Rasta

Rasta — Real-Time Directional State Framework

Rasta is a real-time, state-based momentum and structure indicator designed to help users visualize directional market bias and observe transitions between bullish and bearish regimes. The script combines an adaptive baseline (EMA) with a selectable smoothing layer to create a clean, readable structure that highlights how price momentum and trend context evolve over time.

This indicator is built to be responsive in real time while remaining readable on higher timeframes. It is intended for users who want a practical framework for studying market rhythm, structure, and directional bias—without relying on hindsight-based visuals.

Concept Overview

Rasta works by tracking two primary curves:

EMA Line (core baseline)
A fast baseline that responds to price movement according to the selected length and source.

Smoothed Line (structure layer)
A second line derived from the baseline using a user-selected smoothing method. This creates a stable “structure reference” that helps distinguish meaningful directional shifts from minor noise.

When the baseline crosses the structure line, the script interprets it as a directional state transition:

LONG state when momentum structure shifts upward

SHORT state when momentum structure shifts downward

These transitions are presented as labels and can be used to trigger alerts that notify the user when a state change occurs.

Key Features
1) Real-Time Directional State Transitions

Rasta evaluates transitions continuously and can generate state-change markers in real time. This makes it suitable for users who want a framework that can react during the bar, not only after a bar closes.

2) Per-Bar Lock for Clean Signaling

To prevent repeated triggering inside the same candle, Rasta uses a per-bar lock. This helps keep the visual output and alerting behavior clean and prevents rapid repeats when price oscillates around the crossover level.

3) One-Position State Logic

Rasta uses an internal state model so signals behave consistently:

A LONG state change occurs only when not already in that state

A SHORT state change occurs only when already in a LONG state (and vice versa depending on configuration)

This produces a stable “state machine” feel rather than noisy multi-trigger behavior.

4) Bar-Close Backup Events

In addition to real-time behavior, Rasta includes bar-close confirmation events so that state transitions can still be captured on confirmed closes. This is intended as a reliability layer for users who prefer bar-close confirmations or want a secondary confirmation pathway.

5) Optional EMA 8/21 Trend Context Filter

Rasta includes an optional EMA 8 / EMA 21 trend context filter:

When enabled, LONG transitions can be gated by a higher-level trend condition

Exits/transitions are not blocked by the filter (filter is focused on trend alignment rather than preventing regime changes)

This allows users to tune between:

More responsive behavior (filter off)

More trend-aligned behavior (filter on)

6) Adaptive Entry Behavior When Trend Context Flips

When the trend filter flips into alignment, Rasta can optionally allow an adaptive entry behavior if internal structure is already aligned. This is intended to reduce missed transitions when broader trend context changes after the internal structure has already shifted.

Visual System

Rasta includes several visual aids designed to make directional regime clarity obvious at a glance:

Lines

EMA (baseline)

Smoothed (structure)

Directional Fog (optional)

A colored fill between the lines helps highlight:

Positive structure alignment

Negative structure alignment
Opacity is adjustable for different chart styles.

DNA Rungs (optional)

Rasta can draw “rungs” that connect the EMA line and the smoothed line, creating a ladder-style visualization of structure spacing and momentum intensity over time. Users can:

Enable/disable rungs

Adjust rung width

Control the max number of rungs retained (performance management)

Choose rung color behavior (fixed vs directional)

Inputs and Tuning Notes

Rasta is intentionally configurable so you can tailor it to different markets and timeframes:

Core Settings

Length: Controls baseline responsiveness

Source: Baseline source (close by default)

Offset: Optional visual offset (does not change logic)

Smoothing Settings

Type: SMA / EMA / RMA / WMA / None

Length: Controls how stable the structure line becomes

General intuition:

Lower smoothing = faster, more reactive

Higher smoothing = cleaner, more selective transitions

EMA 8/21 Filter (optional)

Enable/disable

Fast/slow EMA lengths

Optional plotting for transparency

How to Use

Rasta is best used as a directional context tool—a framework for evaluating regime shifts, momentum structure, and trend alignment.

Common analytical workflows:

Apply Rasta to a chart and observe LONG/SHORT state transitions

Use the line relationship and fog as a visual confirmation of structure alignment

Optionally enable the EMA 8/21 filter for higher-level trend context

Use alerts if you want notifications when state changes occur

This indicator is designed to be applied to many assets and timeframes. Users should expect to tune parameters based on:

Volatility profile

Liquidity

Timeframe

Market regime

Alerts

Rasta supports alerts that notify you when a directional state change occurs.

Provided alert messages:

LONG

SHORT

These alerts indicate a state transition condition occurred. Users can route these alerts to external systems if they choose; however, Rasta itself is an analytical indicator and does not execute trades.

Recommended alert frequency (typical best practice):

“Once per bar” for real-time transitions

Users may choose bar-close alerting preferences depending on their workflow

Performance and Platform Notes

Rasta includes optional visual elements (fog and rungs). If you notice slowdowns on very low timeframes or long histories, reduce rung count or disable rungs.

The indicator is designed to avoid repeated triggers within a single bar via a per-bar lock, improving signal cleanliness.

Important Disclosures

Rasta is an analytical and educational framework intended to help users study market structure and directional bias. It is not financial advice and is not a signal service. No claims are made regarding profitability or future performance. Markets involve risk, and users are responsible for their own decisions, risk management, and execution.