Ray Effect

I used Photoshop 6.0  to create Ray Effect. But I am sure you can do it with Photoshop 4.0 and higher versions.

Start with a new document , 500 pixel width and 10 pixel  height and white background. 

Apply Filter > Noise > Add Noise , Amount %30

Go to Image > Adjust > Threshold  I set the value as 145.

Higher the value, more dense the effect.

You will have an image like this. 

Increase the image height to 500 pixels.

Disable the Constraint Proportions.

Image > Image Size > height 500

Drag 2 guides (1 from top and 1 from left side of the ruler) to the center of the image. Make sure Snap to document bounds option is on.

View > Snap To > Document Bounds

Shortcut to Ruler : Ctrl + R

Select the left part of the center (left side of the vertical guide). Hit right click and select Layer via Copy. 

Hit Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal

Move the new copied layer on to the right side of the vertical guide.

Now Merge Down the image

Shortcut : Ctrl + E

To Continue with Ray Effect

To continue with Whirlwind effect Click here