Having knowledge of nature’s cues that show directions is a skill that might keep you from getting lost or could help point you in the right direction.
Before you start out, it’s important to be able to determine the direction (in degrees) in which you’re walking. With your orienteering compass (ideally one with a transparent baseplate), point the direction- of-travel arrow, which is the printed arrow on the housing of the compass, in the direction you’re traveling. Then, turn the round dial until the orienting arrow is directly over the north end of the needle.
As long as you keep the needle “in the house” and follow your direction-of-travel arrow, you’re accurately traveling in the direction you’ve decided on.