Rastafari

Liveology
Aug 25
2 min read

An Afrocentric spirituality that calls for liberation—of the mind, body, and spirit—through a return to African roots and a life grounded in righteousness, justice, and divine connection.

Information

Rastafari, also known as the Rastafarian movement, is a spiritual and cultural ideology that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It developed among Afro-Jamaican communities who were seeking liberation from colonial oppression and the reclaiming of African identity. Rastafari is not a formal religion in the traditional sense; rather, it is a way of life that blends elements of Christianity, African spirituality, and social resistance. Central to the movement is the belief that Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia, is the earthly representation of God, whom Rastafarians call Jah, short for Jehovah.

The name "Rastafari" comes from Ras Tafari Makonnen, the pre-coronation name of Haile Selassie. When he was crowned emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, many in Jamaica saw this as the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy about the return of a Black king who would lead African descendants to freedom. This belief was greatly influenced by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political activist who promoted Black pride and the return to Africa. Though Garvey never claimed Haile Selassie was divine, his ideology laid the groundwork for the movement.

Rastafarians interpret the Bible through an Afrocentric lens, often rejecting traditional Western or colonial Christian interpretations. They emphasize themes of oppression, exile, and liberation, seeing themselves as the true Israelites exiled in "Babylon"—a metaphor for the corrupt Western world. Rastafari promotes a return to Zion, which is spiritually and physically associated with Africa, particularly Ethiopia. This connection to Africa is not only symbolic but also literal for many Rastas who have emigrated there or continue to advocate for repatriation.

A key feature of Rastafari is its lifestyle and cultural expressions. Many Rastas follow a natural and holistic way of living, including a vegetarian or ital diet, wearing locs (as a biblical symbol of strength and identity), and using ganja (cannabis) as a sacrament for spiritual meditation. Music—especially reggae, popularized globally by artists like Bob Marley—plays a vital role in spreading the movement’s messages of love, resistance, and redemption.

Rastafari is diverse and non-hierarchical, with various mansions or sects, such as the Nyabinghi, Bobo Ashanti, and Twelve Tribes of Israel, each with unique interpretations and practices. Despite misunderstandings and stigmatization over the years, Rastafari has influenced global thought on identity, resistance, and spirituality. At its heart, it calls for liberation—of the mind, body, and spirit—through a return to African roots and a life grounded in righteousness, justice, and divine connection.

Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop our all natural bodycare, prayer & meditation cushions, and spiritual apparel! We offer a wealth of articles, videos, and courses on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace, and prosperity.