Ask Zeus Operator
How critical is it if, in a fit of anger (despair), I made vows to the Gods and then broke them? Let's say I was almost sent to jail for drugs, swore never to buy them again, and then relapsed and did it again. How useless am I in the eyes of the Gods after that? Just an example.
But if the situation improved slightly, say I started using drugs MUCH less often, in a safer way, etc., does that improve the situation at all?
Never make vows, oaths and similar for things you are not sure you can deliver on.
I believe Gods understand our immaturity and lack of wisdom and can forgive in that context, but please understand these things are to be taken seriously.
And never give oath to Gods on something regarding your personal matters. "Gods, I swear I will go on diet starting tomorrow, Gods I swear I will quit smoking tomorrow, Gods I swear, etc...". These are yours own to deal with. Do not bring Gods into this in this way, ever.
I guess what I wrote deserves expansion and clarification.
What did I mean by "do not bring Gods into this"? Did I mean, you are on your own?
No. You can definitely seek help from Gods.
But this cannot be an oath. Oath is different.
So, why no oaths and vows?
First, the desire and strength to change and improve shall come out of your own self, and be driven by your self, rather than being an obligation to someone, in this case the Gods.
Second, if you fail, you will feel VERY bad because deep down you know an oath is a serious matter and that the Gods can hold you accountable. Whatever measures you take to improve your life can fail, a different approach might be needed, and by giving an oath, you give yourself no space to pick yourself up and try again, because broken oath is a broken oath.
I hope this makes my point clear enough. I believe Gods will understand that you were irrational when you made that decision, but please from now on, treat oaths and vows to the Gods much more seriously.