Hellenic kerfuffle

[vaguelyhumanoid]

Along with Heathenry, which I practice, I am very interested in Hellenic polytheism and have researched Greek along with Norse and Anglo-Saxon traditions since I started exploring polytheist revivalism last year. I've often considered going dual-trad, since I'm very drawn at times to Apollo and Dionysos along with the Norse gods (Odin first and foremost) who I follow.
However, I have one hangup when it comes to practicing. Before I really learned about Hellenism, I said something vulgar/insulting about Zeus in a secular discussion of mythology with a friend. Now I'm concerned that if I gave offerings to any of his pantheon, they'd be pissed that I insulted their friend/dad/what have you.
I'm almost certain that's OCD (or perhaps Abrahamic baggage) talking, since pagan gods aren't omniscient etc. But it still gives me pause, and I'd like to hear other polytheist's take on it (especially Hellenic practitioners).

(this was actually a thread I've considered making for a long time, but been kinda self-conscious about and put off :-/)

 

[Politesse]

Seems to me that the only person you owe an apology to is maybe Zeus; that's not your friend's issue to worry about?

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

Along with Heathenry, which I practice, I am very interested in Hellenic polytheism and have researched Greek along with Norse and Anglo-Saxon traditions since I started exploring polytheist revivalism last year. I've often considered going dual-trad, since I'm very drawn at times to Apollo and Dionysos along with the Norse gods (Odin first and foremost) who I follow.
However, I have one hangup when it comes to practicing. Before I really learned about Hellenism, I said something vulgar/insulting about Zeus in a secular discussion of mythology with a friend. Now I'm concerned that if I gave offerings to any of his pantheon, they'd be pissed that I insulted their friend/dad/what have you.
I'm almost certain that's OCD (or perhaps Abrahamic baggage) talking, since pagan gods aren't omniscient etc. But it still gives me pause, and I'd like to hear other polytheist's take on it (especially Hellenic practitioners).

(this was actually a thread I've considered making for a long time, but been kinda self-conscious about and put off :-/)

I think if Zeus was offended then he'd have let you know by now. I also think a being as powerful as a god can take one on the chin without flinching. Don't worry about it. The gods don't really seem to care if we worship them or not - so I doubt anything as petty as insults or name-calling would even garner their attention, let alone a reaction.

 

[GoodbyeDave]

If you had been rude to a friend, you would need to make an apology. The same goes for a god. Pray to Zeus for purification and offer wine, a cake, a bunch of carnations: it's only polite.

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

If you had been rude to a friend, you would need to make an apology. The same goes for a god. Pray to Zeus for purification and offer wine, a cake, a bunch of carnations: it's only polite.

But Zeus isn't his friend (I know what you're getting at and I'm not trying to pick the analogy apart in that way). Vaguely has not interacted with Zeus before as far as I'm aware - they are, in essence, total strangers. Do you openly apologise to people you've just met for unkind preconceptions you've had or things you've said/thought about them that they don't know about? Would that not do more harm than good?

 

[GoodbyeDave]

And who says a god doesn't know what you've said about him?

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

And who says a god doesn't know what you've said about him?

I'm guessing as much based on the fact Zeus hasn't done anything about it. Let's assume you're right, though, and Zeus does know what vaguely said. He still hasn't shown he cares enough to do anything about it.

 

[Callisto]

And who says a god doesn't know what you've said about him?

This. No reaction does not confirm unawareness.

The op's question seems to me to fall under the topic of arete ("virtue"). To compare it to an interpersonal scenario, say the op said something offensive about another person. It's possible the other person is aware of the comment but chose to take the high road and say nothing in response. The op has a choice, either not own up to speaking wrongly against the person or be forthright and own up to his actions, face the person and apologize. The latter demonstrates courage and integrity.