Ital Hermeneutics: The Innovative Theological Grounding of Rastafari Dietary (Ietary) Practices

ABSTRACT The Rastafari movement stands as one of the most instantly recognizable and socially influential spiritual groups of the last century. Having successfully crossed into the realm of popular culture with the worldwide popularity of reggae music, the movement has been able to achieve a level of recognition from the global public that other contemporary religious groups have not. However, knowledge of the groups’ practices and beliefs beyond reggae, the veneration of ganja (cannabis) and recognition of the divinity of His Majesty Haile Selassie remains limited. This is very much the case amongst Rastafari dietary practices, something central to the daily observance of all Rastafari, and yet a facet underexplored in academic circles. As such, this study aims to draw attention to an integral component of Rastafari spirituality through interviews conducted in Jamaica and the UK, whilst also formulating and exploring an innovative Rastafari hermeneutical approach.