How do I read candlestick charts?

Start with the basics: Doji (indecision), Hammer (bullish reversal), Shooting Star (bearish reversal), Engulfing patterns. These alone will take you far.

Each candle shows open, high, low, close for a time period. Green/white = close above open (bullish). Red/black = close below open (bearish). The wicks show extremes.