Brother Kaman - What is AMORC?
Higher self, I think it would come down to Belief systems, God or Goddess (sp?), reincarnation doesn't point to ones higher self I think. It might point to things unfinished or lessons unlearned in the previous life times. A higher self might point to just a form of single enlightenment of clarity. An awakening of sorts.
A guardian being (creature or energy) is usually used for guidance or guarding. It should be found or discovered if you believe in animals that do that thing, mostly shamans, spirit animals. If its an energy type of thing it can be created and manipulated to certain types of things and actions.