Candlestick patterns are specific formations of one or more candlesticks that signal potential price direction changes. They originated from Japanese rice traders in the 18th century.

Single Candle Patterns

PatternSignalDescription
HammerBullish reversalSmall body, long lower shadow
Shooting StarBearish reversalSmall body, long upper shadow
DojiIndecisionOpen approximately equals Close
MarubozuStrong momentumNo shadows

Double Candle Patterns

PatternSignalDescription
Bullish EngulfingBullishGreen candle covers previous red
Bearish EngulfingBearishRed candle covers previous green
Tweezer BottomBullishTwo candles with same low
Tweezer TopBearishTwo candles with same high

Triple Candle Patterns

PatternSignalDescription
Morning StarBullish3-candle reversal at bottom
Evening StarBearish3-candle reversal at top
Three White SoldiersBullish3 consecutive green candles
Three Black CrowsBearish3 consecutive red candles

Key Points

  • Context matters — patterns at key levels are more reliable
  • Higher timeframes produce stronger signals
  • Combine with volume for confirmation
  • No single pattern is 100% reliable