Hi JMan. (I'm pressed for time so sorry if I repeat knowledge that has already been spoken on this thread.)
You should be excited! ... And excited for many different reasons might I add.
1st off you mentioned;
Were these visions while awake or were they dream states? Sounds like "Dream time" to me if you were in a sleep state. Google the word "Dream time" up. Quite interesting info.
The animals? Those are your Totem animals. Totem animals are very real and assist us with many things in our life. Have you noticed much of the same animals? Remember, you can have multiple totem animals with you so there is no limit however certain ones may be more connected with you than others. As they serves more purpose in your life, the more they will make themselves known. This is a BIG step in your spiritual/metaphysical ascent!
The Lion is the symbol of the sun and of gold. Medieval alchemists associated Lion with sulfur. A Lion totem presents a lesson in dealing with groups and your role within those groups. It is a totem for avoiding confrontations and for stealth. Take the easy way to meet your goals; do not confront them head on. A Lion totem tells you to trust your feminine energies – creativity, intuition and imagination. But don’t be afraid to roar if threatened.
"beloved of the Lady,
Reveal to me the ancient methods of magic.
Walk beside me as I grow in strength and courage.
Show me when to keep ties strong and when to break them.
Help me to understand the times for work and the times for rest, my mighty Lion"
Gazelles remind us to be alert and aware. Gazelles, as the intended dinner of the big cats, are vulnerable, and maintain a high alertness to what goes on in their surroundings. They teach us that with awareness and skill, we can be comfortable in our own vulnerability. * Gazelles also represent your inner soal.
Once you learn to work with these animals, things will start making a lot of since. I really must learn to work with mine more. My son has gone to "dream time". He has some great totem animals that have offered him some MAJOR assistance. It has been beautiful. They have always come to him when he is in need of comfort.
Main reason I gave this information to you was to point out that for you to see your totem animals is a very large message from them asking you to take note of what they are bringing forth. You are quite enlightened and lucky at that!
Here's a quick link to a list of animals of course you can find much more in depth description whilst searching. I simply must go find the page i did my research on for my son. Once I find it, I'll post it to you.
Power Animals
As far as "Zadok" goes. There was definently a strong link between your partner and you for "Zadok" to make a connection however since you both were spiritually connecting at the same time; your combined energy was more than likely very very strong. Because of this, it was only natural that "Zadok" could work through the two of you. To bad it wasn't pursued before you and your partner split. I wouldn't be discouraged though. Ask "Zadok" to return if he or she has full and good intentions and would benefit you solely. It may not be an immediate response but if you spend time on it and it was meant for you to receive more, you will get it.
"Zadok" very well may have been the character chosen to move you into your next stage of enlightenment. You did say that this event solidified the existence of 'the other side' for you, correct? It's wrather funny how the "other side" works sometimes and sometimes they do it in the most interesting ways!
GOOD LUCK TO YA.