Recognize that not everyone may understand nor be interested in your exploration. Be private until you are confident in your experience. This will help to minimize other's judgements or experiences from hindering you. Some may have specific purposes or be with us at particular times in our life. Trust the ones that come to you when they do.
Guides can take on many forms.
They can be animal, elemental, a feeling, a colour, a sensation, a physical form, loved ones who have passed on or are still living, other life forms from other dimensions, group energies or ones you have known from other lifetimes. All are valuable. Trust the images, feelings and messages you receive. Take the first thing that pops into your awareness. Do not waste time censoring.