Prior to the arrival of these religions [Islam and Christianity] the Yoruba did not possess a word to describe religiosity as a distinct field of human activity, as something set aside from profane activity. The Yoruba word that was coined in reference to religion was esin, from sin – to serve. This referred to the modes of worship exemplified by Muslims and Christians while the Yoruba themselves were doing asa ibile, meaning, doing the customs of the land.
excerpt from, The invisible city in the realm of mystery
Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold
(At The Crossroads)
The first pitfall: the Norse sál or sala, “soul” is borrowed from the Old Saxon sala (German, seele; English, soul). This term did not exist in the Norse language, just as, incidentally, the word religion replaced custom (sidr).
Claude Lecouteux (former professor of medieval literature and civilization)
The Return of the Dead: Ghosts, Ancestors, and the Transparent Veil of the Pagan Mind
Personally I lean to the view that paganism was not defined as a body of words and
orthodoxy with set rituals either in Antiquity or in pre-Christian Ireland.
I think there was a traditional grammar of actions that might be performed
perhaps at a particular time or place that seemed significant, or perhaps in
a time of need. I think that votive and thanksgiving offerings were made. I
think there would be a sense of tradition that different communities would
pass down what they thought had worked for them in ensuring good harvests,
good health, etc. and that keeping a piety to tradition was important.
TS
Confessions of a Hedge Witch 
Yes. This has been my own resolution of “the pagan mindset” – that what we have is custom within a traditional matrix, that can be creatively realized in time, but exists out of it. It was ultimately what led me away from wicca and into traditional witchcraft. Stone-carved liturgies, theological meanderings with little anchoring to praxis. I’m pretty sure that “custom” is the primary outlet for my spirituality. There are customs, traditions, that I persist in at various seasons from year to year, and this has charged those times and ways with numinous qualities that provide the possibility to experience “awe.”
Niklas, it is lovely to have you reading, and commenting. I often wonder if I am going too far out; pushing aside too much. Helix is a trusted comrade, and she is often subjected to my meanderings. Your feedback is valued.
I confess, the Wild Hare that began this chase isn’t finished with me. My longing is pulling me deeper, and further back in time.