doctors prescribe tea for a variety of illnesses including rheumatism and insomnia. The leaves and stems of green ganja are boiled and the resulting tea is drank (Bishton 106, 1986.)GanjaGanja is not used exclusively for its medicinal purposes within Rastafarianism. It is considered a sacrament and is used both ritually and socially. At meetings, or 'reasoning sessions' participants take the 'sacred chalice' to smoke. Drum playing, chanting, and poetry readings are common occurrences. While no one is forced to participate in the smoking of ganja, most Rastas do. It is widely believed amongst Rastas that can bring revelation and inspiration to those who smoke it. Smoking the herb issaid to bring great healing and increase the intensity of meditation (Youd 40, 1987.)The use of ganja is justified by Rastafarians on the basis that it is a plant, which grows from the Earth and was therefor given to man. Many Biblical quotes are employed to demonstrate this point including, from Genesis 1:29 "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the Earth, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall befor meat." From the book of Revelations 22:2 " In the midst of the street there was the tree of life, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Rastas believe Ganja to be this tree, and the smoking of it tobe in accordance with the natural way. Natty DreadsDreadlocks are symbolic of many things within Rastafarianism. A widely held belief is that dreads are intended to intimidate and put dread into them. While this is one explanation, it is only one aspect of the practice. Dreads are grown by some in order that they resemble a lion's mane- a sign of strength and a tribute to the Lion of Judah, Haille Selassie (Morrish 90, 1982.) Many see the cultivation of locks as Biblically inspired and a sign of accordance with the natural way. Dreadlocks are not created by the use of any typ...
