Curate, connect, and discover
I’ve seen several posts defending Zeus lately and honestly I love it. Entire cultures called Zeus father; he’s a protector of the home, foreigners, and sacred hospitality, among many other things.
For me, at first he felt scary and unapproachable even as the good king of the gods. I eventually incorporated Zeus Erkeios and Ktesios into my household prayers, but not much else.
Little by little, our kharis has grown, and Hera, patient mother that she is, has guided her daughter on the path of devotion to her husband. I am still learning, but now, Zeus feels fatherly and kind.
It’s difficult to explain, but I surprised myself today by praying to “Father Zeus” extemporaneously and just sharing my feelings with him. I’m not close with my own dad, so to be able to do that means a lot.
I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t understand the negative perception of either Hera or Zeus, because in worshipping them, I feel as though I’ve found a family. I love my gods, but I’m always overwhelmed and blown away by how much they love me in return.