Why are Masonic dignitaries and other Brothers escorted to the East along the north side of the Lodge?

When a Brother ascends the East to be recognized by the Master or to give a presentation, he is normally positioned at the Master’s right hand—which is to say, north of the Master. If a Brother were to ascend the East on the south side and subsequently move to traditional place at the Master’s right hand, this would necessitate “crossing the East” which is deprecated in our Masonic tradition. In addition, those who are escorted to the East are usually dignitaries of one kind or another, and the “near East” along the north sideline represents the second most honored area of seating once the East has filled up. So we may also think of the north as the “side of honor” in this respect.

Sounds a little better than “place of darkness,” right?