The Three Stars in the South candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that is often observed in the foreign exchange market, also known as the forex market. It is believed to have been developed by a Japanese trader named Homma Munehisa in the 18th century.
In the forex market, the Three Stars in the South pattern forms when there is a downtrend and three long bearish candlesticks appear, each with a lower close than the previous one. These three candlesticks are usually spaced relatively close together, indicating a strong bearish sentiment among traders.
What is the Three Stars in the South Candlestick Pattern?
The strategy behind the Three Stars in the South pattern is to identify a potential trend reversal and enter a short position, or a sell trade, in anticipation of a downward price movement.
The first candle of the Three Stars in the South pattern is a long bearish candlestick that opens near the high of the previous day and closes near the low of the day. The second candle is similar, but it opens even lower and closes even lower, indicating a continuation of the bearish sentiment. The third candle is the same, but it opens even lower and closes even lower than the second candle, indicating a strong bearish sentiment and potentially a trend reversal.
For instance, if the GBP/CHF currency pair is experiencing a downtrend and the Three Stars in the South candlestick formation appears, a trader may choose to initiate a sell trade based on the expectation of a further downward price movement.
There are several reasons to support the strategy behind the Three Stars in the South pattern:
- It indicates a strong bearish sentiment among traders, which can be a sign of a potential trend reversal.
- It is a relatively reliable pattern, as it requires the appearance of three long bearish candlesticks in a row.
- It can be used in combination with other technical analysis tools, such as support and resistance levels or moving averages, to further confirm the potential trend reversal.
Three Stars in the South Strategy
Bullish Three Stars in the South Candlestick Pattern
- When the pattern appears at a key support level, it can signal a potential bounce off that level and a continuation of the uptrend.
- When the pattern appears after a long downtrend, it can signal a potential trend reversal and a potential start of an uptrend.
- When the third candle of the pattern closes significantly higher than the first candle, it can indicate a strong bullish sentiment and a potential trend reversal.

Bearish Three Stars in the South Candlestick Pattern
- When the third candle of the pattern closes significantly lower than the first candle, it can indicate a strong bearish sentiment and a potential trend reversal.
- When the pattern appears at a key resistance level, it can signal a potential break of that level and a continuation of the downtrend.
- When the pattern appears after a long uptrend, it can signal a potential trend reversal and a potential start of a downtrend.

Three Stars in the South Candlestick Pattern Pros & Cons
Pros
- The tool can generate accurate sell signals during a downtrend, as determined by technical analysis.
- The tool can be integrated with other technical analysis techniques to validate the likelihood of a trend reversal.
- The tool has a straightforward design, making it easy to identify and execute trades based on its signals.
Cons
- The tool may not consistently forecast trend reversals with complete accuracy.
- In markets with limited price movement (i.e., ranging or choppy markets), the tool may generate false signals.
- In highly volatile markets, the tool may exhibit reduced reliability.
Conclusion
The Three Stars in the South candlestick formation is a technique utilized by traders to identify potential downtrends in the currency exchange market. It is characterized by the appearance of three long bearish candles in a row, indicating a strong bearish sentiment among market participants. The strategy behind this formation is to enter a short position, or a sell trade, with the expectation of a downward price movement.
Although the Three Stars in the South formation may provide clear sell signals during a downtrend, it is important for traders to also consider other technical analysis tools and market conditions before making any trading decisions. This formation may not always accurately predict a trend reversal and may generate false signals in markets with limited price movement.

Self-confessed Forex Geek spending my days researching and testing everything forex related. I have many years of experience in the forex industry having reviewed thousands of forex robots, brokers, strategies, courses and more. I share my knowledge with you for free to help you learn more about the crazy world of forex trading! Read more about me.