The term spirit fingers may derive from the idea of jazz hands, used in musicals like Fosse. The move brings the hands close to the face with the fingers outstretched, often in a popped motion. The fingers may or may not wiggle, but spirit fingers definitely do. They are often performed with arms outstretched instead of hands at face level, with stiff stretched hands and fingers waggling and wiggling in controlled form. The hands appear to shimmer with “spirit” when the move is performed.
Another use for spirit fingers can occur even if you’re not a cheerleader. If you spend all day cramped over a computer, occasionally breaks to stretch your hands and arms can help renew your fingers for your more typing. While stretching the arms out, and keeping the fingers unbent, try a little spirit fingers action for a few seconds to give your hands a rest and different positioning. Of course, given the humorous nature that some people view this gesture, you might want to try this move in a private area, or you may evoke some laughs. On the other hand, you may start a spirit fingers revolution at your office, which might be fun for all involved and lighten up the day.
There are a few other definitions of this term that have nothing to do with cheerleading. Spirit fingers can literally mean someone who has “spirit possessed” or “spirit controlled” hands. Such a term might occur with someone who claims to provide spiritual healing or who is a medium.
An additional definition can include the practice of lying down with your elbows resting on the floor (or bed or couch), and the palms facing upward. Often performed while people are listening to music, a person simply closes their eyes and allows their fingers to move as the spirit wills them. This is not necessarily an occult practice, but may instead focus on meditation to music and allowing the body to express its own movement as it sees fit.