The Harami Cross Candlestick Pattern: A Powerful Pause Before the Market Moves
In trading, sometimes silence speaks louder than noise. That’s exactly what the harami cross candlestick pattern represents—complete indecision, sitting right in the middle of a trend. It’s a subtle but highly respected formation that often hints a major shift is on the way.
This two-candle pattern is similar to a regular Harami, but with a twist: the second candle is a Doji, which adds a whole new layer of hesitation.
Let’s break it down, look at both bullish and bearish versions, and explore how traders use it as a warning sign for potential reversals.
What the Harami Cross Pattern Looks Like
One strong candle, followed by a Doji
The harami cross candlestick pattern is a two-candle formation:
1. The first candle is a large-bodied candle (either bullish or bearish, depending on the trend).
2. The second candle is a Doji—a candle where the open and close are almost the same, forming a cross-like shape.
3. The Doji sits entirely within the body of the first candle, just like a traditional Harami. But its razor-thin body reflects extreme indecision.
This makes it one of the strongest signals of uncertainty and potential trend reversal—especially when it appears after a clear move in either direction.
Bullish Harami Cross
Appears after a downtrend
– The first candle is a large red (bearish) candle
– The second is a Doji contained within that red body
– Suggests selling pressure is fading and buyers may be ready to return
Bearish Harami Cross
Appears after an uptrend
– The first candle is a large green (bullish) candle
– The second is a Doji within the green body
– Indicates that bulls are losing steam and a bearish reversal might follow
Why the Harami Cross Pattern Matters
Indecision + reversal zone = caution
The harami cross candlestick pattern is valued because it doesn’t overpromise. It doesn’t try to predict the future—it simply highlights moments when the market pauses after a strong move.
That pause can lead to:
Continuation (if momentum returns)
Reversal (if sentiment shifts)
Either way, it tells traders: pay close attention.
How Traders Use the Harami Cross Pattern
Let confirmation lead the way
Because this pattern is all about indecision, confirmation is crucial. Traders look at what happens next before making a move.
Here’s a basic approach:
Spot the pattern during a trend—large candle followed by a Doji inside it.
Wait for the next candle to close in the direction of the reversal.
Look for confirmation through volume, RSI, or key zones.
Example: Harami Cross in Real Charts
Let’s say EUR/USD is falling steadily. A large red candle forms. The next day, a small Doji appears completely inside the red body. That’s your bullish harami cross.
If the following candle closes above both the Doji and the red candle’s body, many traders would take that as confirmation of a reversal. Stops typically go below the pattern’s low.
The same logic applies in reverse for a bearish harami cross after an uptrend.
The harami cross candlestick pattern is a quiet but powerful warning that momentum may be shifting. Whether bullish or bearish, it captures a moment when the market hesitates—and often, that hesitation comes right before a change in direction.
Now, we’re stepping into the final category: Triple Candlestick Patterns.
These patterns consist of three candles and tend to offer more reliable signals due to the extra confirmation they provide. We’re kicking things off with one of the most well-known and powerful reversal signals in this group — the Morning Star.