Limited Hand Mobility + Witchcraft
For folks who have limited mobility in their hands due to pain, weakness, shakiness, or anything else. These are a range of ideas, not all of them may work for each person, but hopefully they’ll spark something that will!
Looking for broader low energy, low mobility or bedridden ideas? Check out my bedridden witch series (click here!)
Tarot apps are a great way to pull a card with a tap or two (Labyrinthos and Galaxy tarot have been recommended).
Place your deck in your lap. Feel for any loose cards, then pull them.
Split the deck (doesn’t have to be even). The cards on either end of the split are the cards for your spread.
Spread the deck on a flat surface, and move your hand over to pick (let your hands sense the energy), or pick based on intuition.
If gripping/managing thin paper is tricky, some people use other objects for tarot readings. I’ve seen jewelry charms as a common one, but the possibilities are endless (cardboard, wooden blocks, etc.).
You can do more than readings with your cards. Pick one per day and just spend time with it. Look at the art, pay attention to how it makes you feel. Learn the meanings of the card.
This post may have more ideas: Bedridden witch: Divination edition
I have had success with using a pendulum while dealing with shaking hands.
Let something else do the work! Hang it by an open window, focus your energy and let the wind move the pendulum for you. Use a pillow to support your arm/hand.
Use a shorter pendulum that can be used with one finger. A string with a small crystal bead will do.
Prop you arm/hand on a pillow.
You could also use other parts of your body to hold the pendulum (like your mouth or toes… wouldn’t recommend switching between the two though!)
Bedridden witch: Divination edition
Runes may be easier to hold/use than tarot cards.
Use rune apps (runic divination was recommended).
Scrying (using a mirror or bowl) is hands-free.
For more ideas: Bedridden witch: Divination edition
A lot of witches use their hands to focus energy during spellwork and other magical doings. While this may be helpful, it’s not necessary!
Focusing energy can be helpful. Use a crystal or other object and touch it in some way (with your hand, have it in your lap, whatever works for you). Use the crystal/object to help channel and amplify your energy.
I usually draw energy up from the earth (even while in bed) by placing my palms flat(ish) towards the earth by the sides of my body. So if I was lying down, my arms would be at my sides with my palms facing down.
Use visualization! A LOT of my magic involves visualization.
Himalayan salt lamps are a great way to bring a similar energy that a burning candle would.
I honestly really like electric candles, but I know they’re not everybody’s thing. Plus sides: if you forget about them they simply run out of battery, can be decorated–tape with color correspondences, sigils, spells, etc. (you could even print something and tape it on).
Reed diffusers. Get the yummy smell that candles or incense brings without the flames and smoke. Plus you can ignore it for months!
Essential oil diffusers. Great way to get the correspondences that incense often holds. (please use safely and not around your pets).
Room spray. Store-bought or self-infused natural sprays are a great way to add good smells and/or correspondences.
Voice text or dictation software are often accessible, though not always perfect. It is a great way to get things down that you don’t want to forget/want to reformat later.
Typing can sometimes be easier than writing, and journals/grimoires in documents are easy to organize, and to read.
I’m a very tactile person and enjoy writing (even if it hurts/is difficult). My tarot journal is filled with terrible handwriting, random shorthand, and codes I came up with to shorten things (ie. a little symbol for each suit, then the card number). It doesn’t have to be an all-day process.
I’d imagine that some tarot apps record which cards you’ve pulled, or have an option to save it.
Use compression gloves or other gear to support your hands? Add sigils or enchant them!
Same goes for any lotions, creams, balms or medications used to help; sigils, charging, enchanting, etc. are all great ways to incorporate magic.
Teas are an easy way to get multiple herbs + their medicinal values without needing to do anything!
Into kitchen witchcraft? Using electric mixers can be very helpful.
Create sigils using a phone app (touchscreen) and your fingers rather than holding a pen.
Other posts you might like:
Chronically ill witchcraft: For your symptoms
Do none of these posts meet your needs after perusing? Send me an ask, I’m always looking to fill the gaps when it comes to accessibility and witchcraft!
With suggestions and contributions from:
@useless-bisaster, @crowxwitch and anonymous. Thank you!
