They are as capricious and distracted as the ideas and forces they represent.
Remember, there's a reason Hellenism goes down smooth with philosophy.
Our gods are manifestations of natural forces and ideas, not magical skydaddies that focus constant attention on our every move, ready to spank or reward us.
You will never get a sign of any sort.
They are not those kind of gods.
They are practical gods.
Rational representations of real things.
Those real things are what you must focus on. And if you by some freak chance get a miraculous intercession, thank your lucky stars that it wasn't an irrational punishment.
What qualities, concepts, and forces does Athena represent? Cunning, cleverness, valor, wisdom, rationality. If you think that's the kind of goddess who is going to send you signs, you're barking up the wrong tree in the wrong forest.
Instead, think of how you can embody and emulate those qualities in your own life. Be brave, wise and honorable. Solve problems with cunning and not brute force. Think rationally and empirically. Apply science to everyday life. Learn about everything you can. Sacrifice and pray like you are addressing an impersonal force of nature, because you are.
Rationality rewards the rational. Cunning rewards the clever. Valor the valorous. Be those things and that IS Athena being your patron. Both your sign and your reward are you doing those things. Sacrifice to give thanks for cleverness, courage and so on.
Why did Athena love Odysseas?
Was it because he begged her for favors?
No. She loved Odysseas because he was clever, rational and courageous. She was his patron because he had her characteristics. There's a very rational, non magical relationship here. Athena is those things she represents. To be close to her, be like her.
And what do we learn in the Odyssey anyway? That in our most dire moments, we need the gods. And for everything up until then, we better watch out for ourselves.
So get yourself a statue of Athena. Sacrifice to it in gratitude. And try to live up to the qualities she represents…
because Athena does not favor the superstitious.
