(VODUN, VODOU) By Robert and Marilyn Stewart. Founded: There is no starting date for Voodoo. It developed over several hundred years as a blending of African animism with principles found in other religion such as Catholicism. Followers: 30 million. Unique terms: Bondye, loa, Rada, Ghede, Petro, Agwe, Zaka, Legba, Erzulie, Damballah, Marassa.