As I see it, I have two options:
[li]ascend a ladder with bucket of soapy water and sponge, and agonize, as I wash the ceiling.[/li][li]use a sponge mop to reach from the floor and scrub[/li]
Neither way seems very easy, and then there’s that damnable thing called gravity, to interfere. Ugh.
Is there an easier, less strenous way to wash a ceiling?
Duct tape and a cat.
What kind of ceiling and why are you trying to clean it? Most ceilings I’ve seen have popcorn texture and wouldn’t take well to any sort of scrubbing. The most I’ve ever done with a ceiling is use a dust mop to get the cobwebs.
You can always stop taking your medication and clean it once you start flying.
Sue, your post almost made spray my raisin bran all over the monitor! LMAO 
clayton_e, I don’t think my kitties would like that. hehe
All of the rooms, in my house, have plaster ceilings. They are painted, of course. They are slightly textured, but in comparison to modern ceilings, they are extremely smooth. I don’t really have anything I can liken the texture to, except coarse sandpaper. They can be washed, and good heavens, do they ever need it. ack!
Then I would start with a dust mop. After that, I’d lightly damp mop. Of course, at this point, I’d either paint or declare them clean. Otherwise, I’d go over any remaining dirty spots with a wet cloth. I wouldn’t use soap at all, it will be hell to rinse off, and leaving it on will ensure the ceilings get dirty even faster the next time.
Or, I could just get angry, really-really angry, turn into an eight foot tall green mutant, and turn the house upside down, temporarily. 
Seriously, though…
I would probably be using a solution of hot water / T.S.P. to clean. T.S.P. leaves no residue and really cuts away the grime.
I guess there’s really no way to ease the physical strain.
(T.S.P. = trisodium phosphate)
Hire a maid. Works for me. His name is Tim.
He;s here Tuesday. If you need him, let me know. He might charge mileage.
The easiest way to do this is to get one of those sponge mops that ring out with a bucket of lestoil and water or use soap and water. Use a separate bucket of bleach and water to wring out the sponge mop.
If painting, wait at least a day so the moisture content will not be too high (if it is the paint will slide off the walls and crack within a few months). When you finish, prime the walls with a product from Zinsser called Primer 123. Your local paint store carries it as does Home Depot. Give the walls two even coats then finish with the paint of your choice. Good Luck!