Candlestick Patterns – Simple Guide
This guide groups the most-used candlestick patterns and explains them in simple language.
Pattern Signal Simple Meaning Use
Doji Indecision Open ≈ close Wait for confirmation
Dragonfly Doji Bullish Long lower wick Buyers pushed back
Gravestone Doji Bearish Long upper wick Sellers took control
Hammer Bullish reversal Small body, long lower wick After downtrend
Hanging Man Bearish warning Hammer shape at top Possible reversal
Inverted Hammer Bullish reversal Long upper wick Downtrend weakens
Shooting Star Bearish reversal Long upper wick at top Upside rejection
Bullish Engulfing Bullish Big green covers red Momentum shift
Bearish Engulfing Bearish Big red covers green Momentum shift
Piercing Line Bullish Strong recovery candle Possible reversal
Dark Cloud Cover Bearish Drops into previous body Possible reversal
Morning Star Bullish 3-candle bottom pattern Trend may rise
Evening Star Bearish 3-candle top pattern Trend may fall
Three White Soldiers Bullish 3 strong bullish candles Strong buyers
Three Black Crows Bearish 3 strong bearish candles Strong sellers
Harami Bullish Bullish Small candle inside prior Weak downtrend
Harami Bearish Bearish Small candle inside prior Weak uptrend
Tweezer Bottom Bullish Equal lows Support zone
Tweezer Top Bearish Equal highs Resistance zone
Rising Three Methods Bullish continuation Pause then continue up Trend continuation
Falling Three Methods Bearish continuationPause then continue down Trend continuation
Marubozu Bullish Bullish Almost no wicks Strong buying
Marubozu Bearish Bearish Almost no wicks Strong selling
Spinning Top Neutral Small body, both wicks Market uncertain
Tip: Never trade a candlestick pattern alone. Combine with trend, support/resistance, volume, and
risk-reward.