Adjusting the length of tapered shape paths

[cedric5DB9]

This is a rather specific question from a lower intermediate user (me). I created a shape layer and after fiddling/experimenting with the gradient stroke options, I figured out what dashes and tapering were and how they work. One thing, when doing a taper on the dashed stroke path surrounding my shape (picture attached), is there a way I can adjust the path length so that my taper doesn't go all the way around the shape, but rather around maybe halfway (?), ends, then starts up again so that I get the dashes tapering in waves?

[Mylenium]

Apply a Trim Paths modifier and tweak the start and end.

Mylenium 

[Rick Gerard]

You need a copy of your star with stroke only. Convert that to a Bezier path, make the path open, delete all but 3 of the points, add a repeater, then apply your stroke taper and dashes. Something like this:

In the future, don't use the Attach button to share screenshots. Just drag them to the reply field. I've used the Attach button to share a Project file for you to look at. The screenshot shows all modified properties to the shape layer.