Every wave serves one of two
functions: action or reaction. Specifically, a
wave may either advance the cause of the wave of one larger
degree or interrupt it. The function of a wave is determined by
its relative direction. An actionary or trend wave
is any wave that trends in the same direction as the wave
of one larger degree of which it is a part. A reactionary
or countertrend wave is any wave that trends in the
direction opposite to that of the wave of one larger
degree of which it is part. Actionary waves are labeled with odd
numbers and letters. Reactionary waves are labeled with even
numbers and letters.
All reactionary waves develop in corrective mode. If all actionary waves developed in motive mode, then there would be no need for different terms. Indeed, most actionary waves do subdivide into five waves. However, as the following sections reveal, a few actionary waves develop in corrective mode, i.e., they subdivide into three waves or a variation thereof. A detailed knowledge of pattern construction is required before one can draw the distinction between actionary function and motive mode, which in the underlying model introduced so far are indistinct. A thorough understanding of the forms detailed in the next five lessons will clarify why we have introduced these terms to the Elliott Wave lexicon.
All reactionary waves develop in corrective mode. If all actionary waves developed in motive mode, then there would be no need for different terms. Indeed, most actionary waves do subdivide into five waves. However, as the following sections reveal, a few actionary waves develop in corrective mode, i.e., they subdivide into three waves or a variation thereof. A detailed knowledge of pattern construction is required before one can draw the distinction between actionary function and motive mode, which in the underlying model introduced so far are indistinct. A thorough understanding of the forms detailed in the next five lessons will clarify why we have introduced these terms to the Elliott Wave lexicon.