What metaphors are used in The Eight by Katherine Neville?

In Section 18, Catherine notes the way the pieces of the Service "pulling her down." This description can be seen as a metaphor for her overall experience to date, but one that functions on two very different levels. On one hand, the Service and everything associated with it has pulled her "down" from her life, away from what she believes to have been her role, her place, her function, and her job. On the other hand, the Service has also pulled her "down" into her true spiritual self, a metaphorical journey first symbolized by her descent into the cave.