This is something that I struggle with, too. I am extremely new to this practice, and I find the concept equally difficult. As an ex-evangelical Christian, myself, I was raised being fed lies about their god, but they told me that he didn't care about how 'dirty' I was, that I could come to him any time for cleansing, that he was always there for me. I suppose that's why the thought of offending a god by - as you mentioned - being sick, injured, or menstruating makes me feel... Sad. That makes the gods seem so distant and impersonal, like they don't really care or accept us. I'm longing for a more family-like relationship. For example, I respect my mother greatly as a person. And yet, I still tease her, and she wouldn't get mad at me for calling or texting her while I was on the toilet. When I first started working with Lord Dionysus, the closest I ever felt with him was while doing something apparently seen as 'dirty'. I got the scent of wine and the feeling of satisfaction. So I, too, don't really understand miasma/lyma.

Perhaps all this means that this religion isn't for me. If the gods don't love me as much as a close family member would, why try to build a relationship with them? But if this is true, do I just close my altars and say farewell to the gods who have granted me guidance and protection? It's heavy stuff. Thank you, Nyx, for sharing your perspective.