Editing TheStarsAreRight:EllisMailingVolume2 (section)

==First Stage Effects: The Rise of Miracles (2/30 -- 9/31)==

After their onslaught in February 1930, and an initial downturn between March and June 1930, anomalous incidents begin to slowly rise over the next 12 months.  By June 1931 they are at a level approaching that of the first of March 1930 -- however the nature of the incidents has changed.  Instead of swift changes that last only a short time, increasing numbers of incidents are of longer slower duration, with lasting impact on their surrounds.

Ambient psi levels also rise steadily throughout 1930-31.  By the end of 1931 they average as much as 4 to 5 times their 1929 norms in the United States and most of Europe.  This has several consequences, which become generally noticeable in the early months of 1931 and widespread by the end of the year:

* Many individuals discover sensitivities to "psychic" phenomena, or evidence anomalous abilities of which they were previously unaware.  Individuals already possessing such abilities find them stronger, easier to use or with additional characteristics not previously seen.  While many of the possessors keep the changes to themselves, an upswing of psychics, witches, miracle workers and spiritualists is expected, of which only some are charlatans.

* Very small children are greatest affected by these changes.  Young boys and girls increasingly report speaking to ghosts, angels, or monsters.  Some of these contacts are demonstrably real.

* Certain forms of machinery, in particular those with rapidly moving iron (not steel) parts and those with powerful high-frequency electric currents, are plagued by failures, fires, breakdowns and frequent weird occurrences in their vicinity.   Large generators, alternators, radio transmitters and electric motors may be particularly affected.

* Certain folkways or occult rituals which previously seemed ineffectual now have power, sometimes unexpectedly.  Many of these, of a protective nature, find widespread use as other anomalies become more common and threatening.
* Heavy machinery and tools wielded near leys and wellsprings increasingly cause side effects and accidents.  This is especially dangerous where leys cross well-trafficked highways.

* Small localized outbreaks of the "Kansas City Flu" occur here and there, in communities where vaccines are not available.  The first of these are found close to leys or hotspots.  As the ambient rises, they become more widespread.

By late summer or early fall 1931 the psi ambient in many places has risen past a critical threshold, roughly four times the 1929 norm.  Beyond this point, many items of refined silver or iron continually exhibit anomalous behavior, as if they were enchanted.  Some items become dangerous to possess because of this, and mechanical industry in general is affected.  Techniques can be applied to dampen some of these effects, but the consequences are expensive, long-term and lingering, causing significant additional burden on an already-staggering industrial economy.