What direction is always the first shadow mark when using the shadow-tip method?

The first shadow mark when using the shadow-tip method is always directed towards the west. This is because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. As the sun moves across the sky from east to west, it creates a shadow that points in the opposite direction, which is west in the morning when the sun is low on the horizon.

The shadow-tip method relies on the position of the sun at a given time of day to approximate cardinal directions. When you have a stick or an object that casts a shadow, the tip of the shadow will indicate the direction opposite to the sun's position. Therefore, especially in the morning, the first shadow mark you notice will point to the west as the sun is beginning to ascend in the east. This technique is useful for navigation and understanding the position of sunlight throughout the day.