They try to keep us from doing things which would cause us harm. As we get older, our parents' job becomes more difficult. They must both protect and push, measuring our capabilities against the challenges we must face. As adults, our threshold guardians are much more insidious. They are our fears, our doubts, our ineffective thought and behavior patterns.
Helpers provide assistance or direction.
Often they bring us a divine gift, such as a talisman, which will help our through the ordeal ahead. The most important of these helpers is the mentor or guide. The mentor keeps we focused on our goal and gives us stability, a psychological foundation for when the danger is greatest. Helpers and guides may appear throughout the journey. Fortunately, they tend to appear at the most opportune moments.