In order for a worshiper to draw near to God, he would have to pass through the knife and the fire. Armed priests and Levites guard the tabernacle (Num 18:4) just like the cherubim who guarded the entrance of the garden. This implies that the tabernacle is a new, more glorified garden sanctuary. So, the rear of the bird is thrown to the east, while the head and body move westward, into the fiery presence of God. It is the 'crop', which is somehow associated with the tail feathers. This is part of the fowl Ascension ritual. Parts of the burnt offering are to be thrown to the east side of the altar By implication, the cherubim are also guarding the way into Eden itself, which is higher up and further west than the garden. Also, after Cain murders his brother, he is driven even further east, further from the garden. To re-enter the garden, they would have to travel west and pass the cherubim and flaming sword. When Adam and Eve are exiled from the presence of God and from access to the tree of life, they are sent out eastward.

Cherubim are stationed on the east side of the Garden of Eden These are the same tasks of the priests and Levites with regard to the tabernacle (cf. It is the first sanctuary, where man is placed to work (serve) and keep (guard) (Gen 2:15). The garden is the primeval meeting place between God and man. The long answer: The garden is planted in the east of Eden The short answer is that moving eastward seems to relate to exile, while moving westward is a return to the garden and the presence of God. You just about have your answer right in the question.

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