Shooting Star Pattern
A long upper wick after an advance — failed upside follow-through and possible reversal.
A Shooting Star is a single candle with a small body near the low of its range and a long upper wick, appearing after an uptrend. It shows that buyers pushed price to new highs during the period but could not hold them — sellers regained control into the close. That failed upside follow-through is why the Shooting Star is watched as a potential bearish reversal, particularly when it rejects a prior resistance area and is confirmed by weakness afterwards.
How to recognise it
- Small body near the lower end of the range after an uptrend.
- Long upper wick, usually at least twice the body height.
- Little or no lower wick.
- The best examples reject a prior resistance area.
The psychology behind it
Buyers pushed to new highs but could not hold them. Sellers regained control into the close, showing failed upside follow-through and possible distribution.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Shooting Star candlestick pattern?
A Shooting Star has a small body near the low and a long upper wick after an uptrend. It shows buyers failed to hold new highs and sellers took control into the close — a potential bearish reversal clue.
Is a Shooting Star always bearish?
No. It is a bearish hint only after an advance and ideally at resistance, with confirmation. Without a weaker candle afterwards it can be absorbed inside a continuing uptrend.
What is the difference between a Shooting Star and an Inverted Hammer?
Both have a long upper wick and small body, but the Shooting Star forms after a rise (bearish context) while the Inverted Hammer forms after a decline (bullish context).
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Last reviewed: September 2026 · CandleIQ Learn