You don't need mod if you only use it for a short amount of time. In theory path could go up to the billions before it wraps to -billions. I'm sure that jump wouldn't look nice, so by modulo'ing I make sure the path-value *always* stays within the range of a circle, whatever happens.
Make sure tho that if you circle the other way (path=path-5) that you actually ADD 360-5 rather than -5. This makes sure the path value stays within 0..360, negative values are different when modulo'ing them. I made an ultimate mod (tm) once which also accepts negative values and keeping them in the 'same line' with positive values, dunno where it is atm.. :P
Make sure tho that if you circle the other way (path=path-5) that you actually ADD 360-5 rather than -5. This makes sure the path value stays within 0..360, negative values are different when modulo'ing them. I made an ultimate mod (tm) once which also accepts negative values and keeping them in the 'same line' with positive values, dunno where it is atm.. :P