East or North?

I find this an interesting topic, and personally don't see -- outside of requirements of one's specific tradition or preference -- that it should particularly matter in some ways.

I have read some advice which relates to not knowing which way the cardinal directions are, such as being disoriented in a basement, or having an off-axis space, by designating a 'spiritual' direction.

East is often associated with new beginnings, as stated before, and many other things, based upon this is sunrise, moonrise, the direction we first see the constellations entering the sky through the seasons. It is the reason a lot of sun-centric religions have faced their doors and gates to the east -- more often trying to focus towards east on the equinox.

In recent times, however, there seems to be much more of a focus on north as the beginning, considering it the primary direction on maps (at least in the northern hemisphere) from which all other directions can be deduced. It even dominates the order of directions many people will begin to name the cardinal directions.

A fun fact: My generation was taught the names of the cardinal directions in order, if one were touching their shoulders as though they were looking into a map and naming them, the same order as the Kabbalistic Cross, and the order in which Catholics cross themselves (North, South, East, West; up, down, right, left). I have wondered if there is a connecting reason, or if it is merely coincidence.

I have digressed considerably. As someone who tends to shy away from strict tradition, I see it more that results matter above much. If someone finds starting at north works for them, then I have no issue with that. I could even see someone starting from west or south for specific purposes as well.