Under the glow of the full moon, watchRasta recently had the privilege of documenting one such experience with the Binghistra Movement/Inna de Yard family, based at 6 St. Andrew Park in Kingston, Jamaica — home of Jamaica’s beloved musical icon Earl “Chinna” Smith.
Deeply rooted in Rastafari spirituality, NyabinghiNyabinghiThe oldest orthodox mansion of Rastafari, featuring sacred drumming, chanting, and spiritual reasoning gatherings. tradition, music, herbal wisdom, and holistic living, the Binghistra Movement continues to create spaces where healing, grounding, and spiritual connection remain central to community life.
On this particular trod, members of the community gathered in the early hours of the morning for a Full Moon River Trip to the renowned Bath Fountain in St. Thomas — a mineral-rich hot spring long respected for its sulphur compounds and natural healing properties.
At approximately 2:00 AM, the group departed Kingston carrying drums, shakers, torches, candles, and offerings for the journey ahead. The road itself felt ceremonial — a movement toward cleansing and renewal.
By the time the group arrived in St. Thomas, darkness still covered the hills, but the full moon illuminated the landscape with an almost mystical brightness. Guided by flashlight, candlelight, and torch, members hiked quietly toward the river and spring.
Upon arrival, firewood was gathered and a fire was built along the riverside. The scent of frankincense, myrrh, and incense soon filled the air as chants and drumming echoed into the early morning hours. Some members entered the mineral spring, allowing the warmth and healing waters to soothe the body while others meditated, reasoned, prayed, or sat beside the fire absorbing the stillness of nature.
The atmosphere was therapeutic, spiritual, and deeply grounding — a reminder of the importance of reconnecting with the earth, water, community, and self.
As sunrise approached, the river transformed once again. The first light of morning revealed tired but renewed faces. After hours of chanting, soaking, reasoningReasoningA highly spiritual communal gathering for dialogue, meditation, and chanting to elevate collective consciousness., and reflection, the group departed back to Kingston carrying a sense of reset for the mind, body, and soul.
Experiences like these reflect an important part of Jamaica’s living cultural landscape — one that often exists quietly outside of commercial tourism. Through the Binghistra Movement and the Inna de Yard family, traditions of spiritual trodding, collective healing, drumming, herbal wisdom, and communion with nature continue to thrive.
For those seeking more than entertainment — for those longing for grounding, healing, cultural immersion, and authentic spiritual experiences — the Full Moon River Trod offers something truly rare.
watchRasta is honored to document and share these sacred moments of Jamaican culture, ensuring that the traditions, reasoningReasoningA highly spiritual communal gathering for dialogue, meditation, and chanting to elevate collective consciousness. spaces, and spiritual practices that shape the island’s identity continue to be seen, valued, and experienced.
Photos and documentation by watchRasta — experiencing Jamaica beyond the surface.