How was this blur effect done

[opal stratus]

I'm not sure how to recreate this effect

[empty solar]

Most likely manually with the blur tool

[tranquil snow]

You could try with the path blur in the blur gallery (Filters>blur gallery) but I honestly think @empty solar is right. Or a simple blur on a duplicated layer that have been masked in parts to only show the blurred bits you see here, likely done with the motion blur.

[opal fulcrum]

I just tried the smudge tool 🙂 - since the spots seem a bit messy/random

[opal stratus]

dude that was awesome thank you!!