Seven Important Candlestick Reversal Pattern Pairs

Candlestick reversal patterns can be a boon to any trader's repertoire. Combining them with support/resistance lines and other indicators can increase a trader's edge substantially. Each set below contains both the bearish and bullish counterparts. These are ideal setups that require directional movement (i.e. nothing range bound). The more volume at the given point, the more strength each of these patterns portend.

Bearish and Bullish Harami - Identified by a long bar followed by a very short one. Harami signal a loss of momentum and a possible reversal.

Dark Cloud Cover and Bullish Piercing Pattern - The dark cloud cover and bullish piercing patterns reveal weakness in the current trend and emerging strength in the opposition.

Shooting Star and Inverse Hammer - Both the shooting star and the inverse hammer have a small body with long upper wicks. THe shooting star shows the failed attempt of the bulls at maintaining control over higher price levels, while the inverted hammer is like a spring ready to pop.

Bearish and Bullish Engulfing Patterns - In the bearish and bullish engulfing patterns, the opposing side's strength overwhelms previous advancement. These tend to be stronger than the dark cloud cover and the bullish piercing patterns. Make a note of the difference: in the engulfing pattern the second candle completely overtakes the first.

Hanging Man and Bullish Hammer - Both the hanging man and bullish hammer resemble the shooting star and inverted hammer, however they are flipped. The hanging man and bullish hammer display a struggle between the bears and the bulls. In the first, the bears are beginning to gain traction against prior bullish strength. In the second, any movement downward has been stalled, signalling a possible bullish reversion.

Southern and Northern Dojis - The southern and nothern dojis are some of the most watched patterns in the candlestick charting world. The both signal a parity between the bears and the bulls. At the moment a doji forms, and as with all these signals increased volume strengthens the pattern, momentum has been prevented from continuing. Sometimes this signals confusion, sometimes this signals a stronger opposition with increasing attrition of the side previously in control.

Morning and Evening Stars - The morning star and the evening star do not necessarily have a doji as pictured here. The top candlestick will be shorter and if it is a doji, signals increasing odds that a reversal will take place. These two patterns, though rare, give the highest odds of reversal. Strength goes in, it faces stiff resistance, after which control shifts hands.