Bullish and bearish engulfings are some of the most popular candlestick patterns - and for a good reason! When properly identified, these candlestick patterns are among the most reliable. The key is in the length of the candlesticks. Ideally, the first candle should be short on low volume and the second one should be long on high volume. This indicates indecision in the last portion of a trend and then a decisive reversal in a different direction.