Why do Eastern Orthodox baptism candidates face west and then east during the rite?

In the Eastern Orthodox rite of baptism, the movement of the candidate between the west and the east is a symbolic act performed prior to the triple immersion.1

The candidate first faces west, which is traditionally regarded as the symbolic direction of the Antichrist and darkness. In this position, the candidate spits three times to act out their renunciation of [Satan]. Following this, the candidate turns to face the east, which represents the direction of Christ, often referred to as the "sun of righteousness". This transition signifies the believer’s rejection of evil and their turning toward the light of faith and the new life found in Christ.12