Can't tell your bull runs from bear markets? Here's the quick breakdown on candlestick reading.

Green candles = price went up (bulls winning). Red ones = price fell (bears in control). Simple as that.

The wicks matter too—that thin line sticking out shows where price tried to go but couldn't hold. A long lower wick on a green candle? That's buyers pushing back. Long upper wick on a red candle? Sellers failed to keep the lid on.

Body size tells you momentum. Thick candles = strong moves. Thin ones = hesitation, indecision in the market.

String these patterns together and you start reading market psychology. Traders use this to spot reversals, breakouts, and entry points. Not foolproof, but beats guessing.

Keep this handy next time you're staring at a chart wondering which direction things are heading.