Origins of the Headwrapping Culture for a RasTa Empress

Greetings Royal Queens of Afrika!

For RasTafari, the growing and also the wrapping or covering of the dreadlocked crown is founded in the knowledge that the entire head region of the body is sacred – it is the home of the crown chakra which is responsible for our connection with our Higher Self and advanced spiritual truths. This is the violet colour of the light spectrum. Furthermore, the brain controls the entire body, it is where the thinking mind is, where the Wise Mind or Wisdom of JAH or The Word, lives and reigns in the flesh. It is representative of the Heavens, the sacred seat of the body which is the Tabernacle of JAH, the Most High. The crown is where salvation truly abides, where logic and self-esteem manifest – all things we value most in our Kristos Consciousness. The crown, as an extension of the third-eye, heart and throat chakras, is therefore the most important part of the body we have to care for in order to have a sense of identity and purpose, and to live a fruitful and long life. The body will not survive if the mind has been corrupted or addled.

The mane of Dreadlocks are a physical manifestation of this intellectual consciousness of the Higher Self. The Livity of RasTafari honours this sacred crown with chanting Ises to raise our spiritual vibrations and with Ital foods and beverages to keep it vitalized. RasTafari value reasoning and using cannabis to increase our use of this intellectual mind-space. The dreadlocks show commitment to righteous mind and separation from negativity or Babylon/mainstream society. It is an outward projection of the Inner man and wombman, of the spiritual journey of Rastafari. We engage in head-covering to protect the Irits and Vibrations sacred to the crown chakra, and to keep this symbol of a personal covenant, hidden and set-apart unto JAH like the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem. The turban covering has, for centuries, been a mark of a personal devotion to the holy life, or Mysteries.

Elder Rastafari such as Rita Marley, have shared that in the early days, non-Rastafarians would throw garbage and insults at Rasta people on the street. They would degrade them and criticize their appearance by calling them “dutty.” Rastafari started covering their dreadlocks more often when walking the streets as a way of protecting themselves from such hateful, ignorant and negative comments. Beautiful crochet hats called tams became a common item for Rastafari, and allowed them to proudly display their Ethiopian or Afrikan heritage and mindset, with the use of black, red, yellow and green colours.

The knowledge of colours and what vibrations they send and receive, plays an important role in how many RasTafari dress and cover their head as well. For example, the Bobo Shanti have a turban and fall (head scarf) in the colour of each Tribe month. The Kemetic Teachings show that colour was a sacred part of life and worship in Kemet as well – white for purity, black for the soil of the Nile and underworld, and yellow symbolizes the Word Sound Power, etc.

. . .

Head-wrapping is a common act performed by religious people cross the world for thousands of years. It is an ancient tradition brought to the Diaspora by Afrikan women. Jewish women also cover their heads with scarves or bonnets called snoods, while the men, during times of study, prayer or when in temple, also wear kippahs. Christian women also engage in head-wrapping, such as the Shouter Baptists, as do Muslim men and women, as well as Afrikan spiritualists like Orisha. Different forms of spirituality therefore establish head-covering to be an important part of both the women’s and men’s daily life.

Within the dreadlocked culture of RasTafari, it is tradition that both bredren and sistren cover their mane or crown consistently from the very beginning, especially during times of worship and while in public. This tradition has a religious foundation in the New Testament as well as The Fetha Nagast. These sources in the Bible speak about the covering of a virtuous woman as part of the church and as part of her sacred marriage order (according to Pauline doctrine which is quite restrictive to say the least).

Like circumcision, not marking or cutting one’s hair with a razor is a sign of being put-apart unto the Living God rather than idols. As part of the Nazirite Vow it shows that one is not caught up in death or with pleasures and ego, but has livicated/devoted oneself as a sacred temple that is pure in its Creation. Long hair, like fine linen, was therefore once a show of virtue, humility and holy separation for both man and woman.

In the New Testament however, Paul mentions that long hair was not customary for the common man but for the woman, as a “covering” for her. Long hair, along with the cloth that covered it, together symbolized woman’s submission to her man and her god which is “sacred marriage.” It is assumed that the covering of a woman is a sign of submission so that she does not disgrace her husband or the authority in her life, thereby implying that she has no teaching or faith.

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.

But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.

For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.

For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.

For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.”

“Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her;

for her hair is given to her for a covering.”

(1 Corinthians 11:2-16 NKJV).

In the above verses of First Corinthians Chapter 11, Paul notes that for the good Christian woman, covering her long hair is a sign of belonging to the Heavenly Father – but also her submission to her husband. A woman should not only have long hair to cover her body, but that long hair should be covered in prayer and prophesying, marking that she is headed by her husband and JAH. To have her hair uncovered in prayer is as big a sin as not having hair at all. She covers her head as a worshipping wife, handmaid, patroness or prophetess. The covering represents her acceptance and reception of the law and Holy Spirit in her heart and soul.

And by interpretation therefore, the woman who covers is of constant reverence, prayer and Iditation on the Word and Irit of JAH, of that Authority that guides her decisions and works every day. She covers her head to signify her reception of Jah Consciously. Her head-covering is also viewed as a mark of perpetual service to the Kingdom of JAH.

Her head covering in prayer is in submission to the Lord who is Authority over her and her husband. It is a Virtuous Wombman who prays often, who speaks wisdom always, and knows that her righteous deeds in the law are in themselves offerings to her God. She knows that she is always in submission to JAH through her submission to her husband and the law in righteousness. She will seek to always cover or crown herself consistently and appropriately as a womanifestation of righteousness.

The impression given by Paul is that the covering of the wombman shows that she is also headed by a righteous man – her father and/or husband, even her priest and king. Covering herself in worship shows that the man is head of the gathering in Church or for prayer as he is in the home and marriage. A covered woman therefore boosts the standing of her man in public, amongst his bredren.

Chapter Eleven reminds the church that the veil is a symbol that she is not independent of her husband, and he is not independent of her, and that they are not independent of JAH. So he must crown, cover, cherish and protect her; keeping them both in union with their God. The veil, the covering and crowning, once again represent this perfect union or sacred marriage, and the Authority of JAH over them both through the husband.

The veil or covering also shields the husband’s “property” from the lustful curious stares of his family, friends and strangers in public. A woman’s body was coveted by her man in a way that shielded her from the eyes of others – long hair was the first covering given to her by JAH, then came the long dresses/robes and the head scarves, hats, veils and so on given to her by her father, brother and then her husband. Hence, the covering of a woman stems from both religious and social ideologies.

The Ethiopian doctrine used apart from the Bible is the Fetha Nagast, which outlined the laws that kings and queens lived by. Many do not realize that the traditions given to Rasta women were traditions followed by Empress Menen Asfaw as an Orthodox Christian. This book states:

When she walks through the street, she veils her head with her cope [probably cape]; she veils herself with purity to defend herself from the looks of wicked men. She adorns neither her head nor her face, for there is nothing which renders her ugly and makes adornment necessary. Let her drop her head and look to the ground and let her always remain veiled.

A free woman [“not enslaved by the devil”] shall not leave her hair unveiled in the house of the Lord she shall not give her children to wet nurses, nor shall she be slothful in administering her household nor disobedient to her husband (Feta Nagast, Strauss, 2002, pg. 80).

It was expected that the Ethiopian Christian Wombman in covering herself with a veil and cape, would not even make eye contact with other men. As the virtuous wife moved about her society, her veiling or head covering kept her somewhat hidden away from the same negativity or temptations her sacred marriage took her away from. She, by her modesty in donning this Cloak of Righteousness, became Iritually untouchable by the stares of strange lustful men.

Drunk and lustful men are known to “undress women with their eyes,” it is therefore not impractical to think that covering up herself is a barrier against such unwanted negative attention. And furthermore, her choice to cover is a womb-manifestation of her principles to distinguish herself from someone they could toy with, a godless woemen; or one who is wayward, or lacks responsibility, tradition, honour, love and raspect in her own dwelling.

By these religious terms therefore, any woman who dresses confidently in modesty and covers her head is basically labelled “spoken for,” or at least God-fearing; and is therefore not open to being appraised or approached by ill-intending strangers. The only ones allowed to behold the beauty of her body and nature are her family members; and theirs is the only praise she needs or wants to receive and bask in.

To recall Biblical history, which is the precedent for the push for Christian wives to be so submissive in their appearance and in public; being wary of beautiful or beguiling women who could somehow compromise their morality, was very important for the officials of Isra’el. Women were considered the “weaker” sex and vessel, being prey to carnal sins probably because of their beauty and tender feminine attributes. Beauty somehow was linked to weakness, because adornment sometimes expresses or aims to cover a woman’s insecurities about her body. On the other hand, her beauty could also be used by her or others as a weapon or vice to commit evil intentions.

It was therefore necessary for the sons of the Covenant to find wives who were clean spirited and able to abide in humility and goodness despite their physical beauty – so that they themselves could remain ritually pure. It was best to find a virgin bride, untouched by another man and totally in submission to them and the law; and therefore not someone who would lead them astray, or someone who could tempt them into doing the wrong thing. “They shall not take a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy to his God.” (Leviticus 21:7 NKJV)

Therefore, the righteousness of a wombman and a true humble virtuous wife, in the tradition of the Ethiopians and Hebrews is culturally identified and womanifested (apart from her works or reputation) by her covering. Her veil, her gown, her cloak, her cape, her snood, her turban, her scarf, her wrap, her shamma – they all speak volumes about her principles and how much she is in communication with the Law, the church, her JAH. It is a good work on her part, literally for the sake of mankind. And more importantly, her covering lets it be known on the street that she is of high morale, and likely to be a good or obedient wife and daughter. (Biblically a virgin or daughter also covered in raspect for her father.)

To summarize, traditionally, by religious and social tradition, the reasons for the head-covering of the Judeo-Christian Wombman are as follows:

1. to protect herself from others in public

2. to show her submission to JAH and the rules of worship in church or at home, 

3. to shun vanity in humility and livication to a holy life (think of Nuns, Muslims, Amish and so on)

4. to signify the submission in sacred marriage between Man, Wombman and JAH.

. . .

Indeed, it is clear that in First Corinthians Chapter 11 the veil is a glory between JAH, man and wife - and so are the dreadlocks, for RasTafari. The covering of the RasTafari Daughter’s dreadlocks and body is a reflection of her sacred marriage to her King-Man and the Highest Dread JAH RasTafari. The dreadlocks are a defining factor in her overall natural beauty, being the physical beauty and reflection of her Lioness Irit, and personal covenant and humility to King-Man and JAH. Dreadlocks are a reflection of her personal journey and covenant; but they are also a covenant shared with her husband as part of their Iritual beliefs, bond, identity and livity. Her Alpha is reflected in him, and his Omega in her.

The RasTafari Queen of today has risen to her own throne and crowning freedoms even in her sacred marriage to JAH and her King-Man. She is much more sociable, and has her work, friends and affiliations. She may be physically found “out there” but she is not “out there” mentally or Iritually and her appearance reflects that balance. Her dreadlocks are outward manifestations of her inner crown opened through RasTafari Livity. Such must be guarded if she is to remain powerful and in touch with the Word of JAH as His/Her Anointed. Be that as it may however, the covering of the crown or even growing locks, are not considered to be the only important markers of a Dawta’s virtuosity or livication to Rastafari. Her character and good works are even more important in projecting to the world who she is and what she is about.

Some Dawtas wrap their crowns all the time, some only on special occasions, when they feel like, or when it is required. There is no steadfast order in the culture anymore because the Rastafari Woman is free to choose for herself in most cases. While these freedoms are taken, however, it can be assured that when it comes to worshipping and entering the Taba or any place of worship, Dawtas are required to cover their crowns. What freedoms we take in our personal life, are not to disrespect the public gathering of Rastafari to worship as a community.

Queen Omega Love!

Sis. Ila

(This post was updated 27/9/2021)

Let's Dialogue More

Blessed Love,
Selamta my Royal Sistren and Brethren


I just want to say that I am truly grateful for every I that has been following the blog and has truly benefited from anything I have posted.

But I am now asking ones to please please leave comments and also make requests!
If you want a particular tutorial - IF I can do it - or find another who can,  I will work on it.
If there's a particular topic you want to read about I will try my best to either find something I have or write something new or even do a video.
I truly want this blog to be a community of sharing and vibez for RasTafari Dawtaz worldwide - send the address to your friends who will be interested www.rastawifeline.blogspot.com -

As I said please contact me with your feedback and requests, I need to have that feed back everyday the same way you may want to read something new everyday!
Yes I am asking for some love or some attention lol - but only in the context of progression not in the context of praise.
So please feel free and if you can't post write me an email at everything.ila@gmail.com.
log on to youtube and suscribe to the blog's channel ILA ADDIS - I couldn't use rastawifeline unless I get another email and I already have too many addresses.

So I hope to hear from the I and I soon
Much love and thanks!
Ila

How to Sew a Tank Top/Camisole

Greetings!

I finally was able to finish another tutorial for making your own clothes. This one is a simple tank top, or camisole that can be worn under jackets and vests, or by itself. THe bag in this picture is one of my latest creations. Ive been veyr busy working on new designs and havent had much time to really think about my posts - sorry about that but I know there is plenty info here already to process.

Materials:

enough fabric for your measurements

chalk

ruler

pin

iron

sewin machine 

thread

I wanted to note that if you wanted to make a maxi dress with no sleeves this tutorial would be the one to use BUT instead of the length for a shirt it would be the length from shoulder to desired length, plus 1-2 inches (if you have to hem). The desired width or hip measurement would not be cut however, you need as much fabric as possible for a wide skirt. Also, when marking in the lines to cut on the fold using the tee shirt as an outline - the line from under the armpits will extend outward  to the end of the fabric at a slant. Make sure that your hip measurement will fit within this line plus 2 inches seam allowance. I hope this diagram helps:

See the tutorial below:

I hope you like it sistren!
blessed love
Ila

The Way of the Anointed One

Selamta!

Today I offer some of my words which support the importance of truly knowing what you stand for, as an Anointed Dreadlocked RasTafari Daughter and Empress, as a Virtuous Daughter of King Sela and Queen Omega Ityopya. This post is ideally a forerunner of the Queen Omega Livity Principles because it discusses the New Testament Scriptures which would have been the same Iritual literature taught to Empress Menen as She was growing up. The Way of the Anointed, the Way of the Nazirene, Christian, Saint, such are the guidelines that She would have been taught to encourage a strong moral character. Have you ever thought about what Scripture impacted on the making of the Queenly Character of Krist? Of course it is relevant for the King-Man also, do share it with him and your children.

Biblical  Explanations  of The Ways  of  the Kristos and Nazirene 

         

          There are parts of Biblical Scripture that I and I can Iditate on daily to define and advise upon the God-Self, and the way that flesh must abide if to have the blessings and power of JAH through the Kristos Irit upon the nation. By considering the Gospels of the Apostles as a whole body of work based on One Message; it is apparent that there is a Defined Type of Personality to embrace and meditate upon so that the God-Head may enlighten and become a part of self. Yesus constantly talked about the Ways to the Father through Him, that Isra’el should follow Him and His teachings to gain redemption and everliving life. In many ways that will not be mentioned here, RasTafari is like the Israelites of the Ible who according to the prophecy of Hosea, would appoint over themselves one leader in order to be liberated from tribulation and captivity.

          Within RasTafari it is also necessary to pay attention to the Personality of Krist (Kristos, Christ, Messiah means “Anointed One”), what I call I-Consciousness or Kristos Consciousness. In layman terms RasTafari call it “Krist in His Kingly Character.” Who is JAH? Who is the Almighty? Who is the Man-Ifestation, the Anointed King of Kings? Who joined His pregnant Wife to His Throne in the same anointing and coronation ceremony to bring back into reign the true trinity of Black Mother, Father and Child? What Would JAH Do? Everything JAH is as Husband, King, Prophet, Priest, Father and Afrikan is of course mirrored in the Emperor’s Wife, Krist in Her Queenly Character, the Afrikan Mother, Queen, Daughter, Wife, Patroness, Priestess.

          But when it comes down to it, and focusing solely on the name, RasTafari, the Movement is not only about being pro-Afrika, or exalting Emperor Haile Sellassie or Empress Menen with flattering words and Ises. No, RasTafari goes beyond the praises of The Man and Wombman, the God-King and Goddess into deep personal accountability. Finding the Queen and King within, the Image and Likeness of Kristos. To be Images of the Supreme King and Queen that gave us back our identity, our will to live right and our place in our homeland. Holy King Sela and Queen Omega I provoke us all to look at ourselves, to see illumination and enlightenment within and to take up a cross and walk on the Path of Righteousness with fear and love of the Almighty Creator. “Do as I do, live as I live.” Isn’t that the plee of Kristos?

          Like a Nazirene in following the Word of Yesus Kristos, to call oneself after the Name of the King and Queen of Kings I and I must be pro-right and clean, loving, honest, fruitful, hard-working and selfless. Our whole point is to be as JAH Rastafari Alpha and Omega are: to be loving, giving, unblemished and sanctified inside and out. Every aspect of Their lives whether Iritual, church or family-related, economic, educational, humanitarian or political, hold important lessons that I and I can learn from, and see the Presence of JAH in Them, as They reflected ideally what was said about the God-Chosen in both Old and New Testaments of the Ible.

          The Holy Identity of those reborn in the Irit of the Kristos is about the inner man/wombman, and genuinely doing the things that pure-hearted do. Such instruction is mainly laid out in the New Testament, but there are Old Testament references also such as Exodus 20 and 31, Leviticus 18-20, The Books of Proverbs, Psalms and Ecclesiastes.

         The following selection of chapter and verse make up what can be gleaned from the New Testament as instruction on The Way of Kristos or the Nazirene. This list does not include the Nazirite Vow, or marriage guidelines which were covered in Virtuous Woman. The common themes of the Apostles of course focus on highlighting the important steps Nazirenes should take to God-likeness of Kristos-Consciousness: faith, virtue, knowledge, gentleness and humility, honesty, endurance, patience, love and kindness, repentance or turning away from sins, and obedience to the law.

Then [Krist] said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

Not Carnality but Krist

If then you were raised with Krist, seek those things which are above, where Krist is, sitting at the right hand of JAH. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Krist in JAH. When Krist who is our life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of JAH is coming upon the sons [and daughters] of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Krist is all and in all.

Character of the New Man [Wombman]

Therefore, as the elect of JAH, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Krist forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of JAH rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Krist dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to JAH the Father through Him.

(Colossians 3:1-18)

Walk in Love

Therefore be imitators of [JAH RasTafari] as dear children. And walk in love, as Krist also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to JAH for a sweet-smelling aroma.
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Krist and [Jahovah JAH RasTafari].

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of JAH comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Walk in Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the [Irit] is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Krist will give you light.”

Walk in Wisdom

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to JAH the Father in the name of our Lord Yesus Kristos, submitting to one another in the fear of JAH. 

 (Ephesians 5:1-21)

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Irit of JAH, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as JAH in Krist forgave you. (Ephesians 4:25-27,29-32)

 Living Sacrifices to [Jahovah]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of JAH, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to JAH, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of JAH.

Behave Like a Nazirene

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

(Romans 12:1-2, 9-15)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of JAH in Krist Yesus for you. Do not quench the Irit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.  (1 Peter 2:17)

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

(2 Timothy 2:16)

Qualities Needed in Trials

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of JAH.

Doers—Not Hearers Only

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:18-22)

Important Psalms on Righteousness:

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbour, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honours those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

(Psalm 15)

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me?

I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.

I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

The perverse of heart shall be far from me;I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

Whoever slanders their neighbour in secret,  I will put to silence;

whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;
the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord. (Psalm 101)

Other Hebrew Scriptures on the Kristos Right:

I am a priest of the Lord, and to Him I do priestly service: and to Him I offer the sacrifice of His thought.
For His thought is not like the thought of the world nor the thought of the flesh, nor like them that serve carnally.
The sacrifice of the Lord is righteousness, and purity of heart and lips.
Present your reins before Him blamelessly: and let not thy heart do violence to heart, nor thy soul to soul.
Thou shalt not acquire a stranger by the price of thy silver, neither shalt thou seek to devour thy neighbour,
Neither shalt thou deprive him of the covering of his nakedness.
But put on the grace of the Lord without stint; and come into His Paradise and make thee a garland from its tree,
And put it on thy head and be glad; and recline on His rest, and glory shall go before thee,
And thou shalt receive of His kindness and of His grace; and thou shalt be flourishing in truth in the praise of His holiness. Praise and honour be to His name. Hallelujah.

(Odes of Solomon, Ode 20)

JAH RasTafari be praised forIver through our righteous works and words. Holy Yesus I, Menen I, Selassie I JAH RasTafari!

Ila

Juicing More Everyday

Blessed Uprising to all Fari and readers!

I know that going Ital seems difficult when you lovelovelove to eat and drink certain foods. But in doing your research you realize that what you love can kill you - and if you truly love JAH or yourself, then why the bodily abuse? These toxic chemicals added to food these days not only mess with your weight and immune system, but with your mental clarity and moods.
Getting healthy or going back to Eden isn't so hard once you have the commitment. It requires a replanning of family meals and what will be purchased in the market.
For starters, one way to gain fast healing is to juice everyday. Instead of buying bottled, boxed or canned juices, buy the actual raw ingredients they are made from - you also need a good supply of water (and also sugar but be easy on it - not every juice needs sugar either). Buy yourself enough citrus, other fruits and beetroot to last until the next trip - not everything needs to be in the fridge, and the aim is to make a jug or two of fresh juice everyday.
Furthermore, most of us who live in the Caribbean or live in a place where there is a lot of garden space have fruit trees growing at home! It baffles me how Trinidadians leave their oranges and other fruits to rot on the tree instead of making their own fresh juices and saving money in the grocery. I cherish the time my trees are laden with fruits - right now I have pommecythere or what Bajans call golden apple in my yard. It makes the best juice it's just a little difficult to break apart before blending. I pick them when they are big and green and it makes a juice more refreshing than any other for this horrible heat we've been having.
Here is a long list of foods that make the best juices tha family will love. I'm sure you have at least one in your grasp!

oranges
limes
lemons
pineapple
papaya
banana
strawberries
beetroot
pommecythere/golden apple
guava
carambola/five finger
mango
cherry
prunes/dates
carrot
celery
spinach
tomato
apple
pear
portugal/mandarine
coconut


This morning I had papaya and banana blended for breakfast. I'm on the last of it now. Take 1 banana, half a small to medium size papaya, 1 cup of cold water and liquefy in the blender. I added in 2 cubes of ice also. This made one tall glass:

Usually before that in the earlier hours I have water and herbal tea - ginger and garlic, or a medley of basil, lemongrass, rosemary and small-leaf thyme.

After this kind of breakfast I usually have a brunch type snack after 10 or 11 - bread and soya cheese with lettuce or patchoy leaves, tomato and cucumber. Avocado is the other ingredient when I can have it. Without the bread and cheese this also makes a great lunch with cous cous, freshly chopped beetroot and pigeon peas.
 I also recommend almonds, peanuts, cashew and whatever type of nuts you like to eat - remember to eat as little salt with these foods.

Since it's in season now, here's the way to make the pommecythere/golden apple juice - you won't regret it!

ingredients:
 6-8 green or semi ripe apples - med to lg size
8 cups water
sugar
strainer
 2 pint jug
 blender or juicer
sharp knife

If you have a juicer I guess all you need to do is put the apple in and let it do the rest. But if you have a blender like me, you will need to follow some steps.

Peel the fruit and cut a tictactoe type of pattern all across the flesh. then take the knife and dig out the pieces until you get down to the seed.

Put half of this in the blender with 4 cups of water and liquefy. strain into the juice mug, use a spoon to press out the juice.

Repeat this again with the other half of the fruit and with 4 more cups of water and strain.

I usually strain this all over to get out the rest of the pulp that comes through as you press down.
Add a little sugar to give it a slight taste or you can even add some ripe pineapple or some very ripe papaya which dont need sugar because they are sooo sweet.
If you have some sweet basil - let it soak for a spell!

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Overall Sistren, you can take 20 minutes each day to prepare some fresh juice that will do good for you and your family - it's the way of Eden, the way of the First People of Afrika who dwelled in rainforests and caves, and picked their food daily. "Left overs" are not as Ital as we would like them to be - natural and fresh is best!

I've recently joined the mailing list of Back-2-Live and that Sistah has already given me some tips I needed. I find it very helpful when Sistren can strenghten one another with tips and by even inviting each other over for meals or by exchanging recipes so that those who are more advanced can inspire others with great recipes. I have benefited from a variety of dear Sistren who eat totally raw foods, or who use plants and other things in ways I had not known. I and I culture is to be shared and full-joyed! So if you have Sistrens who go online please send them the link to my blog! ;p

Have a blessed, fresh and natural day Empress and King!

Ila

Natural Beauty, Care and Health Tips

Selamta, Greetings

I wanted to talk more about Wombman's health and daily habits that will promote such. It is good for every Wombman to take care of herself, so that she can have a long and happy life free of illness, and be strong enough to complete all her duties. Her beauty is not only skin deep or specific to health however, as she must be mentally or heartically beautiful in word and deed.
 Taking care of the body also does not include unlawful or unnatural foods, or the toxic products sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. The meats, manufactured goods, toiletries, hair dyes, make-up and so on, all possess chemicals which cause cancer and other damage to the organs. In knowing the harsh effects of these products, it is good for the RasTa Daughter to seek out alternatives to these harmful and expensive items which are part of mainstream tradition. I also advise the Sistren to do their own research before trying any treatments or remedies.

The following are ideally what I have personally come to overstand and adapt - though I at the present time need to purge myself of old habits that have crept back in food and exercise wise. I also need to get my black soap!

- Rise early in the sunrise hours to have quiet prayer, Iditation, exercise, inspirational reading.
During these hours of 4-6 am have herbal tea. I recommend a clove of garlic and piece of ginger of equal size, cut up. Both have great healing and regenerating properties and should be taken in this form regularly. Also other herb teas such as mint,basil, rosemary and lemongrass.

- Use colour in the home and wardrobe for inspiration, to enhance moods and to also train thoughts to think on a certain positive quality.

- Grow foods, herbs and flowers in the home, creating a connection to the earth and elements.

- Use raw Afrikan Black Soap and Dr. Bronner's castille soaps for shampoo and body soap.Use natral oils on the scalp and body. Mix your own scents with olive, coconut, rosemary, jojoba, sweet almond, lavender and apricot oils. Like black soap and creamed avocado, Aloe vera gel is also good for the skin and acne.

- Consume only vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, ground provisions, roots, herbs, organic oils and soya products, clean water and homemade beverages. If eating fish, let it be as per RasTafari law, under 12 inches and fresh. (Know that flesh is toxic to the womb, blood and organs, and though it can be used for protein is not naturally or easily digested.)

- Stay away from salt, sugar and snacks. Stay away from shelf foods, pastas and white flour foods.

- Eat as much raw foods and natural homemade beverages as possible to keep the blood pure. Do not eat too much food not cooked in the home, if any at all.

- Baking soda is good for cleaning the teeth and works as a great face, body and foot scrub. With a little water it can be applied as deoderant. Baking soda is also a good ingredient for baking and for cleaning the home. Baking soda can also be diluted with water and drank everyday to fight against disease in the body.

- Lemon juice is good for cleaning oily skin, douching the vaginal area and clearing out mucus and bacteria from the body by drinking everyday with water. It can be used with baking soda and orange oil to clean the sinks and bathroom also.

- Use no over the counter medicines, contraceptives or toiletries because they are toxic. Seek herbal, root or mineral alternatives wherever possible.

-Use organic forms of make-up, stay away from eyelash glue, gel nails and other acrylics - the glues and lights used to seal these products cause cancer. Hair dyes also can cause dementia and other illness.

- Use no tampons as they contain asbestos and make you bleed more. Sanitary napkins are also no better. There are many cloth pads and even diapers online now for purchase - see here.

*Now in 2022 there are numerous organic sanitary services available, there is also the menstrual cup which eliminates the need for using lots of pads and tampons. Try the Women's Haven brand.

- Drink lots of water to keep the body cleansed and charged. Drink pure spring and coconut water as much as possible.

- Be mindful that smoking is toxic to the body and makes the blood acidic. Try steaming and edibles to reduce the harsh smoke.

-  Indulge in that which is positive and uplifting to self and others only. Stay away from negative influences whether people or places.

- Follow the Commandments of Love and Right for a happy and blessed life.


The following dietary plan for daily Womb and body health is taken from Queen Afua's Sacred Woman which is the first text I ever sought for healing. Second was Iyanla Vanzant's "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up" which I highly recommend to all Sistren. This plan is a guide to what hours of the day are best to consume what food and perform what Iritual acts:

4-5 am Iditation, herbal tea, warm water, Epsom/Dead Sea salts bath. (medi, Ises)

6 am  Yoga, journal writing, fresh juice or kidney liver flush. (a blend of garlic, olive oil, water, lemon, cayenne pepper, ginger)  (purification/awakening)

9 am Lightest solid meal - nuts soaked in water, fresh fruit.     (cleansing, deeper discovery)

12-1 pm 12 oz. organic vegetable juice.      (vitality of the day)

3 pm heaviest meal  of vegetable protein, starch, vegetables.     (fine-tuning of acts and thoughts)

4-8 pm  Organic vegetable juice at 6-7 pm, eat light dinner of veges, cous cous, bulgar wheat, salad during sunset.     (contemplation)

9- 4 am Night praises and entrance into night rest   (cosmic awareness and dry fast)

It is important for a Wombman to also tune into her body's phases of ovulation, pms, menstruation, and monitor any body dis-ease. Queen Afua recommends consuming as much teas and natural juice as possible during the period.


I hope this list encourages and guides those who seek to heal themselves the ital way.

RasTafari Love~
Sis. Ila

Defining Ises and its Importance

Buruk Fikir!
Blessed Love my Royal Sistren.

As some of I and I prepare to enter into Sabbath once again, I offer a reasoning (from my RasTafari Book of Ises) on the meaning and importance of Ises. No woman is as strong as she can be if she doesn't have the power of Ises and Communion with JAH in her mind, body and soul. Ises is so many things - a rejuvenation, a hope, a cleanse, a thanksgiving, a joyful noise, a comfort...it is the right medicine for every ailment or the right answer for every question.
Ises was one of the most important things to Empress Menen and Emperor Haile Sellassie I as well. They prayed everyday and held the Church and priests close to Their home. A Chapel was necessary wherever They lived, so They could pray in private. Empress Menen used prayer as Her secret weapon during the war with Italy - She dedicated Her crown to the Church in prayer, for victory in Ethiopia. Her prayers were answered favourably! To me, in many aspects of Their lives, JAH RasTafari displayed honour, submission and reverence for the service of the Almighty JAH but Ises or prayer was the most personal and the most relied upon show of faith, love and duty.

So...what is prayer, why is it important for and to mankind?

      The Ethiopian Feta Nagast states that “prayer is the talking of man to the Highest God, whereby he thanks Him, praises Him, and recognizes His domain, confessing his sin and seeking on his part the way of pleasing Him” (Strauss 2002, pg. 88). This is a general summary of the different aspects and purposes of praises or worship which each individual must embrace in their Iritual relationship with JAH.
      Ises is the Rastafari word sound for “Giving Praise(s).” As the Feta Nagast quote says, we use prayer to talk to God and seek instruction or revelation from HIM. It is hence a language of communication between Isra’el and JAH where instruction, comfort and answers are received. In fact, Ises is the portal to communion with the Irit and Presence of JAH in the conscience, Tabernacle and in Earth. Rastafari know the God of Flesh and God of Irit become one through Ises, and through Righteousness. With both these Gifts of the Hola Irit, the presence of JAH Rastafari in the hearts of our flesh and Irits is made known to I and I in a healing and illuminating way. One of the greatest sacrifices of Ises, is to beseech God's goodness, healing and illuminating powers for the sake of others and not only ourselves.
       There are many verses of the Holy Bible which can describe more the relationship we have with JAH through Ises and therefore add an overall overstanding on the important purposes of Giving Ises in Isra’el. It is clear that Ises is the first pillar of the Ethiopian Hebrew Israelite Nazirene Faith and Livity because it is an act of service rendered to Jahovah out of partnership, love, reverence, humility and honesty. The Old Testament is filled with ensamples of Israelites worshipping, how they organized themselves to do such, and the reasons behind worship according to their relationship with Jahovah – think about the weeklong ceremony and vigil that brought down the wall of Jericho. The Book of Psalms is the Judahite and Levite (or throne and temple) compilation of poems and hymns of Ises. The Israelite way of giving Ises is therefore very oral and vocal, something that is communal. The Psalms state that Ises is a time of thanksgiving unto JAH, the fruit of our lips, our song of Ises, our cry, meditation and supplication.
      Thanksgiving is a sacrifice of praise. Jonah, in chapter 2 verse 9 said “I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.” Solomon in Proverbs 15:8 said that “the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” Jeremiah 33:10-11 also speaks about the joy in bringing these thanksgiving sacrifices into the House of the Lord in honour of the marriage of the Iritual bride and bridegroom.
     Ises as a sacrifice is therefore an important component of the Temple or Tabernacle, or in RasTafari: Taba. The House of the Lord was not built for blood sacrifice but for this sacrifice through prayer, for Ises. In the Ible it was the place where the Levites glorified the Tabernacle of Zion or the Ark of the Covenant which houses the Word of Jahovah. The Word of JAH was known in His sacred house through praise. The Taba as the House of the Lord is the physical altar structure built by man for the purpose of housing and congregating worship. But it is not the true house of prayer – the fleshly sanctuary of the Word and Irit of JAH is righteous Man and Wombman. Because man was built to manifest and serve JAH as His and Her Image, it follows that our Ises sacrifices and righteous deeds are our true incense before the Lord.
        In the Tabernacles of JAH and flesh, Ises is used for confessing our sin and seeking the ways that we could please JAH, as stated in the Feta Nagast. These are together acts of “beseeching God” and hoping that our prayers are answered by taking up the commitment to repentance. Confessing sin before JAH is an acknowledgement of wrong-doing which is a duty of every faithful member of the Church to perform in the, or in their personal Taba by means of Ises. Because we are honest enough to know that we need to confess our weakness, Ises is for many of us, about beseeching or asking God for His Holy Irit which can provide help, instruction, patience, mercy and prosperity/fortune.
       Whether Ises is given silently or while worshipping together, single-mindedness is necessary. The focus should be solely on the task and purpose at hand. Ises must be genuine and confidently engaged in.
      As mentioned, Ises (praises) or prayer is the medium through which we acknowledge the Source, course and perfection of life, the Hola Irit and the Word of JAH. Through it we are also able to spiritually connect to the Covenant of Ithiopia's Isra'el, which was carried by the lineage of King David as passed from Solomon to his Kushite son Emperor Menelik I; which was then extended to I and I Ithiopian Diasporan Beta Isra'elites through Menelik's “son” Emperor Haile Selassie I. Ises is given to Inite and Selabrate Rastafari union and communion with this Solomonic passage of the Irit of the Kristos (kr-eye-stos) and the Male and Female God-Head of Ithiopia's Isra’el. It is the moment in which I and I hail JAH RasTafari Qedamawi Haile Selassie and Itegue Qedamawit Wollete Giyorgis (Empress Menen) and acknowledge Their supremacy in righteousness as the Elect of Jahovah, Leaders of our Resurrection, Redemption and Repatriation. Ises is our freedom from spiritual and physical poverty and slavery when we use it to honour the Messianic works in Ithiopia's Isra’el.                                                 

As I and I call upon Them in Ises, I and I speak the language of the Kristos and partake in such Royal Black Ivinity. Ises is therefore for Ithiopia Afrika; the Iditation which keeps us on the right path, and the force behind our spiritual and physical deliverance from Babylon (Roman Christianity, Judaism, and White Supremacy as led by England and America).
      Rastafari must use Ises to excel in the famous quote “Forward ever, backwards never.” Ises is necessary for Rastafari to keep chanting down the spirit of Belial/Beliar or Satan, carnality, sin, death and corruption as manifested in our present time in paganism (all white and idolatrous religion) and white supremacy (mainstream), so that we may never look back upon our former wrong-doing with admiration or longing. We sacrifice the wrong in preference of pleasing the Lord God and doing what is right for ourselves and children as a race.
      There are many other worthy and important purposes of Ises that can be considered and explored not just by Rastafari, but by everyone who seeks some kind of well-being or positive reinforcement in their life.

Ises as a working power of JAH and Spirit in our lives, does many beneficial things for humanity:

• creates peace within and around I and I through Iditation and positivity
• channels the Hola Irit which creates health and wholeness in our minds & bodies
• pacifies our temper and wrath
• allows clarity and truth to shine through chaos so that our questions are answered
• helps us to change our lives and the lives of others
• gives new direction to the exiled, lost and corrupt
• builds steadfast faith over doubt and weakness
• builds hope to conquer poverty and achieve endeavours
• builds courage and strength over fear and despair, and
• adorns us with protection, prosperity and success.

                                             The Hebrew Scriptures on Ises

      All Hebrews prayed and talked to their Living God Jahovah in the Bible, and they in their histories proved the benefits of and reasons for Ises; as they exalted JAH and were able to achieve by prayer: Hannah, Elijah, Yesus, Ezra, Maryam, Moses, Abraham, Daniel, David and the list goes on. The following verses show why they prayed, why Jahovah wants and expects prayer from Isra'el, and highlight other points made previously on Ises:

This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. (Isaiah 43:21)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. I have become as a wonder to many, But You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day. (Psalm 71:5-8)

He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see his face with joy,
For He restores to man His righteousness. (Job 33:26)

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.  Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:14-15)

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:4)

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in

psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,  giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord [JAH Rastafari Sela]. (Ephesians 5:18-20)

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. (James 5:13)

Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. (Psalm 47:1-2, 6-7)

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

(Psalm 34:13)

Praise the Lord!  For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

(Psalm 147:1)

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

(Psalm 107:8)

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. (Psalm 48:1)

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.

(Psalm 50:23)

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

(Psalm 63:3-5)

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.(Psalm 92:1-2)

For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. (Psalm 96:4-5)

Selah!
JAH RasTafari be praised for all wisdom, word sound, works and peace imparted upon I and I Covenant Keepers of Ithiopia Hola T'sion!
Sis. Ila