Reindeer are nourishment to the whole tribe. Every part of the reindeer is used. Meat, organs, fur, sinew, antlers. Clothing, containers, nourishment, tools and implements – the reindeer provides everything for the tribe.
Reindeer helps carry the load, pulls the sleds.
Reindeer travels far and wide, and reminds you to keep to the path, and guides the tribe to plenty. The tribe follows the reindeer, and the reindeer follows a secret path under the snows – to find the best grass to nibble on.
Reindeer eats the shamanic sacred mushroom amanita muscaria which later becomes the story of reindeer that fly in the Christmas tales. The northern shaman gathers this mushroom for winter vision. So the reindeer represents the vision which shows the path, as well.
Spiritual transition (migratory), communication, connection with the spirits, and eventually, leadership.