And it is a known fact that this tradition associates Air with North. Although arguing from parallel cultures may not be as convincing, it is still instructive to examine other magical aboriginal cultures in the Western hemisphere. If one accepts the insular British origins of elemental directions, then one must imagine living in the British Isles. Which leaves North as the region of air, home of the icy winds of winter. You don't hear too much about the other three cardinal winds.
Many occultists associate the four seasons with the four cardinal points, as well.
Again, in most folklore, winter is associated with air and wind, as the icy blasts that usher in the season. In spring, it is the earth which arrests our attention, with its sudden riot of blooms and greenery. Occultists also often associate the cardinal points of a single day to the four compass points. These associate nicely with the seasonal attributes just discussed. It is easy to see why sunrise should equate to east, and sunset to west.