Agree 100% with Chilli.
To add to his answer, if you are instructed by ATC to orbit but they don't specify a direction, you will hopefully have the situational awareness (from looking out and listening out) to figure out yourself which way is best, but if not, it is generally better to orbit away from the circuit, since to orbit in the direction of the circuit will take you towards the runway.
Also, if you feel the need to orbit, don't just do it - tell ATC that you are doing it. If it's an uncontrolled field without ATC, then don't orbit, find some other way of keeping out of the way - be it speed control, going around, or simply leaving the circuit until it gets quieter.
FFF
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