Rastafari Association of Selah and Selassie

Blessings and Love to all Sistren,

As some of you know the RasTa WifeLine group is now up on Facebook so that Sistren can reason with others who visit the blog, and share inspirations, photos, reasoning, ask questions - everything that can't be done on the blogspot. I give thanks to those who have already engaged in reasoning, and I welcome every Sistren to forward in time to come.

Today's post is about a common word RasTafari use in worship. we often call His Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie the First "Selah." This essay is a summary of how that came to be - and the attached video contains the same word sound.

Sela/Selah is Selassie

One of the greatest finds in the Scriptures by Rastafari is the direct relationship between the word Selah and its reference to the Lord of and in Israel. Our use of Selah is also another tradition that binds us to the Israelites. The Hebrew use of the word Selah is a melodic instruction of pause (for ensample Psalm 4:4, 52:3) for reflection and Iditation on the Word. However, certain verses which bear great particulars about the personality and the miraculous or victorious Works of the Lord in the Book of Psalms^[1] often end with Selah. Emphasis on JAH is placed by pausing to reflect on the Character and Nature of the God of Isra’el.

Though not scholastically proven, in essence Selah is taken by Rastafari to be a word for JAH. This interpretation of Selah as Selassie was deciphered through Rastafari’s Dread talk or Iyaric – a language we believe creates an awareness of the Word Sound Power, by emphasizing its hidden words, implied sounds and meanings in both negative and positive ways. This enables us to shed bad thoughts, systems and habits by refraining from the Words we associate with them or use to give them power over us. We learn the pure language to talk to JAH and to show love to one another as a Church and kingdom.

Through such interpretation, I and I sight Sela to be contained in the English spelling of the Ethiopian Name “Trinity” or Selassie. The Trinity, Selassie for Rastafari has a double meaning. First there is the Father, Son and Hola Irit, and second the Prophet Priest and King Melchizedek of Zion. As His Majesty was baptised the Power of this Trinity, it is believed that His Ivine Right is to rule with a triple crown, to represent JAH in flesh. Selah in Rastafari worship means “Ras Tafari Haile Selassie I is Melchizedek, King of Peace,” noting that the Amharic word for peace - Selam - also contains sela.

Since Sela or Selah is linked to the Holy Name and Character of JAH, in chanting Psalms it becomes a great exultation of JAH and the wondrous works of the King. “SELAH! (Pause) Selassie I JAH Ras TafarI!” being a common refrain in Rastafari shows that Selah is best rendered as a Word for calling up the Power and Name of the Black God of Afrika and Isra’el.

And so, Emperor Haile Selassie/Sellassie the First is renamed “King Selah-See-I” or simply “Selah,” promoting His power in Irit and flesh, and the connection between JAH and Israel. Every verse referenced here from the Book of Psalms indeed is a statement of praise, acknowledgement and truth of the Almighty, who revealed Himself in the lineage of His own peculiar priest-kings that Israel may have life. These Psalms are divided into groups to better show the nature of Haile Selassie I as the King of Israel, Brethren, Servant and Lord of Isra’el. One of the most notable is Psalm 87:6, which speaks of the City of God being in Kush, where “this Man” was born.

---

[1] Psalms are exultations, praises or Ises, a devotional set of writings detailing the core beliefs of Isra’el.

- Sela/h is the Name of the King and the Lord Jahovah of Jacob

The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there [in Ethiopia]. Selah. (Psalm 87:6)

This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. (Psalm 24:6)

Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. (Psalm 24:10)

In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. (Psalm 44:8)

And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. (Psalm 50:6)

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 46:7, 11))

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. (Psalm 57:3)

Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: (Psalm 68:32)

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. (Psalm 84:8)

 

- Selah executed Judgment on the Nations and Leaders of Babylon, He went to war

The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. (Psalm 9:16)

Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. (Psalm 9:20)

Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. (Psalm 59:13)

They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. (Psalm 62:4)

He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah. (Psalm 66:7)

O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah: (Psalm 68:7)

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah. (Psalm 76:3)

When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. (Psalm 76:9)

- Sela/h is Earth’s Rightful Ruler, the Blessed God

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. (Psalm 61:4)

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. (Psalm 66:4)

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. (Psalm 67:4)

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. (Psalm 84:4)

Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. (Psalm 89:4)

-Sela/h is the Redeemer of Israel

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill [Ethiopia]. Selah. (Psalm 3:4)

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalm 3:8)

I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5)

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8)

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. (Psalm 67:1)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. (Psalm 68:19)

Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. (Psalm 77:15)

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. (Psalm 85:2)

- Sela/h is the One Whose Holy City and Banners are Representative of Noah and Melchizedek

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. (Psalm 87:3)

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

(Psalm 60:4)

The ensign and banner of the Lord  in the Bible is the Messianic King of Judah as noted in Isaiah 11:10 and 12: And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people…And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. The Red Yellow Green of Ethiopia and Afrika on the whole, represent this banner and the protection of Her children by JAH.

- Sela/h is the God of the Faithful and the Living

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

 (Psalm 49:15)

What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. (Psalm 89:48)

 

I hope I was clear - I have rewritten this small explanation so many times I can't count. It is simple but yet complex to state.

Bless the Lord, and the Irit of HIM within you!  Live unto your personal Zion and be blessed Dawtas of the Most High!

Sis Ila

The Timeless Spiritual Sacrament

Greetings and Blessed Love in the Name of the Almighty Creator JAH

Today's post is part of a work I had started on herb and scripture, or the ancient use of herb by the Israelites and Nazirenes. this is part of my introduction which deals with the ancient use of marijuana as a spiritual food of the gods, for enlightenment and connection to the Ivine I.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. 

(Solomon in Proverbs 15:17)

          

           There is no question that from the beginning of creation the cannabis plant became the medium through which humanity knew itself to exist in duality: body and spirit, seen and unseen. Whether given to the first Blacks especially by the Creator, or discovered during their quest for materials and food; it is certain that cannabis has always been acquired for its euphoric and thought-provoking powers. “Dr. Ronald K. Siegel…indicates [in his book that] the motivation to achieve altered states of consciousness or moods is [man’s] fourth drive akin to hunger, thirst and sex” (Herer, 2000, p. 73). This is also true for some animals. Henceforth, it is generally agreed that from the time of the very first farmers, ganjah was regarded as the sacred herb of the seed, a sacramental means to commune with JAH, and to gain wisdom and the overstanding of life and our beings.

           Science has discovered that such is possible because Cannabis sativa’s THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) compound binds specifically to a receptor in the brain. These receptor sites are secluded in the areas centralizing man's Higher Consciousness. Because the holy herb only binds to receptors in the brain it is obvious that the premier purpose of marijuana – exclusively the flowering clusters of hemp – is for nurturing the conscience and mind of man and woman by means of enlightenment, rest, healing, peace and euphoria. This is deduced because any and every “medicine” that man ingests must be received by a receptor of the anatomy in order for it to take effect.  Ganjah is specifically for the mind, being the “food of the gods.”

           This scientific fact supports an important Rastafari truth: the holy herb is inhaled so as to absorb and manifest its energy in one’s heavens to bring about spiritual and individual awareness. Herb is used strictly for the development and improvement of self. Rastafari moreover trace our herb usage back to our Afrikan ancestors, namely the Hebrews, making certain links between Israelite practices and the ancient use of cannabis as an enlightener, consecration; and as an internal incense because our glorified Body or holy I is the new Temple of the New Jerusalem.

Cannabis in the form of hashish[1] was employed by every major religion in the ancient world since before the dawn of history until the Dark Ages. Known by the ancients as incense from India’s Indus Valley, it was burned in the temples of Babylonia, Assyria, Phoenicia, as well as in 20,000 censors King Solomon ordered for his temple in Jerusalem…Cannabis was an essential ingredient in many sacramental drinks used by initiates of the ancient Mystery religions. This tradition was passed to alchemical adepts of the Middle Ages (Herer, 2000, p. 270).

           In order to prove the Israelite use of cannabis, we can first begin with the root etymology of the word cannabis.

…The name cannabis is generally thought to be of Scythian origin. Sula Benet in Cannabis and Culture argues that it has a much earlier origin in Semitic languages like Hebrew, occurring several times in the Old Testament. He states that in Exodus 30:23 that God commands Moses to make a holy anointing oil of myrrh, sweet cinnamon, kaneh bosm, and kassia. He continues that the word kaneh bosm is also rendered in the traditional Hebrew as kannabos or kannabus and that the root "kan" in this construction means "reed" or "hemp", while "bosm" means "aromatic". He states that in the earliest Greek translations of the old testament "kan" was rendered as "reed", leading to such erroneous English translations as "sweet calamus" (Exodus 30:23), sweet cane (Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20) and "calamus" (Ezekiel 27:19; Song of Songs 4:14).

(The Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church: Marijuana and the Bible)

The "m" [in bosm] is a pronounced plural, and the singular kaneh-bos sounds remarkably similar to the modern cannabis. Although often mistranslated as "calamus", the word has been translated as "fragrant-cane" in most modern bibles, and specifically designates the fragrant flowering tops of cannabis (Chris Bennett: Cannabis and the Christ: Jesus used Marijuana).

The Dagga Cult of the Afrikan Bantus believed that their “Holy Cannabis” [Dagga] was brought to Earth by the Gods, in particular from the “Two Dog Star” system that we call Sirius A and B…[The word cannabis] can also be read as “cana;” “reed” and “bi,” “two,” as well as “cana” as in canine; and “bis” meaning two (bi) – “Two Dogs” (Jack Herer, 2000: The Emperor wears no clothes p. 72).

           In other words, in the Ible, where we read sweet calamus or cane, it is supposed to be cannabis. Amidst the various explanations for man’s greatest treasure what certainly stands out is that the term cannabis is thought to be at least of Hebrew Shemite origin.

           The Scythians are related to the Ashkenazim (the latter would have learned the use of the hemp plant and its euphoric flowers from the Israelite traders that moved to their region, and also as they adopted Mosaic ceremonial Laws by State). The harvesting tool called the scythe is named after the Scythians. Historians record that their use of marijuana was often during funeral rituals, as well as for its intoxicating effect during feasts or times of eatery and merriment.

           The Greeks also adopted the use of cannabis mainly from the Egyptians, who they heavily studied and plagiarized. The Greek term “cannabeizein” referred to the inhalation of marijuana smoke from incense burners filled with the most common perfume to date, balsam; as well as frankincense, myrrh and so on. Like frankincense, balsam was one the most famous and ancient perfumes of the world, as well as a preferred perfume of the Hebrews. Balsam is from the terebinth tree family which was Abraham’s favourite tree. It was produced in Judaea, Arabia Felix, and today in the West Indies.

           Therefore, it is clear that culturally the Egyptians, Ethiopians and Hebrews were all closely intertwined; that they naturally shared habits and traditions in close quarters. They were part of the Afrikan blue print that many European nations like the Khazars and  Greeks were built upon. They shared the same cultures when it came to the use of incense, make-up and perfumed oils for one’s body, home, endearment, honour and spirituality.

---

[1] Hashish is the sticky resin that coats the marijuana flowers, rolled into a ball or cake and smoked. It is said to be more potent than the flowers.

 

Rastafari guide and Itect,
Ila