang rigtigt - men intet af det fandt vi. Groentsagsmanden havde vaeret der dagen foer og ville foerst komme igen om en uge, saa i vores lille lejlighed maatte vi selv tilberede daaseaerter, ris og loeg. Egentlig var det ganske hyggeligt at udfordre sig selv kulinarisk med at faa ingenting til at smage godt. Bortset fra nogle faa boder, der solgte sodavand og cigaretter, var alt lukket. Heldigvis fandt vi Pirates Bay og kunne uforstyrret (foruden de to seje gutter og enkelte andre eventyrere) have foelsesen af at vaere naesten alene paa en paradislaekker strand.  

Fra Trinidad og T...

Rastafari-rendevouz
Efter en uge på det fantastisk smukke Tobago tog vi flyveren til Trinidad. Alle vi mødte advarede os mod at rejse rundt på oen. Det er efter sigende ganske farligt. Og det fik man bekræftet af at læse avisen. De første sider var hver dag fyldt med folk, der var blevet dræbt dagen før, de næste sider med dem, der var blevet dømt til hængning for at have dræbt nogle, og de næste sider med dem, der var døde i trafikken. Ikke særligt opmuntrende læsning. Mordraten bliver nærmest fordoblet hvert år.
Vi overlevede nu rigtigt fint, men det tog lidt af lysten til rigtig at udforske oen. Derfor var vi meget lettede og oploeftede, da vi  fandt vores egen lille del af paradis i den nordøstlige del af øen hos en rastafarifyr, Monty, der havde et fint lille guesthouse ude i regnskoven. Han lavede lokal mad til os hver dag, vi plukkede selv citronerne til vores limonade, spiste af havens mangoer og svaelgede hen til solnedgang over bakkerne og regnskoven rundt om os.

Monty, der er far til en verdensberoemt Reaggae-stjerne, tog os med til et vandfald, hvor vi kunne spule saltvandet af os, efter at have kastet os rundt i et boelgefuldt atlanterhav blandt skarpe klipper. Vi oplevede ogsaa en anden helt oede strand, hvor vi kunne snorkle for os selv blandt farvestraalende fisk, inden vi satte os sammen med de lokale og fik en kold oel i skyggen. resten af de i alt fem dage i Montys lile paradis blev brugt ved poolen med trivial-litteratur, plasken rundt og calypso-grooving.

Here's a little taste: Pang. (Now there's a girl that looks good with a shaved head.)

Many are surprised to learn that there is a reggae scene in Japan at all. From what I've found, the big names seem to include the following: Rankin Taxi, Ackee & Saltfish, Pushim, Ryo The Skywalker, Mighty Crown, Megaryu, Lecca, and DJ Tokiyas.

Megaryu is one of my favorites. Check out this song. There's something about it that reminds me of a Los Pericos song, Pupilas Lejanas...perhaps it's the juxtaposition of a sad, sort of soaring melody filled with melancholy (at least that's the emotion that I get from it without actually understanding the words) against a light, simple reggae beat.

According to the Rastafari Wikipedia page: "A small but devoted Rasta community developed in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rasta shops selling natural foods, Reggae recordings, and other Rasta-related items sprang up in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities. For several years, "Japan Splashes" or open-air Reggae concerts were held in various locations throughout Japan."

In recent years, dancehall reggae has emerged as the dominant form of reggae in Japan. One might wonder why that particular subgenre has risen to the top. What is it about dancehall that appeals to its fans in Japan? Do the faster-paced, more flashy, less political/religious facets of dancehall resonate more closely with Japanese culture? Or just with a subset of energetic Japanese youth?

Perhaps Blake More can shed some light on these questions with his unique dissection of the culture, Jamming in Jah Pan.

...d v s Gotland, återgår så sakteliga till det mera normala livet. Mängden turister minskar och öns inkomster från turistnäringen reduceras förstås i motsvarande grad. Men en liten nedtrappning sker i o m en internationell folkdansvecka som avlöser Medeltidsveckan

Jag hade en del bankärenden att uträtta under lunchen idag och medan jag väntade på att den digitala skylten skulle visa 546 istället för det irriterande 535, som inte ändrats på en kvart, gick jag ut i augustisolens sken och tittade på det spektakel som utspelade sig på torget vid Östercentrum. Med ledning av en flagga med rastafärgerna gult, grönt och rött, kunde jag sluta mig till att de folkdräktsklädda dansarna som framförde allmogedanser på torget framför banken kom från Litauen, vilket också bekräftades av en diskret skylt som jag så småningom upptäckte i periferin av folksamlingen.
Jag stod bredvid ett franskt par som uppenbarligen var överförtjusta över detta exotiska inslag i den gotländska stadsbilden och ivrigt filmade varje polkasteg som litauerna tog.
Läs även andra bloggares åsikter om Medeltidsveckan, Litauen, Folkdans, Turism, Gotland, KalkstensHawaii, Visby, Östercentrum

Racism originates not in the skin but in the human mind. Remedies to racial prejudice, xenophobia and intolerance must accordingly address first and foremost those mental illusions that have for so many thousands of years given rise to false concepts of superiority and inferiority among human populations.

At the root of all forms of discrimination and intolerance is the erroneous idea that humankind is somehow composed of separate and distinct races, peoples or castes, and that those sub-groups innately possess varying intellectual, moral, and/or physical capacities, which in turn justify different forms of treatment.

The reality is that there is only the one human race. We are a single people, inhabiting the planet Earth, one human family bound together in a common destiny, a single entity created from one same substance, obligated to "be even as one soul."

Not long before Mussolini went into Ethiopia, The Guardian of the Bahá'í faith, chose some followers of Bahá'u'lláh to go to Addis Ababa as Bahá'í pioneers. Later would have been too late. He sent His followers into Ethiopia, to the King of Kings, the conquering Lion of Judah. The Negus questioned them, and bade them speak, and they answered: 'O King, there were war inside continents, inside nations, inside tribes, inside families. Then God raised up among us a Man, the Glory of God and He called us to the unity of God, the unity of religion, the unity of the prophets, the unity of mankind. And the Negus traced a line on the ground with his stick, and he said: 'Truly, between your faith and ours there is not more than this little stroke.' The king of kings also accentuated that all Africans must unite first, to be prepared for the unification of all men.

Haile Selassie I Bahá'u'lláh

Haile Selassie was born almost immediately after Bahaullah's death in 1892. Selassie defeated the Italian Fascists 100 years after (1944) the birth of the Master (Bahaullahs son Abdul-Baha) (1844). Selassie made his famous speech to the U.N. about justice and equal rights and education exactly 100 years after that Bahaullah wrote his letters to the kings, presidents and rulers of the world about justice, arms reduction and education. Selassie visited Jamaica 100 years (1963) after Bahaullah's proclaimation (1863) that he was prophet of our time.

Throw down your arms. Jag önskar att även Sinéad O'Connor följer det rådet. Hela hennes karriär har bestått av försvarsmekanismer som bottnar i att någon när hon var barn har skadat henne svårt.

Jah nuh dead, Jah nuh dead! Sinéad is also dread!

Hon har lånat lyriken från de mest begåvade rastafari-poeterna: Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, The Abyssinians, Max Romeo. Här följer lyriken till titellåten:
Throw down your arms and come
Throw down your arms and come
Throw down your arms and come
Drop them

Throw down your arms and come
Throw down your arms and come
Throw down your arms and come
Drop them...

(Burning Spear)

Available here

One love, one heart
Let's get together and feel all right...

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Amanda

Technorati Tags: rastafari, cannabis, Italy, Italian+Supreme+Tribunal, odd+news

A imprensa divulga nota sobre um caso peculiar e mal retratado sob o aspecto jurídico, pois com base "na crença de que a erva santa tenha crescido sobre a tumba do Rei Salomão", a Suprema Corte de Justiça Italiana teria descriminalizado a utilização de maconha por rastafaris.

Pelo menos para o cidadão comum teria ficado a impressão de que, numa ponderação de interesses constitucionais entre a prevenção de crimes hediondos e o direito individual de culto religioso, teria prevalecido este último.

Na verdade, apenas a subsunção do fato ao tipo de uso de drogas é que sofreu um alargamento _tendo em vista as condições sociais do agente, sua religião _ para desclassificar o delito de tráfico para o de uso de drogas.

Giuseppe G., condenado em 2004 a um ano e quatro meses de prisão e quatro mil euros de multa por porte ilegal de entorpecentes (100 gramas) com finalidade de tráfico, Na Suprema Corte, defendeu-se levantando a tese de que seria praticante da religião rastafári, valendo-se da droga para tal fim.

Tal entendimento não seria, de todo, rejeitado por nossas Cortes, vez que não há qualquer critério objetivo que sirva de base para identificar o mero usuário _ distinguindo-o do traficante _ podendo sim, no caso concreto, a Justiça levar em consideraçao aspectos religiosos do agente.

Veja, à guisa de exemplo, este precedente do STJ:

RESP - APREENSÃO DE GRANDE QUANTIDADE DE DROGA - ANIMUS DE TRAFICAR - CONFIGURAÇÃO.
- A apreensão de grande quantidade de drogas configura o animus de traficar, somente ilidível quando alega a finalidade exclusiva de uso próprio, com robusto material probante favorável ao mesmo.
- Precedentes.
- Recurso provido para restabelecer a sentença de 1º grau.
(REsp 163.640/RS, Rel. Ministro JORGE SCARTEZZINI, QUINTA TURMA, julgado em 19.08.1999, DJ 04.10.1999 p. 78)

Há, pois, certa abertura para o usuário comprovar a finalidade de seu ato mesmo diante da posse de grande quantidade de drogas.

Ingredients: Filtered Water, Chainy Root, Strong Back, Man Back, Sarsaparilla, Comfrey, Nerve Wisp, Blood Wisp, Bryal Wisp, Ginger Root, Honey, Molasses, Cane Sugar, Spices, All Natural, Contains Absolutely No Preservatives.

A 44 years old rasta-man in December 2004 was catched with almost 100gr of marijuana and arrested with the accusation of "sale of drug" and condamned to one year and four month of prison.
The man affirmed that "the sacred grass could be utilised till 10 gr every day" and so 100gr are personal use.

Today the italian supreme court affirmed that for rastafari marijuana is "utilised not only as curative grass,but also as meditative grass".

I belive in Italy tomorrow there will be more rasta....

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