In 1999, my sister Crystal studied abroad in Spain. She returned with a piece of scrap paper featuring her host mom's cherished paella recipe. Little did we know that this simple recipe would spark a Christmas tradition lasting 25 years, filled with laughter, love, and—inevitably—hours of labor, sweating over the hot stove.
Every Christmas, our family gathers to recreate that paella. We head to the local Monterey fish market to choose the freshest seafood, enjoy a little of the wine meant for the broth, and marvel at how long the saffron rice takes to cook. The tradition is as much about the process as it is about the result: a meal that fills not just our stomachs but also our hearts, as we share stories loudly, laugh over old memories, and even participate in post-dinner holiday contests like trivia and relay races.
However, this year our paella tradition faced a challenge. My mom, known for her high standards, admitted that she prefers the paella from a local restaurant over the one we diligently prepare each year. Her reason? She likes it better with a red sauce instead of the traditional white wine base. Cue the drama.
A Moment of Reflection
As competitive as we are, the idea of a restaurant’s mass-produced paella outshining our family’s heartfelt effort was unthinkable. However, my sister and I had to admit that last year’s attempt had been a bit heavy-handed with the wine, and the flavor hadn’t quite hit the mark. While we stood in line at the fish market on Christmas Eve, debating whether to stick with tradition or honor our mom’s request, I remembered the message of the Hierophant card from my Angel Party Tarot deck.
In a video I’d shared earlier that week, I reflected on the Hierophant’s wisdom:
The Hierophant reminds you to honor the wisdom of the structures that have guided you while finding your own truth within them. It's possible to find harmony between tradition and individuality. Trust that both can coexist to support your growth. Affirm aloud, “I honor the wisdom of tradition and express it in my own way.”
Inspired by this message, we honored the tradition while making space for growth and adaptation. We replaced the traditional base with a more tomato-forward red sauce and hoped for the best.
The Best Paella Yet
From the moment we began cooking, everything fell into place. We divided the prep work, took turns stirring, and laughed at our annual forgetfulness about whether to double the recipe (for the record, we didn’t need to, even for 12 people). As the ingredients simmered and blended, the kitchen filled with an intoxicating aroma that promised something special.
When the meal was finally ready, the red sauce paella received unanimous praise. Even my mom—our harshest critic—declared it the best paella we’d ever made. We felt a deep sense of accomplishment, not just for perfecting the dish but for embracing flexibility while maintaining the essence of our tradition.
This time, we took notes to ensure we wouldn’t forget what worked so well. We recorded details such as ingredient proportions, cooking times, and the fact that we didn’t need to double the recipe. Most importantly, we noted how this adaptation—rooted in tradition but open to change—strengthened our family bond and deepened our appreciation for the process.
Applying the Hierophant’s Lesson in Everyday Life
The Hierophant’s message reaches well beyond the kitchen. It serves as a reminder that tradition can be both a foundation and a springboard for growth. Here are some practical ways to apply this lesson in your life:
1. Honor Traditions While Staying Flexible
Identify a meaningful tradition in your life. Reflect on the aspects you value most and consider how to adapt it to fit your current circumstances better.
2. Document What Works
Note what makes it unique, whether it’s a recipe, family ritual, or personal habit. This way, you can honor the spirit of the tradition while allowing for improvement.
3. Embrace the Present Moment
Stay fully engaged in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s cooking, celebrating, or just spending time with loved ones. Being present fosters connection and joy, making traditions more meaningful.
4. Experiment with Intention
Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas, but do so with mindfulness and respect for the original framework. Change doesn’t imply abandoning the past; it signifies building upon it.
5. Seek Guidance from Symbols
Whether it’s pulling a tarot card, meditating, or journaling, seek tools that assist you in reflecting on the balance between tradition and individuality.
Share Your Story
Our red sauce paella taught us that evolution doesn’t diminish tradition; it enhances it. What traditions in your life have you adapted or reimagined? How have they shaped your relationships and personal growth? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ve honored the wisdom of the past while making it uniquely yours.
Here’s to traditions that nourish our hearts, even as they adapt to meet the needs of today.
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