Blessed Love,
this page is made to explain the role of Rastafari woman and a source of information, inspiration and empowerment. Rastafari woman or wombman are often also called Sister, Empress, Queen, Princess or Daughter of the Most High, and have important roles in the livety of Rastafari. Naturally they represent the female energy, so are the ones to represent perfect or good examples for other woman who are interested in the Rastafari Livety, to show what an empowered sister looks like, and how it can be achieved through the teachings and livety of Rastafari.
Another role the Sisters have is to strengthen her man, or King in the best way possible (If in a relationship). A man is always strengthened by a strong woman next to him, or weakened by a weak one if he is not strong enough to withstand certain temptations. So we want to make sure that both are in balance with each other, and are living in the same spirit of Rastafari that would ensure this type of upliftment if lived to the fullest.
Also, Woman can teach men something about, being more caring, kinder, softer, meeker, humble, responsible, sensible, and more loving, by having these qualities naturally embedded in her. These are the type of qualities that Rastafari in general strive to achieve, as they are an important part of the livety. A balanced Sister can be a good example for men ánd woman to strive for. Balance between male and female energy is what we could say is the perfect combination. What the Daughters of Rastafari are often showing is this perfect balance, having this natural friendly nature, and then finding strength in following the principles set by the Rasta-man. Because we as men represent a more militant kind of energy, and have always taken care of the principles and order of the livety, making sure that this aspect is not neglected, as there is great value in this. So when the Sisters combine the teachings of Rastafari with its disciplines and her natural born softness, this perfect balance that we strive for is much easier to reach then for men, because men are usually less in tune with this tender nature and is therefore more difficult for them. Still with the teachings of Rastafari we can reach there because they keep reminding InI to live a certain way. The men within Rastafari (the ones who have not found this balance yet) often have this internal battle going on between our natural instinct and knowing that we should be behaving in a different way as Rastafari. So woman have great advantage when it comes to this, and could see herself blessed for it.
We know woman all over the world have had a long struggle with religions in general having to deal with a of lot oppression and are therefore often less attracted to the scriptural side of religions, and tend to follow their own heart and mind. But the daughters of Rastafari show us what the result can be of a woman in balance, following the principles and order combined with her natural tenderness and meekness. Which we can admire and have great respect for.
Empress Menen is seen as the perfect example for Rastafari daughters, and when we learn a bit more the Empress, we can see why. Empress Menen always expressed dignity, strength, loyalty, integrity, maturity, kindness, royalness and devotion to her King and Faith. Also being a good mother and close adviser to His Majesty, which made Him able to make better, well thought of decisions in the way they ruled Ethiopia. This type of union is what we like to see within Rastafari.
PRINCIPLES
Just like the Rastafari Kings the Queens are expected or are encouraged to uphold a high standard of living and in some cases when belonging to a certain mansion to live by the principles that are set. These principles are meant to uplift the individual and to be seen as a good example for other to be inspired by. They mostly are about living an outstanding life with high morals and high integrity, that can be seen in how we behave, dress, eat and do. Expressing humbleness, kindness, cleanliness, devotion, diligence, discipline, discipleship and other things of this nature.
The principles and roles of Kings and Queens sometimes have some differences. For instance within Nyahbinghi and Boboshanti order the Sisters are usually not permitted to play the harps/drums and there are some rules of separation during a Sisters period. This has to do with the drums being more then instruments but are also weapons that together with chanting assist in bringing down babylon and evil forces and seeing this more of a male type of thing to do and the woman staying in her meekness and kindness as she naturally is and the men being on the battlegrounds so to speak. Concerning a Sisters period, this is because of biblical practice, cleanliness and meant to give a Sister some time for herself in which she is less comfortable and in need of some more rest.
Some woman might not agree with certain principles as it might seem ass if woman are not treated as equal and that woman have a submissive role within the livity, but there are good reasons for this and is not meant to be felt in that way. We have seen this problem of woman not being treated equal and often without respect throughout history especially within certain cultures and religions and had to endure many hardships because of this, so we overstand that any type of oppression (even if meant well) can cause great resistance within woman, but we would like to ensure any woman that Rastafari is not here to oppress the I, we try to do the opposite. It is more that we follow the natural order of life, where the men and woman have different energy, qualities and roles. Not intended for oppression but for overstanding and acceptance these natural differences and learning how to live with this. It is obvious men and woman are different as mentioned above, and these natural born qualities decide what roles we have in our relations and traditions. It is only because of harsh oppression throughout the times by religions and brutal men that this natural difference became corrupted and something negative. If men would not have been so dominant and oppressive, but Raspectful and caring towards woman like Rastafari should have, we wouldn't have this problem and woman wouldn’t have this adversity against living in a principle way.
What is important to know is that there is no need to think that one can't be a raspected and excepted Rastafari woman because one doesn't feel like following certain principles we will mention. Still these guidelines can be taken to heart as guidance, but are not forced upon any woman. The I is free to do as one wants. It is good to know that men also have strict principles to uphold, also when it comes to living with our Empress who is seen and treated with the utmost Raspect, as a Queen...
Also know that the Sisters have an important role, for encouraging other woman the become a part of the livety, something greatly needed because at the moment Rastafari men are the main examples, but woman add something that is less easy to find within the male dominated expression of the Most High. Which is the combination of tenderness, meekness and humbleness combined with the strength of a lioness. There are plenty of Rasta-man who have found this balance (Lion and lamb). But this perfect balance is difficult to find within many Rastafari men, so we need more Rastafari Sisters to inspire men and woman in finding this. As these heights are easier to achieve for woman there is also a certain duty or responsibility to take because of the great Importance in the awakening of the Rastafari movement being able to inspire both woman and man.
What follows are some principles for Rastafari Daughters to be expected to follow in the case of being a member or adherent of the Bobo Shanti or Nyahbinghi. The Twelve Tribes of Israel, as they have less written down principles in general, don’t have anything specifics for the Sisters, however they usually show the same behavior as the other Sisters within the livety as it just comes natural. Most Rastafari Sisters however are not members of these tribes, and do what they feel is right for them personally. So it is not necessarily needed to live by these principles to be part of Rastafari, but they can give good insight for any woman to be living in this way of Life..
PRINCIPLES FOR THE NYAHBINGHI DAUGHTERS
The Nyahbinghi daughters, like the sons must abide by YAH Ivine laws. As H.I.M. is the Head of the Nyahbinghi Order the Nyahbinghi Queen should recognize her King as the Head. During her monthly period (a period of seven days) the Nyahbinghi Queen does not attend Issemble or congregate among the brethren. She should be loyal to her King Head in all things concerning righteousness. She must abide within her home and not be a "busybody". If there is a misunderstanding between her and her King Man, the matter should be brought before the Priest or Council of Elders who will deal with the matter privately and constructively. A Nyahbinghi Queen is not permitted to play the drums at an Issemble but is permitted to use the Shaka or Timbrel. She is not permitted to administrate around the altar or to prophecy before the congregation. During reasoning she can make suggestions and participate in governmental administration as in the taking of minutes, writing of letters or any other works she is capable of doing, as seen by the brethren. She must be attired in modest apparel at all times and must not wear pants or explosive garments. Her head must be covered during an Issemble or when congregating with brethren or outside her gates. During Issemble the daughters are responsible for the teaching of the children with special emphasis on H.I.M. HAILE SELASSIE I, the Amharic language, Black History and other aspects of Rastafari Ivine livety. When the Nyahbinghi Queen brings forth a Prince, she should stay away from Issemble for a period of 3 months. When she brings forth a Princess, she should stay away for a period of 4 months. Eating of abominable flesh must be strictly forbidden by all. The wearing of jewelry is not forbidden but the piercing of the flesh (e.g. ears, nose, etc.) is against the will of YAH. The plaiting of locks is forbidden as it is written in the book of I Peter 3:3, whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of(e.g. braids, weaves, etc.) the hair.
BOBO SHANTI HONORABLE EMPRESS, GODDESS AND PROPHETESS
I, the most rt. Hon. King Emmanuel Charles Edwards say, Sisters must help us the Brethren, strength to strength.
Every Empress should live within the true divinity and humbleness of Queen Omega. An Empress voice should not be loud and vulgar but should be soft and humble to reflect the true spirit of a virtuous woman and the integrity of a Goddess of the Earth. A true Goddess should see it free to strengthen the god in flesh. Therefore every empress should see it free to help the Brethren within washing, cleaning and sewing. Brethren through the love of their Mother, Sister and Dawta should strengthen an Empress freely, should free up the gates and allow the Sistren to move through freely. Neither Brethren nor Sistren must be seen at each others gates (house) after 6 p.m.
Every Empress who has a Kingman should show him about the Empress principles concerning the 21 days journey. The Kingman after that, could not say that he did not know about them. These principles should be a spiritual guidance for all Empress on such 21 days journey and for those who they come amongst when they are free. All Empress should be properly dressed inside and outside their gates. I and I as gods and goddess should live within unity and love of salvation and help each other spiritually and temporally. Any Empress who has a house should be willing to take in another Empress in their gates who are in need. Two or three Empress can live together if the need arises.
An empress who has little ones is to culture them to be humble and quiet, also to have manners and respect to the priest, bigger prophets and empress at all times. The children should be taught to know their place from early childhood to respect and obey YAH in flesh and know that man is god and god is man in flesh.
If an Empress is ministering unfree and has her children with her, she should teach them how to behave during such time, knowing that they should not touch anyone or go any place where free ones gather.
A youthman should not be living with his mother when she is on her journey, unless he is sent there because of bad behavior. The right place for a young man to be is amongst man, for that is what he is growing up to be.
All these things should be rectified within the empress league to bring back everyone to a natural family within salvation.
In the Video Playlists we can find more insight into the different principles a Rastafari Sister can live by, Especially explain by Ila Addis on her channel, we give thanks for all the empresses that stand out to do the works of Rastafari.
More information and insights will come soon, after we have done more research into this area.
Blessed Love
Rastafari