Magick Circle?, How was Witchcraft done long ago? Options

One of the things I have always wondered was how was Witchcraft done in the ancient days? Many complain that casting a circle is totally ceremonial magick, and should not be preformed; but then how would the energy be contained? Does anyone have any alternitives to circle casting? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wizard.gif)

Depending on what I'm trying to accomplish I probably wouldn't cast a circle. Only if I thught that unwanted energies could influence my work or if casting a circle had significant meaning and purpose for my work would I cast a protective circle. But in general most people probably use their magick within a fairly comfortable area. Like their homes or somewhere familiar. In places like that something you might want to be protected from pobably won't have enough of a connection to you to do any harm anyways. I usually just center myself in my room or living room, basement yard where ever by just walking the perimeter and touching things so I can get "familiar" with whats around me on a psychic level.