IslandMix - Soca, Reggae, Zouk and Caribbean Entertainment

ok this is for all those West Indians who are still CLUELESS about RASTAFARI

Here are some links that should help you OVERSTAND


http://rastafarionline.com/


http://www.rastafariworld.org/


http://www.shashamane.org/index.html


http://www.nyahbinghi.org/


http://www.ethiopianworldfed.org/


http://www.eabic.net/


http://www.houseofbobo.com/index.html

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

Devil's adovates vs Selassie advocates debate



http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...dvocates&hl=en


Rasta revolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGhpvDsJKbU&NR

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

If I may add another titbit on that topic.... In May 2007 there will be an exhibit at the Smithsonian called "Discover Rastafari". Should be very informative and would answer alot of questions.

Maybe it part of the show, but the dude was just plain rude. He never let the other people finish their thoughts. Nor would he present evidence well. I was hoping to hear more dialoue from the Ethiopian priest and Shango Baku.

he seems angry.. maybe his wife left him from a rasta.. they both have valid points thought

lol the mediator was clearly biased..

"finito" he must be proud of his italian roots lol

Female biology dictates family life in Rasta camp

BY ROLAND HENRY Sunday Observer Reporter
Sunday, July 09, 2006


FOR 21 days of every month, sometimes 24, the women of the Ethiopia Black International Congress Church of Salvation (EBICCS), more popularly known as 'Bobo Hill', must deny themselves male companionship.

Some Rastafarians who live outside the communal camp setting favoured by the Boboshantis, though claiming they are not strict followers, say the ritual possesses some merit, even as others dismiss it as religious dogma.


The Boboshanti who see themselves as the priestly sect among the 31 orders within the Rastafari movement, say that around the time of menstruation the female body is undergoing a process of cleansing and must be left alone until a seven-day window deemed fit for sexual intercourse.

"During that time, she is on a journey. it's a purification," Rastafari prophet Fisher told the Sunday Observer on a recent visit to the camp in the hills of Bull Bay, St Andrew.
The window for intercourse is usually seven days ahead of the woman's monthly period.

This purification, the prophet said, "builds her up in life and health".
Academic Aurthur Newland, a cultural expert and lecturer at the University of the West Indies, said the separation is referred to as the '21-day purification principle', adding that it represented a period of spiritual renewal and empowerment for women.

Newland, himself a member of the Boboshanti faith, said placing emphasis on the seven-day window "establishes a bias toward the male-construct", but the separation principle, he added, is really about the woman and her empowerment.

Men and women - the latter constituting only 20 per cent of the EBICCS camp's population of some 100 Boboshantis - live in separate dwellings and cohabit only for the week when sex is allowed. Some of the men have families that live outside the camp.
"She only sees her 'kingman' for seven days - the number of God," said Empress Sharon, a resident of Bobo Hill, adding, "the (menstrual) blood is a holy sacrifice which goes back to the earth."
In fact, the separation extends also to young males, including toddlers as young as three.

Empress Sharon said her faith holds that "the mother is the first teacher", but that at age three, boys must be placed under the care of the 'second teacher' - his father - during the 21-day separation.

"A young boy should grow up with his father because that is who he is growing up to be," she said.
But girls stay with their mothers learning how to do "craft work and the things that will prove economically viable for her and her kingman" in the future, she added.

Empress Sharon, who declined to be photographed, said that a pregnant Rastafari woman is allowed to see her 'kingman' anytime she wants, since there usually is no menstruation during pregnancy.

Another of the EBICCS council members, Rastafari priest Morant, interjected that the 21-day observation was determined astrologically, saying the woman's cycle was regulated by the moon.

"The sun represents man; the moon, woman. Everyday the sun come up but is not every night the moon come out," he said. But even mainstream Rastafarians believe in the separation rule, some for religious as well as practical reasons, though they may not adhere to the practice.

Rastafarian attorney Sandra Alcott said the 21 days apart serves to regulate the Bobo population.
"Apart from being a spiritual manifestation of livity, the effect is also a natural birth control," said Alcott, speaking with the Sunday Observer by telephone.

Boboshanti is the only Rastafari order known to practise this degree of separation, she said, noting that all Rasatafari women acknowledge the "power of the goddess" - a term Alcott uses to describe a woman's ovulation cycle.

"The blood cycle is a part of creativity. it is the womb that is shedding; it must make room to house a young human," she said.
Before her advent into law, Alcott said she once led an isolated life in the Blue Mountains, where she farmed various crops.
"In my early Rastafari journey, I would not go into the fields during my menses," she said, noting that for her it was a time of serious reflection.

The attorney blasted industrialisation and modern technology for perpetuating what she described as a chasm between "woman and the natural order", in an apparent reference to child-bearing.
"So many young women are having hysterectomies nowadays, and that shouldn't be," she said.

Legal assistant and Rastafari-sister Tzhdne Ishigyhd said she does not strictly follow the 21-day observation, but she respects the practice, at least from a spiritual perspective.
"It's a time of glorification that you have the ability to bring life into this world," said Ishigyhd, who refuses to be confined to any particular Rastafari order.

Instead, she describes herself as a woman who "trods all mansions and is welcomed by all as an international agent of His Imperial Majesty (Haile Selassie I)", but admits that she sways towards the Nyahbinghi order.

Ishigyhd said the Nyahbinghis observe some aspects of the separation rule since women, during their menses, are discouraged from taking part in the 'binghi', or Rastafari celebration.
"The alter must remain pure. No blood can enter the temple," said the legal assistant.

But, the ban is not exclusive to women since "men with sores or flesh wounds also cannot enter."
Not all Rastafarians, however, read spiritual messages into a woman's monthly period.

For Chandis, a 30-year old Rastafarian poet, it is a biological function and nothing more.
The notions held by the Boboshanti, she said, are "simply ridiculous."

"I really don't see it as a big issue," she said, adding that it's a little hard for her to buy into the philosophy since she has an irregular period that comes four times per year.
"It's nothing," she said dismissively, noting that medical science had long demystified ovulation. "It just comes out (as menses) because you're not pregnant and your body doesn't need it."
An individual's sex life, added Chandis, should not be dictated by group norms.

Rastafarian activist and radio personality Muta Baruka, who also discounts the separation rule, said despite its Biblical origins, the practice is impractical outside of the secluded camp setting.
"When a woman a see her period, me low her still, but me no really put her away," he said.

The Rastafarian said he is unsure whether male-female separation is a spiritual mandate to be observed in 'modern' society, or a rule that Moses had documented as a scheme to govern the Israelites of the Old Testament.

Muta said he sees a woman's monthly cycle only as proof of her fertility.
"Me no see the woman as unclean. A sore foot is unclean. Menses is a natural thing that occur every month."

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...ASTA_CAMP_.asp

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

Sadhu mystical influence on the Rastafari Movement

The purpose of this article is to reveal that missing link which has been forgotten . The Classic Rastafari was influenced strongly by the teachings of the "Hindu" Mystics also known as Sadhus, Sadhu means "one who practices" the sadhu lives a life of celibacy and complete separation from the evils of modern society.

The Sadhu lives its life in complete devotion to the higher I, they often renounce their familes and homes to become enlightened beings.

We can observe by the many rituals practiced by the Rastafari today that InI were influenced by these dreadlocked mystic men.

Rastafari tenets influenced by sadhus include:

Smoking herb to achieve oneness with the higher I: The Sadhu smokes herb from a chillum mixed with tobacco to lessen the harshness of the hash/herbs. The sadhu does this to become one with the god shiva thru a ritual in which the baba becomes one with its true self, which is the unborn, unblemished I within I.

Ritual chanting to induce mystical rapture: the mystic sadhu chants mantras to protect the mind from external influences which can hinder spiritual growth. The Word mantra Mean literally "to protect the mind" by chanting mantra one removes blockages, create abundance, destroy etc. THe Sadhu as well as the RastafarI is aware of the power of the word sound it is said in the scrpitures that the lord created all things by the medium of the word sound.One of the most "popular" mantras used by the sadhus is the mystical "AUM" we can find the OM in the trinity Beseme AB (A) Wolde (U) Wo menfes Quiddus AHAdu Amlak (M) the world Amlak means the "source" the source of all things is the AUM. Mantras used by INI in the movment is found in the book of psalms, if the psalms are used properly with strong will and faith it can unblock chkras, destroy negative patterns basically anything that the mind concieves can be done thru the chanting of the mantra.

Mystical States of mind: The state of being in a "Higher Ites" of meditation called samahdi by the sadhu, in this state of mind one has realized the true essence of the divine self , in this state one no longer sees the I outside of the I but rather has the experience of being the "I".

The Seven Seals, CHAKRAS: The Seven Seals is one of the most prominent themes within the Rastafari movement, As the scriptures did state "Behold the lion of the tribe of judah, the root of david hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof" Revelation 5:5. The Seven Seals/ Chakras are energy centers within the body of the ascetic Rastafari/yogi , they are located in different parts of the bodies .

1. Muladhara: The Muladhara chkra is located at the base of the spine. The root is where the slumbering kundalini rests until it is summoned upwards. The Seat of physical conciousness: it regulates the sexual organs, in these organs, We find the polirazation of the male and female principles (Ovaries and Testes)

2.Svadisthana: This Chkra is located just below the navel and represents the lower vital reigions of the being. It govverns the notions of greed, envy, fear, and desires. It also influences the adrenal glands.

3.Manipura: Manipura chkra is found cosmically in the navel center. It governs the larger life passions of wo/man. hunger and power are also governed by this chakra. The manipura chakra influences the endocrine system.

4. Anahata: the Anahata chakra is located in the heart region its symbol is the six pointed star, known to the israelites as the star of david; this region governs the emotion of love, and in hebrew the name "David" means love or beloved. This chkra commands the higher emotions and psychic energy.

5.Visuddha: This is the chkra of the throat center. This is the center of self expression through the logos/word. It represents the power to deal mentally with the physical mind> It also governs the thyroid glands.

6. Ajna: This Chkra is known as the 3 eye center. it is located between the brow in the area of the pituatary gland. It represents the Inner will, the power of decision, and the ability to understand beyond what the ordinary mind can percieve. One who is concious is rasised to this level is meditative, and on their way to self realization. It is the final preparation and rest; for this reason, it may be likened to the "sixth day" of the jews, who begin their preparations for the sabbath sun down friday

7.SHASRARA: This is the crown chakra, and is the summit of completion, and bliss to such a blessed one. It is the highest conciousness center and its located above the head, acting as a connecting point between the inner and outer phenomena; a link between the individual and universal concious. It is the state of illumined mind, and opens one to the psychic,intuitive planes. It is the "Seventh day" to the Isrealites, Where they symbolically rest: it is a state of completion, and one who has realized this crown enters once and for all the silence of self, and are thus trancendant of spirit and matter. Finally this chkra is the root reason why it has been taught that god is above; initially this concept spoke of the trancendence of the mind thought but was eventually corrupted into a notion of a "sky-god" somewhere far off. For when one merges with the seven, the crown, one verily becomes one with the concept of diety.

The Above Information on the chakras was extracted from I Idren Baba Immanuel bhujangi ganguru I book titled Haile Selassie I and the concept of enlightment.

Dreadlocks/Jata: The first locksmen to be seen in the island of jamaica were sadhus that came with the influx of indentured slaves from india. The Ancient Rastafari being influenced by the yogic science started to grow "JATA" known to INI as locks these locks were grown to symbolize that the Rastafari/yogi has given up all worldly things. Shaving or combing of locks symbolizes "False Devotion" to the things of the world, by becoming a dread one has renounced all wordly acrivities to become one with the I within. Locks and Beards are antennas which provide a direct link with the spirits of nature, The locks represent the manifested life force (RA) if we look at the pattern of creation all occurs in a spiral motion..

I and I: I the ego I the god within: There are two "I"-s: the ego and Atman. Atman reveals itself as one's true self to the person who is capable of getting above the "I", "me", and "mine".

The Upanishads (hindu scriptures)

Avatars: In hindu philosophy there is the "belief" that God incarnates at different times within the physical body of an annointed king . Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen I are the incarnated godhead in hindu philosphy this union symbolizes shiva and shakti, Shiva is the male principle which is known as the destroyer, Rastafari is the destroyer of all ego, he came to break down the walls of illusion and downpression thru the teachings of Iyesus Kristos the master mystic , the medicine of the world. Shakti is the female principles, shakti is the representation of the I within the I, the holy spirit is woman (read proverbs) she is known as wisdom, the crowned queen of the universe.Empress Menen I is the embodiment of the female principle of the godhead, as Rastafari is the embodiment of the male this divine union of Fire (male) and Water (female) is represent by the six pointed star which is a symbol for the heart chkra.

Krishna/Christ: The hindus believe in the Ivinity of the master medicine Iyesus Kristos in the form of Hare Krishna, the name Hare Krishna means "energy of god" Iyesus Kristos being god manifested in the flesh is the energy of the godhead, he is the manifestation of the hidden. He Was crucified between the two thieves and stood in the middle path to save mankind from the illusion of this world.

Reincarnation: This topic varies in opinion in the Rastafari movement, there are some who believe in reincarnation, some that dont . It is the general belief of Rastafari to sight Haile Selassie I as the returned christ or simply as christ in his kingly character, the above implies that HAile Selassie I has reincarnated in another form. There is the notion within the movement to see Marcus Garvey as the Reincarnation of John the Baptist. Reincarnation occurs so that InI spirit gains experience to eventually enter in to the realm of godhood (TOTAL SUSPENSION OF ACTivity)

Haile Selassie I and the practice of yoga

The book known as the Emperor reveals that Haile Selassie I devoted H.I.Mself to the science of yoga.

"The Emperor now devoted HIMself to long periods of meditation (In this the hindus once gave him instructions, ordering H.I.M to stand on one leg, forbidding H.I.M to breathe, making him close his eyes) HE would meditate in his office for hours

Page 156 THE EMPEROR

In conclusion in I studies I have found that the hindus were influenced by African mystics from ethiopia who traveled to india to bring the science of the yogini to the indians. The purity of this science has been corrupted by aryan invaders which included alot of man made ideas. Haile Selassie I being the Supreme Mystic and hierophant of the world mystery revealed to InI the faithful the path of yoga, thru the teaching of Iyesus Kristos we become familiar with how a Rastafari/yogi should live.

Yoga is a universal science it is not a religion like some would assume it to be. It is a way of life which is practiced by many people of different faiths. YOga is our way to become united with our god within, with the people around us.

Blessed Love to one and all may the Iternal peace of I Haile Selassie I be with the I AMEN RASTAFARI

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

Rise of rasta pt 1

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...41168240526588



Rise of rasta pt 2

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...14953506971819

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

The true foundation of Rastafari is the Holy Piby, the "Black Man's Bible," compiled by Robert Athlyi Rogers of Anguilla from 1913 to 1917. It was published, not coincidentally, in the same year Rev. Webb made his declaration-1924. A Barbadian minister named Rev. Charles F. Goodridge came upon the secret Bible in Colon, Panama.

But at the same time large quantities were being printed in Newark, New Jersey, by other believers, and from there, copies of the Piby were shipped to Kimberly, South Africa, where missionaries of black supremacy started a church for the diamond-field workers called the Afro-Athlican Constructive Church (AACC). Through these proselytizing efforts, Goodridge became associated with a woman named Grace Jenkins Garrison, and together they brought the doctrine of the Holy Piby to Jamaica in 1925, founding a branch of the AACC under the name the Hamatic Church.

Meeting immediately with much persecution from the Fundamentalist, Revivalist and more conventional Christian church leaders for their adherence to the occult Bible, Goodridge and Garrison fled into the bush country of the parish of St. Thomas, in Eastern Jamaica, and it was there that the seeds of Rastafarianism were implanted. Early Rasta leaders like Leonard P. Howell gravitated to the forbidden encampments to read the Holy Piby-purportedly the closest thing to the first Bible, which was said to have been written in Amharic (for centuries the official language of Ethiopia, and allegedly the original language of mankind).
Goodridge and Garrison maintained that under the early popes white church scholars distorted the Amharic Bible in the translating and editing process to make God and His prophets Caucasian instead of black. Among the chapters in the Piby was one called "The Black Man's Map of Life," which spelled out his difficult but ultimately glorious destiny from Creation to Armageddon and beyond.

http://www.bobmarley.com/life/rastafari/holypiby.html

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

where can one find about psalms as mantras to unlock chackras?

Rastafarians are much more than dreadlocks

Last Updated on November 4, 2006, 12:00 am
By Abyssinia Lati


It is a religion in which a man is regarded as God incarnate and his prophet saw him as a coward.

This is the story of the Rastafarian religion, although its followers claim it is more a way of life than a religion.

"We are not like Christians who worship God once a week. We worship every day, it is about personally knowing God. You can sit anywhere and feel close to God without passing or going through someone to worship Him," says Ras Tony.

He has been a follower of this religion for over seven years.

"It involves soul searching," he says.

Ras KB, Steven Mbugua, converted five years ago. His view is that it is what you believe in that makes it a way of life.

"It teaches you to treat the body like the temple of God," says Peter Mungai, who converted three years ago. True Rastafarians are vegetarians.


Black race supremacy


They do not eat meat especially pork, drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.

The story begins with the publication of an article dated November 8, 1930, in a Jamaican newspaper, The Blackman, by Marcus Garvey.

He wrote: "The Psalmist prophesied that Princes would come out of Egypt and Ethiopia would stretch forth her hands unto God. …and it is for us of the Negro race to assist in every way to hold up the hand of Emperor Ras Tafari." (Courtesy of jamaicans.com)

That was six days after Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned the new emperor of Ethiopia.

During his coronation, he called himself "Emperor Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Lord of Lords and King of Kings."


The crowning was seen as fulfilment of the prophesy by Marcus Garvey and thus Rastafarianism gained following and officially started in 1930.

One of its early priests, Leonard Howell gave the Rastafarians six principles to follow; hatred for the white race, black race supremacy, revenge for slavery, fighting injustice caused by the Jamaican government, getting ready to go back to Africa and acknowledging Haile Selassie as God and only ruler of black people.

Rastas are a humble people


However, lacking an overall leader, Rastafarians split into four groups or tribes and many remained on the sidelines and Howell’s principles got diluted with time.

Now Rastas are a humble people eager to give a helping hand to a blind man crossing the street.

For example Babylon, a term used to mean hatred for the white race, now means the wickedness of the world and the lands African slaves were taken to.

What makes this 76-year-old religion or way of life so appealing to some people? What makes it possible for this mixture of Christianity, Judaism and African religions to still win converts?

"I converted three years ago after reading the Bible and seeing what was happening in the world and also my close friends are Rastas," says Peter Mungai.


Values of freedom and independence

Ras Tony says his Christian upbringing did not touch on some of the issues that the Rastafarianism addresses such as worshipping God every day as opposed to doing it once a week.

Quoting from the Old and the New Testaments, Ras KB says he saw the Rastafari light when he read Revelations 5:5.

It talks about the Lion of the tribe of Judah being the Root of David, Psalms 68:31 is the basis of Marcus’ prophesy and Number 6:5 talks about the dreadlocks that is a dedication to Jah.

Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie’s ancestors are the biblical Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.

Peter belongs to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, Ras Tony to Bobo Shanti and Ras KB to the Nyabinghi and the Orthodox.

Each group has its own doctrine, with Bobo Shanti being the toughest to follow and Peter’s the most liberal.

But then, these doctrines as loosely followed or mixed because Rastafarianism strongly preaches the values of freedom and independence.

"Someone does not have to belong to a group. It is what you believe in. Just do not forget the Ten commandments or your heritage," says Peter.

"We have the same calling," Ras Tony says, "to bring people to God so that He can be victorious."


Knowledgeable about the Old Testament

The Rastafarian theology is derived from the Bible, Holy Piby, the Royal Parchment of Scroll of Black Supremacy, the Promised Key and Kebra Negast.

None of the Rastas interviewed had, however, read any of these books except the Bible. They were quite knowledgeable about the Old Testament’s contents.

"I follow the Old Testament and read chapter by chapter. Once I have finished I go back to Genesis to learn more," says Peter.

Unlike the Bobo Shanti who meet in the temple, to Peter going to ‘church’ is talking about God.

"God is everywhere. God is in your heart, not in a building," he says.

The Bobo Shanti followers like Ras Tony come together in temples to chant the Psalms while beating the Nyabinghi drums on the Sabbath (Saturday). "We meet to meditate together and get closer God," says Ras Tony.


‘Holy herb’ used for meditation


When Peter Tosh, one of the pioneering Reggae musicians, sung, "Legalise it Legalise it — don’t criticise it/Legalise it and I will advertise it". Everyone knew that he was talking about marijuana.

This ‘holy herb’ is used for meditation, but not all Rastas smoke it. It is also used for medicinal purposes but never as a recreational drug.

Rastafarians justify its use by citing biblical verses that refer to a herb that Jah gave to man to eat: Genesis 3:18, Exodus 10:12, Proverbs 15:17 and Psalms 104:15.

What is known to them as ganja is bhang (cannabis) in Kenya, an illegal substance. This herb has many names; blow, blunts, bob hope, bush, dope, grass, hemp, herb, mary jane, pot, puff, spliff and many more.

How did a religion that sprung up in Jamaica find its way across the Pacific Ocean and Africa to reach East Africa? The answer is simple. Reggae music.

The Rastafarian religion was popularised in the 1970s by the legendary reggae artiste, Bob Marley. There are only two legends in this kind of genre of music. Bob is one and the other is Joseph Hill.


Reggae music highly spiritual


Rastas feel their music was truly spreading the gospel of this religion.

"Their music was highly spiritual with no vices," explains Ras Tony.

Reggae music is a medium for spreading the message. It spreads the culture and ensures that the followers do not forget it.

However, not all reggae artistes can be said to be spiritual. Like almost everything else in this religion, it has gone secular too. Some of the artistes said to be spreading the message now are Sizzla, Capliton, Antony B, Luciano and Richie Spice.

Secularism has so plagued the religion that its personalities, colours and hairstyle have become nothing more than fashion icons; Marley, Haile and Marcus on T-shirts and dreadlocks becoming popular as a fashion hairstyle. The dreadlocks are intended to make a believer to resemble the Lion of Judah. "They are both spiritual and for grace," says Ras Tony.


Dreadlocks are a dedication to Jah


For Ras KB, dreadlocks are a dedication to Jah. He says the Bible says that no razor should come upon his head and he will be holy and let the hair on his head grow (Numbers 6:5-6).

The Rasta colours are more than just colours thrown together; red for the blood, green for the land of Africa and yellow for gold, the riches of Africa.

"These colours are the banner of God and salvation," says Ras Tony. "They surround God on the seat of Judgement with the 24 elders worshipping him."

All religions have what you can call a home, Mecca for the Muslims, Tibet for the Buddhists and Rome for the Catholics. For Rastas home is Shashemene in Ethiopia.

In 1948, Selassie gave the land, Shashemene, to the movement. On April 21 1966, his plane touched down on Jamaican soil for the first and last time. He met some of the Rastafarian leaders and told them not to immigrate to Ethiopia until they had liberated the Jamaican people.

He also told them that from that day on, April 21 would be a holiday called Grounation Day.


Need to go to Shashemene


Another story has it that the Jamaican Government invited him to talk to the Rastafarians, who were rioting in the streets of Kingston at that time, and tell them that he was not God. But when he met the leaders, he said: "I am who you say I am."

Ras KB disagrees with Ras Tony and Peter about the need to go to Shashemene.

The former two feel that those who are in Babylon should be the ones to go there because they have been living in the Motherland, Africa.

"I want to go there and stay with my brethren and learn the language," says Ras KB.

Generally, they believe those who die go to Zion (Ethiopia) where there is no darkness or the need for candles because Rastafari is the light.

Ras Tony believes that if everybody in the world loved their neighbours as they loved themselves then there would be no sin.

http://www.eastandard.net/mag/mag.php?id=1143960590

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

Marcus Garvey and Rastafari
published: Thursday | August 26, 2004

SHOULD MARCUS Garvey be hailed as 'Ras Marcus'? Was Garvey the first Rasta, the prototype and father of the movement which sprang up when he was at the height of his powers in the 1930s? To provide any kind of sensible answer we shall need to know what Rastas believe and what Garvey taught which might support or contradict those beliefs. Garvey is only outranked by His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie, Ras Tafari, as an icon of Rastafarianism.

In their highly romanticised history, 'The Story of the Jamaican People', Philip Sherlock and Hazel Bennett made some interesting connections between Haile Selassie, Garvey and Rasta: In 1930 Ras Tafari was crowned Negus of Ethiopia in St. George's Cathedral in Addis Ababa, taking the name Haile Selassie which means might of the Trinity. Note the strong presence of Christian symbolism in cathedral and title. Garvey was reported to have said, "Look to Africa for the crowning of a Black King. He shall be the Redeemer."

ORTHODOX

I am anxious to obtain verification of this quotation. The coronation of Haile Selassie was therefore fulfilment. Sherlock and Bennett went on to say that Garvey thought and dreamed of Ethiopia. Garvey declared, "We Negroes believe in the God of Ethiopia, the Everlasting God #### God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, the one God of all ages. This is the God in whom we believe but we shall worship him through the spectacles of Ethiopia; and, as Scripture foretold, Ethiopia shall once more stretch forth its hand to God."

Both Garvey and Haile Selassie were
pretty orthodox Christians in an Ethiopian Christian tradition going back to the time of the apostles and remaining purer in form than much of European Christianity. The writers of 'The Story of the Jamaican People' tell us that by 1933, the founder of Rastafarianism Leonard Howell and his followers were ready with their redemptive message of Haile Selassie as the Supreme Being. These highly influential interpreters of our past then proceed to let us know, as a matter of course, that, "The question is not whether or not they were right in their belief. This is what they believed and in the strength of that belief they placed Africa at the centre of Jamaican concerns."

NEVER AT THE CENTRE

Africa has never, in fact, been at the centre of Jamaican concerns, however much that may be wished, otherwise afro-centric Garvey-ism itself would have been far more successful here. Haile Selassie reacted with shock and alarm on his visit here in 1966 when he was welcomed as a most reluctant god by devotees. In a 1968 interview with Dr. Oswald Hoffmann of the Lutheran Church Haile Selassie proclaimed his own Christian faith. The life of Christ is one which men everywhere must emulate. "This life and the faith that he has taught us assures us of salvation," the Emperor said.

It is rather difficult to ascertain what Rastas believe since there is such diversity, no central ecclesiastical authority and no common creed. There is, for example, a very mixed response to Jesus the Christ, whom Garvey and Haile Selassie venerated, ranging from 'bun Jesas' to 'respec' due to a manifestation of God'. Marcus Garvey did not have a very high opinion of Haile Selassie. In 1936, in the aftermath of Ethiopia's defeat by Mussolini and his Italian forces and just about when Sherlock and Bennett's Rastas were recognising the Ethiopian emperor as their Supreme Being, Garvey wrote in bitter disappointment: "He kept his country unprepared for civilisation." "Why he kept the majority of his countrymen in serfdom (instead of adopting the civilisation and freedom of Europe and America which he knew) is difficult to tell." "If Haile Selassie had only the vision, inspired with Negro integrity, he would still have been the resident Emperor, with not only twelve million Abyssinian citizens, but with an admiring world of hundreds of millions of Negroes."

A COMMON BELIEF

Haile Selassie was finally deposed and murdered by Marxists. Garvey heartily despised Marxism and would very likely have similar problems with the favoured communalism of elements of Rasta. "Communism is a dangerous theory of economic and political reformation. Ultimately, communism, in its treatment of the Negro, will be no better than the other 'isms' since the Negro came in contact with European civilisation." It would be enormously interesting to hear what Garvey would have had to say about the black, home-grown Rastafarianism. Garvey and Rastas share a common belief in the centrality of Africa in Black redemption, and particularly Ethiopia; never mind the largely West African origins of the African Diaspora. "Africa is the legitimate, moral and righteous home of all Negroes." "Africa belongs to every black man wheresoever he is found." "The glorious continent of Africa stands to be redeemed." "A mighty nation must be built in Africa." "Africa will be the natural centre of Negro salvation."

It is for me a little difficult to imagine Marcus Garvey "licking the chalice" loaded with the wisdom weed which grew on Solomon's grave. Garvey had little regard for Solomon. "The new Negro does not give two pence for the line of Solomon (from which Haile Selassie supposedly sprang). Solomon was a Jew. The Negro is no Jew. He is proud of Sheba but he is not proud of Solomon."

Martin Henry is a communication specialist.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/glean...cleisure2.html

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement

Thanx for info, and just wanted to say hello and goodnite.

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

470A Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Tel: 718 638 - 9013

The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc.

http://www.himchurch.com

Empress of Zion giving voice to Rastafarian women Launches an anthology of the sisters in the faith - JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM


THE Empress of Zion Incorporated, created to, among other things, give voice to women within the Rastafari community, recently published an anthology of its members titled Empress of Zion: She hands Us her rule book from the poles of Supreme Authority.

This marks another transitional phase of the Rastafari movement, as traditional Rastafarian women did not play a dominant role in the movement.


Empress of Zion: She hands us her rule book from the poles of Supreme Authority was launched during the fifth annual Empress of Zion Conference held at the Old Library, UWI, Mona in March.
"This is an anthology, selected voices of Daughters of Zion, the Rastafari Sisters in Faith," explains Queen Mother Moses, president of Empress of Zion and International Ambassador for the ARK (Almighty Rastafari Kingdom).

"In 2001 we started doing presentations at town-hall gatherings, but we came together because the Rastafari sisters said there were no voices of the Rasta woman and they wanted to learn about the trod (experiences) of the Rasta woman and what some Rasta woman have gone through. So the book was the impetus for the founding of the organisation."

A non-profit organisation of Rastafari women, Empress of Zion was registered with the mandate of carrying out the Rastafari Creed - Let the hungry be fed, the naked be clothed, the sick be nourished, the aged be protected, the infants cared and the homeless sheltered. The book was launched during the fifth annual Empress of Zion Conference held at the Old Library, UWI, Mona. The four-day conference started on March 22, coinciding with Empress Menen's 117th birthday on March 25, when it ended. Also witnessed was the historic crowning of Zahra Redwood as the first Rastafari beauty queen and Miss Jamaica Universe.

Empress Menen, the wife of Emperor Haile Selassie, was born on March 25, 1890, and was also crowned with Haile Selassie on November 2, 1930, the birth of the Rastafari Movement. This is why Empress Menen, is esteemly revered as the divine Holy Mother of the Rastafari Faith by its members.

All proceeds from the book will be donoted to charitable works. "We carried out all different kinds of works and the book itself was first published at the first annual Empress of Zion Conference in Washington DC at Howard University 2003. Every year we hold the conference in a different location. The conference has been held in Washington DC, at Howard University in 2003, then 2004, in Brooklyn, New York, at the Marcus Garvey Centre; the third was held in Miami, Florida, the fourth was held at Spelman's College in Atlanta, Georgia. And this year we brought it to Jamaica for the fifth annual and it was done collaboratively with the Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Reggae Studies Unit headed by Dr Carolyn Cooper," Queen Mother Moses explained.

"We've been working collaboratively in different countries. We founded the Empress Menen's Learning Centre in Cape Town Soweto. We also work collaboratively to deliver life skills training to girls that are in the Miriam Makeba's Girls Home in South Africa. We are currently working on starting a collaboration with an ophanage in Botswana," she said.

How active is the Empress of Zion in Jamaica?
"We just brought it to Jamaica, so we're going to be launching the Jamaica Chapter. We met with the Emperor Haile Selassie I High School, because we're going to be working collaboratively with that school. We met with the assistant principal and we're going to be working with the PTA. We're going to do a need assessment and see whats the needs of the school are and then see how the Empress of Zion can help," Queen Mother Moses added. A noted contributor to this anthology is well known female reggae artiste, Sister Carol, who performed at the launch.

"Emphasising the reality of our feministic side and how important it is in terms of the whole creation of civilisation and motherhood and all that comes with it ... again asking for that respect, or to rectify or remind or reeducate the society that all man came through the womb...

"But if you continue to suppress the female side, then we're heading for chaos. Because [there's] too much imbalance right now. There has to be balance. The female have to be represented. They have to be acknowledged. They have to be loved and cherished and honoured and respected and given a chance so that they can contribute to society. As it was back in the days of even Egypt and before.

"So I try to bring about a renaissance or a rebirth for the respect of woman. Because if you disrespect me, and you keep on disrespecting Mother Africa, Mother Nature, the mother of the universe, then we're heading for extinction...," Sister Carol wrote.
Other essays include The Role of The Rasta Wombman In The 21st Century by Mama Fekerte; Drums Between Her Legs by Queen Mother Moses; a nd The Destruction Of The Great Mother of Creation As Seen Through The Eyes Of Religion (Judeo/Christianity) Its (Per)Versions Of Nubian Sacred Texts and Its Effect On The Sons and Dawtas of Negus Negast Rastafari by Empress Tsahai.

__________________
Agitate until we create a stable society that benefits all our people.
Instigate the nation until we remedy the injustices of society.
Motivate our people to set a meaningful path for coming generations.
Educate our people to free our minds and develop our consciousness

Mwongozi Cudjoe (Chedmond Browne)
Chairman of Free Montserrat United Movement