Seismic anisotropy records continental dynamics in the crust andconvective deformation in the mantle. Deciphering this archive holdshuge promise for our understanding of the thermo-chemical evolution ofour planet, but doing so is complicated by incomplete imaging andnon-unique interpretations. Here, we focus on the upper mantle andreview seismological and laboratory constraints as well as geodynamicmodels of anisotropy within a dynamic framework. Mantle circulationmodels are able to explain the character and pattern of azimuthalanisotropy within and below oceanic plates at the largestscales. Using inferences based on such models provides key constraintson convection, including plate-mantle force transmission, theviscosity of the asthenosphere, absolute plate motion referenceframes, and net rotation of the lithosphere. Regionally, anisotropycan help further resolve smaller-scale convection, e.g.\ due to slabsand plumes in active tectonic settings. However, the story is morecomplex particularly for continental lithosphere, and many systematicrelationships remain to be established more firmly. More integratedapproaches based on new laboratory experiments, consideration of awide range of geological and geophysical constraints, as well ashypothesis-driven seismological inversions are required to advance tothe next level.