Parade

After last night's First Four doubleheader in Dayton, we're getting even more action today. Both the men's and women's tournaments will have two games each—four games total—across two networks.

The men's side features the final two First Four games from UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio—including one matchup that pits a Patriot League Cinderella against an HBCU powerhouse. Meanwhile, the women's First Four kicks off with two games played at two different sites. The stakes are the same across the board: Win and you're officially heading to the Big Dance. Lose and your season is over.

Here's everything you need to know about today's March Madness games—including tip times, TV channels and players to watch.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox. 🎬

Men's March Madness Games Today: Wednesday, March 18

Both men's games will be played at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

(16) Prairie View A&M vs. (16) Lehigh — 6:40 p.m. ET on truTV

This is a clash of conference tournament champions with a date against No. 1 seed Florida on the line. Lehigh (18-16) won the Patriot League title for the first time since 2012—when the Mountain Hawks pulled off this unforgettable upset against Duke behind CJ McCollum:

Prairie View A&M (18-17) pulled off its own magic as the No. 8 seed in the SWAC tournament, winning four straight games to claim the title and snap a seven-year NCAA Tournament drought. The Panthers are still searching for their first-ever tournament win. Both teams enter on serious hot streaks: Lehigh has won six straight and Prairie View has won seven in a row.

(11) Miami (OH) vs. (11) SMU — 9:15 p.m. ET on truTV

This might be the most fascinating First Four game of the week. Miami (OH) went 31-0 during the regular season—only the third Division I program ever to enter its conference tournament undefeated. I really thought they'd enter March Madness without a loss, but there was a lot of chatter about them even making the bracket due to perceived lack of competition in their league. So when UMass shocked them in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals, it felt like their tournament hopes were hanging by a thread.

They got the at-large bid, but the 31-1 RedHawks now have to prove that their loss to UMass was a pure fluke. On the other hand, SMU (20-13) is back in the dance for the first time since 2017—and they're powered by one of the ACC's most explosive offenses at 84.2 points per game. The Mustangs beat North Carolina and Louisville during the regular season and key guard BJ Edwards is back from an ankle injury. The winner of this game will take on No. 6 Tennessee in Philadelphia on Friday, March 20.

Related: 45 March Madness Trivia Questions and Answers To Test Your Knowledge

Women's March Madness Games Today: Wednesday, March 18 Richmond's Maggie Doogan faces off against Madison Booker during a regular season game in November 2025. While Richmond lost to the now-No. 1 seeded Texas, Doogan put up 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Photo by Scott Wachter on Getty Images

(11) Nebraska vs. (11) Richmond — 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Both of these teams are making their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and that should tell you everything about the trajectory of these programs. Nebraska (18-12) stumbled down the stretch in the Big Ten—losing seven of its last nine—but in all fairness, six of those losses came against ranked opponents.

The Huskers will lean on sophomore guard Britt Prince, who played in last year's tournament as a true freshman and watched Nebraska's season end in a first-round loss to Louisville. I remember watching Prince leave everything on the court, but also looking so much smaller and younger than every other player on it. One year later, she's nearly tripled her scoring average, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and I'm really excited to see her bring it to this year's tourney.

Meanwhile, Richmond (26-7) is the two-time defending A-10 Player of the Year Maggie Doogan's team, and the Spiders are riding the best stretch in program history. Doogan surpassed 2,000 career points this season and dropped a program-record 48 in a triple-overtime win against Davidson. She's a fearless player who can take over a game all by herself when it matters most. Richmond also won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game last year, beating Georgia Tech, so this isn't a program that's just happy to be here anymore. The winner advances to face No. 6 Baylor on Friday.

(16) Missouri State vs. (16) Stephen F. Austin — 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Missouri State (22-12) is back in the tournament for the first time since 2022, and they're stronger than ever. Led by CUSA Tournament MVP Kaemyn Bekemeier—who averaged 17.7 points and 9.3 rebounds across three tournament wins—they won their Conference USA Tournament as the No. 6 seed, pulling off three upsets along the way. This is a program with serious March pedigree, too: Missouri State has two Final Four appearances in its history and 18 total NCAA Tournament appearances, so the Lady Bears know how to play in big moments.

But Stephen F. Austin is coming in strong, too. They won the Southland Conference Tournament and are making back-to-back NCAA appearances under coach Len Bishop, who has quickly turned the Ladyjacks into a force. SFA has won 10 of its last 11 heading into today's games. The winner will face No. 1 seed Texas and Madison Booker on Friday—on the Longhorns' home floor in Austin.

How to Watch March Madness Today

Wednesday's men's games air on truTV, with streaming available on the March Madness Live app and HBO Max. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV STREAM also carry truTV.

Wednesday's women's games air on ESPN2. If you already have YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV STREAM, you're covered. Otherwise, ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month) will get you every women's game this tournament.

Players to Watch in Today's March Madness Games1. Nasir Whitlock, G, Lehigh

The Patriot League Tournament MVP is averaging 21.0 points per game and shooting a scorching 45% from three—better splits than CJ McCollum posted during Lehigh's legendary 2012 Duke upset. The junior from Minnesota even hit a half-court buzzer-beater to beat Holy Cross in the conference quarterfinals, put up 32 points and a game-winning shot with 1.6 seconds left to beat Colgate. He followed that up by dropping 18 points in the title game to clinch Lehigh's bid. He's a 1,000-point scorer who's fearless—especially when the pressure's on—so I can't wait to watch him play tonight!

2. Boopie Miller, G, SMU

This senior guard is one of the most electric scorers in the ACC. Miller is averaging 19.5 points per game, was named second-team All-ACC and even hit a viral half-court buzzer-beater to beat Virginia Tech in January:

Alongside Jaron Pierre Jr. (17.6 ppg)—who surpassed 2,000 career points this season—SMU's backcourt is one of the most dynamic duos in the tournament. If all three of SMU's guards are clicking—Miller, Pierre and a returning-from-injury BJ Edwards—this offense can hang with anyone.

3. Britt Prince, G, Nebraska Britt Prince hopes to lead the Huskers to their first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

Photo by Michael Hickey on Getty Images

The first-team All-Big Ten sophomore is one of the most efficient guards in the country, leading the Huskers with 17.4 points, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The Omaha native was a midseason candidate for the Nancy Lieberman Award and has been Nebraska's engine all season.

Prince got her first taste of March Madness as a true freshman last year and played her heart out, only for Nebraska's season to end in a heartbreaking first-round loss to Louisville. The Huskers have never won an NCAA Tournament game in program history, but Prince is on a mission to change that.

4. Maggie Doogan, F, Richmond

The back-to-back A-10 Player of the Year is averaging a massive 21 points and 7.8 rebounds per game—all while shooting over 50% from the field and nearly 42% from deep! The senior also set a program and conference record with a 48-point game against Davidson in triple overtime. She was named a Katrina McClain Award finalist alongside players from Duke, UConn and South Carolina—and she's ready to bring it against Nebraska.

When Is the Next March Madness Game?

The real madness begins Thursday, March 19, when the full men's Round of 64 tips off with 16 games across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Duke, Florida, Michigan and Arizona are the No. 1 seeds.

The women's First Four wraps up tomorrow with two more play-in games on ESPN2. The women's first round tips off Friday, March 20 with 16 games on ESPN's family of networks—headlined by an undefeated UConn team that's chasing back-to-back titles. UCLA, Texas and South Carolina round out the women's No. 1 seeds. Clear your schedule and put on your dancing shoes—the Big Dance is here!

Next up: Lace Up Your Air Jordans! The 27 Best Basketball Movies Ever, From ‘Hoosiers’ to ‘Hustle’

The Beatles' 1967 classic "Penny Lane," which remains one of the most beloved songs of its era, was sitting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week 59 years ago—but in a surprising twist, it never reached the top spot in its home country.

Released as a double A-side single with "Strawberry Fields Forever" in February 1967, "Penny Lane" was written primarily by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song paints a vivid picture of a real street in Liverpool, drawing on childhood memories shared by McCartney and John Lennon.

While the single topped the charts in the United States, becoming the band’s 13th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, it stalled at No. 2 in the UK—the first time since 1963 that a release by the group failed to reach No. 1 on the Record Retailer chart.

Part of what made the song stand out in 1967 was its bright, intricate production. It features multiple key changes and a now-iconic piccolo trumpet solo performed by session musician David Mason, a moment often cited as one of the most innovative uses of classical instrumentation in a pop song at the time.

The track also marked a turning point creatively. Recorded during the same sessions that would produce Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, it showcased a more colorful, experimental direction, blending orchestral elements with vivid, almost cinematic storytelling.

Despite its importance, the song was not included on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band after being released as a standalone single, a decision producer George Martin later called “the biggest mistake of my professional life.”

The song’s legacy has only grown in the decades since its release, in part because of how vividly it captures a sense of place. Its references to everyday characters—from the barber to the fireman—helped transform a simple Liverpool street into one of the most famous locations in pop music history, with fans still visiting the area today to see the real-life landmarks that inspired the lyrics.

More than five decades later, the song continues to resonate with listeners, thanks to its nostalgic imagery and distinctive sound. It has since been ranked No. 280 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and remains a cornerstone of one of music’s most influential catalogs.

It's been exactly 17 years since the world lost Natasha Richardson.

In March 2009, the beloved actress was on vacation with her family in Quebec, Canada, when a winter ski trip unexpectedly turned tragic. Days after taking a fall during a private ski lesson, Richardson died on March 18, 2009 at the age of 45, and her death sent shockwaves across the globe.

How Did Natasha Richardson Die?

Richardson's death was the result of a skiing accident that had taken place at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec, Canada on March 16, 2009. Richardson went skiing with her two sons, Michaél and Daniel, while her husband, Liam Neeson, was filming a movie in Toronto.

But the day took a turn after Richardson fell and hit her head on the beginner's trail during a private lesson with an instructor. Richardson was briefly examined by the ski patrol members, but declined to seek further medical attention, the resort previously said in a statement to CNN.

Despite initially seeming fine, Richardson, who wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the fall, had actually suffered a serious brain injury, specifically an epidural hematoma.

In the 48 hours after the incident, Richardson's condition worsened, and she died two days later on March 18, 2009.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

At the time of her tragic death, Richardson's sons were 13 and 12 years old. Neeson, whom she had been married to since 1994, flew from Toronto to be with his wife at the hospital in Montreal, before she was brought to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where she later died.

"[Her death] was never real. It still kind of isn't," Neeson previously told Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes back in 2014. "There [are] periods now in our New York residence when I hear the door opening, especially the first couple of years...anytime I hear that door opening, I still think I'm going to hear her."

Hollywood Still Mourns Natasha Richardson, 17 Years Later

Richardson was known for her roles in classic films from the '90s and early aughts, like The Parent Trap (1998) and Maid in Manhattan (2002). She also received critical acclaim for her Broadway debut in Anna Christie (1993), and for her performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, for which she won a Tony Award in 1998.

Even 17 years after her death, Richardson's Parent Trap co-star Dennis Quaid still tears up talking about her memory. In a recent interview, the actor, now 71, said his heart "still breaks" every time he watches Richardson's scenes in the 1998 film.

View this post on Instagram

"She was just a great person besides being an amazing actor," Quaid said while appearing on the Out of Order podcast earlier this month. "There’s just something magical about her...[I] really miss her."

Related: Dennis Quaid Names the 'Most-Gifted' Child Actor He's Ever Worked With

February felt like a full month of sports that kicked off with the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics. And thanks to Bad Bunny’s unifying halftime show and the U.S.A. Olympians giving us all a new sense of patriotism (which felt like it was almost fully powered by the U.S. Figure Skating team), things have been very copacetic and in harmony. But that’s all going to change with the intense competitiveness that comes with March Madness 2026. So competitive, in fact, that you might even have some friendly competition going on yourself, and are in need of a March Madness bracket name.

Yep, even though the Olympics really made us feel like one with each other and the athletes, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament has allegiances that run deep. 68 teams will duke it out (no pun intended) for nearly three weeks in fierce competition to see who will be the 2026 NCAA Champions. Even though people have their favorite NBA teams—and don’t get us wrong, those fanbases are devoted as well—there really is something about rooting for your favorite college team to win. Especially if you went to that school for four years, there’s just nothing like seeing your university’s team playing in March Madness. 

And as we mentioned, if you’re really into the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, then you are surely involved in a fantasy bracket of your own. Whether it’s with friends, family or at your work, odds are you need some bracket name inspiration for your predictions this year. 

If that’s you, Parade’s got you covered with 25 funny March Madness bracket names for 2026. From funny to inappropriate to school pun names for the fan favorites, we have the best bracket names for this year's March Madness. Read on to find your new moniker to make your friends laugh (though they won’t when you win). 

Related: 'Don't Make Excuses, Make Your Free Throws!' 110 Basketball Instagram Captions for Your Next Post

When Does March Madness Start in 2026? When Does It End?

Selection Sunday was on March 15, 2026, and the 68 teams and their positions in the bracket were solidified. That means March Madness 2026 starts on March 17 with First Four and the First Round happening on March 19, according to the NCAA site. 

As for when March Madness 2026 ends, the Final Four takes place on April 4, 2026, and the NCAA Championship game is set to take place on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. 

25 Funny March Madness Bracket Names for 2026

CanvaPro/Parade

1. This Bracket Runs on Dunk’in
2. Brackin’ Up The Points
3. That’s What I Do. I Make Brackets and I Know Things. (Thanks, Tyrion Lannister, for this one)
4. Bracket or Leave It
5. March Mad Men
6. Do It Like Mike
7. Shake the Checks off Your Nikes
8. It’s Like Boom! I Put It in the Hoop Like Slam! (Blast this Aaron Carter banger while filling out your bracket, too!)
9. Hoop! There It Is

Related: Lace Up Your Air Jordans! The 27 Best Basketball Movies Ever, From ‘Hoosiers’ to ‘Hustle’

Inappropriate March Madness 2026 Bracket Names

CanvaPro/Parade

1. Brack City
2. Mother Dunkers
3. Swish Happens
4. LoveDunk
5. No Dunks Given
6. Dunk You Very Much

Related: Calling All Sports Fans! Test Your Knowledge with These 125 Sports Trivia Questions (Plus Answers!)

March Madness School Pun Bracket Names for 2026

CanvaPro/Parade

1. Duke It Out
2. Just (Pur)due It
3. Mich Me With That BS (University of Michigan)
4. Time To Get Ill(inois)
5. Houston, We Have a Bracket
6. Move Your Body Like a Cyclone (Iowa State)
7. UConn Do It
8. What Team? (Arizona) Wildcats!
9. Hoosier Your Daddy? 
10. Later, Gators (Florida)

Up Next:

Related: 45 March Madness Trivia Questions and Answers To Test Your Knowledge

A Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classic has been named one of the top songs of 1976, but it wasn’t a hit when it was released 50 years ago. The song “American Girl” was recently ranked at No. 7 on Ultimate Classic Rock’s list of the top 40 songs of 1976, sandwiched between Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle” and Peter Frampton’s “Do You Feel Like We Do.”

The song, recorded on July 4, 1976, was the third single from the band’s self-titled debut album, released in November of that year. In its roundup, UCR described “American Girl” as “a delayed hit” and noted that it “didn't even dent the charts” when it was released as a single five decades ago. But the outlet also praised  the song as one that keeps getting better over time, with a hook that “never gives up.”

‘American Girl’ was considered a flop in 1976

“American Girl” didn’t hit the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released in the 1970s and was considered a commercial flop. The song was re-released in 1994 and still failed to hit the Hot 100, instead peaking at No. 9 on Billboard‘s Bubbling Under chart.

But amid decades of radio play and musical cameos in TV and movies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Sopranos, Billboard ranked “American Girl” as Petty’s greatest song of all time following his death in 2017. The outlet noted that “American Girl” managed to “outlive just about any rock song that actually bothered climbing the charts in ’76.”

Another Billboard review noted that while “American Girl” didn’t "crack the Billboard Hot 100, through the years it became the anthem Petty had intended, a modern standard for millions of American girls (and boys).”

RELATED: 1976 No. 1 One-Hit Wonder Was Written in Five Minutes

‘American Girl’ is really about the American dream

When Petty wrote "American Girl” in the mid-1970s, he had just moved from his Florida hometown to the Los Angeles area with the hope of landing a record deal. The song was recorded as the Bicentennial of the United States was being celebrated on July 4, 1976.

With its lyrics about a girl “raised on promises,” American Songwriter described “American Girl” as “a young woman’s attempt to summon the strength needed to chase down a better future.” "It’s a uniquely American narrative,” the outlet noted.

“American Girl” was the final encore on the setlist during Petty and the Heartbreakers’ final concert ever, at the Hollywood Bowl, one week before the singer’s death.

In 2025, Heartbreakers bandmate Mike Campbell revealed that “American Girl” was one of the most special songs that the band played live.

“A lot of songs come to mind,” the guitar legend told Under the Radar last year. “But I guess the most important one right now, in my mind, is ‘American Girl,’ which is one of our first songs. All through our career, every time we would play that song, I would feel that rush of adrenaline. As if it was the first time I heard it. It always had this power to it. It connected with people. And that night at the Hollywood Bowl, that was the last song we played, and I felt it then. So did Tom.”

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you're looking for an easy and stylish way to declutter your bathroom, Amazon's top-rated Simple Trending Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack is worth checking out. It has a clean, minimalistic design that's versatile enough to complement any decor, and it's now on sale for nearly 30% off. 

Originally $42, the three-tier cabinet is currently marked down to just $30. It comes in a classic all-black colorway with three hooks and a towel rack to hold bath linens, toilet paper, brushes, and other bathroom essentials. 

Simple Trending Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack, $30 (was $42) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

At 24.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 64 inches high, the multi-tier rack is made to fit easily over most standard-sized toilets. But its tall, slim frame is also versatile enough to work in a variety of spaces around your home. You can use it as extra storage space in narrow entryways, compact kitchens and living rooms, small offices, or even laundry rooms. 

Constructed from thickened steel tubing and finished with a rust-resistant, waterproof coating, the storage rack is durable and designed to stand up to daily wear and tear. It includes securing straps to prevent wobbling or tipping and non-slip foot pads that further enhance stability. Each component comes clearly labeled, along with step-by-step setup instructions for hassle-free assembly. 

Related: Amazon’s $8 2-Piece Storage Bag Set Offers 'Tons of Space' for Stashing Winter Clothes

The bathroom rack has earned over 750 five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers, who called it a "great storage solution" for cluttered bathrooms and other small spaces. Multiple reviewers also highlighted its "sturdy" construction, with one calling it a "perfect space saver" and another noting it offers "tons of storage space."

Shop More Deals

• SpaceTrove Clear Storage Bag 4-Pack, $15 (was $25) at Amazon
• Roomimaster Vacuum Storage Bags Set of 10, $17 (was $28) at Amazon
• Velvetsure Heavy-Duty Moving Bags Set of 6, $20 (was $40) at Amazon

Upgrade your home's storage with this slim yet spacious three-tier rack that's versatile enough to work in any small space. Grab one while it's still marked down to just $30 at Amazon.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Royal Caribbean is making a rainy May day feel a lot sunnier with a first look at its most ambitious destination project yet: Royal Beach Club Lelepa. Following the massive success of its first Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau, the brand just dropped a high-energy Instagram reveal confirming that its first-ever Southern Hemisphere destination will officially welcome guests starting in October 2027.

Located on the stunning island of Lelepa, Vanuatu, this isn't just another port of call—it’s a curated, multi-zone experience designed specifically for the Australian market. "We're developing a beach club that is completely connected to the Australian guests who've told us exactly how they want to experience that," shared President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Michael Bayley in a recent video press kit.

The island's natural topography is the star of the show, featuring a backdrop of mountains and waters that Keri-Ann Chin-Sang, Senior Director, Product Development at Royal Caribbean International, describes as "crystal clear and blue for miles."

Related: Why Everyone's Talking About Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club

View this post on Instagram

The club is divided into two distinct zones to cater to every type of traveler. The West Beach is designed for adventure, featuring snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and glass-bottom boat tours. Meanwhile, the East Beach offers a family-friendly vibe with volleyball and beach cricket. For those looking for tranquil vibes, the Adults Cove provides a dedicated retreat away from the action.

Related: Royal Caribbean's 2016 Ship is Getting a Major Glow-Up

The best part for budget-conscious travelers? Unlike some private island experiences that require extra fees (including Paradise Island), entry to Royal Beach Club Lelepa—along with loungers, umbrellas, beach games, and "unlimited island eats"—is included in your cruise fare.

Guests can also explore a scenic Nature Trail to take in the island’s vistas or sample 10 different bar experiences featuring a mix of Royal Caribbean classics and local Lelepa flair.

The arrival of Lelepa in late 2027 marks a major milestone in the rapid expansion of the Royal Beach Club Collection. It follows the highly anticipated grand opening of the first-ever club on Paradise Island in Nassau, which officially debuted to guests on December 23, 2025.

The global rollout continues this summer with the launch of Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece, designed to alleviate island congestion while offering a "Mediterranean vibe" exclusive to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises guests.

Looking ahead to late 2026, the collection heads to the Western Caribbean with Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, which will feature its own signature street market and tequila tastings.

By the time Lelepa opens its doors in 2027, travelers will have a beach day option across the Bahamas, Europe, Mexico and the South Pacific. If you’re looking to be among the first to step onto these pristine sands, clear your schedule: Bookings officially open March 18, 2026.

Related: Royal Caribbean Reveals Major Update to Its New Beach Club

Did you know that your birth date means something? The energy of your birth date speaks to your personality, spiritual journey, and more. According to numerology, all birth dates resonate with one to three numerological energies. If you’re born on the 23rd, your birth date embodies the energies of 2, 3, and 5. Having this birth date means you’re a big-hearted individual with strong communication skills and an optimistic outlook. Read on to discover the numerological significance of 23, challenges to watch for, and four core personality traits that define you.

The Numerological Significance of Number 23

Finding the numerological significance of 23 is easy. Begin by breaking this down into two single-digit numbers, 2 and 3, then add them together to get 5. Doing this determines that 23’s numerological meaning aligns with 2, 3, and 5.

2 is intuitive and perceptive, so this number feels everything very deeply. 3 brings a positive vibe, since this outgoing and magnanimous number adds a jovial feeling. 5 adds a restless, curious energy, excited to see where the wind takes it. These three numbers come together to form the unique energy of 23. People who align with 23 are enthusiastic and open-minded. They trust their intuition, so their faith carries them through unexpected pivots and new adventures. Individuals who embrace 23 are highly adaptable yet sensitive to seen and unseen forces.  

Those who embody 23’s energy also work with Mercury, the astrological planet of communication and intellect. Mercury bestows wit, cunningness, and swiftness to those who welcome Mercury’s energy. These individuals are quick on their feet, so they know how to manage any situation or potential disaster with ease. Mercurians may feel called to a stone like Green Aventurine, which helps with attracting opportunity and luck through change.

Challenges to Watch For

Being born on the 23rd has many positive attributes, but this doesn’t come without a few challenges. People with this birth date may initially struggle with their depth and sensitivity. Others could chastise how they express their emotions and follow their intuition, so they will struggle with being misunderstood. This may result in emotional constipation, loneliness, and ignoring their own inner voice for many years. 

Aside from facing emotional and intuitive challenges, they may need to work on their boundless mental energy. Being Mercurial means having various interests and hobbies. They’re ever-curious mind is always on the go. However, being changeable could lead to restlessness, anxiety, and lack of follow-through if they don’t know how to channel their curiosity correctly.

Core Personality Traits of Those Born on the 23rd1. Strong Communication Skills

Don’t be afraid to talk it out with someone born on the 23rd. You’ll never feel alone, misunderstood, or annoying when talking to people with this birth date. They’re open to conversations about literally anything, especially conversations that bounce from subject to subject. As long as their interest is piqued, you’ve got their attention. They’re incredibly smart, so they’re open to exchanging ideas, learning something new, and expanding upon their worldviews. Striking up a conversation and seeing where it goes is their favorite pastime.  

2. Empathetic & Sympathetic 

Nobody feels as deeply, as those born on the 23rd do. They’re gifted with a rare depth and emotional intelligence not many can handle. It’s not unusual for them to pick up on underlying vibrations, intuitive inklings, and other unseen energies around them. They’re highly perceptive of their surroundings and other people. Their emotional intelligence also gives them insight as to why someone might be acting a certain way. Being this aware is a gift and curse, so don’t be surprised if they need plenty of alone time to decompress and recuperate. 

3. Onto the Next

People born on the 23rd always have their eyes on the future. They don’t do well being present or reflecting on the past, because they’re so excited about what’s to come. After all, why would they focus on something that’s already happened when there’s so much more to learn, do, and experience? They know that there’s a bigger picture to focus on, so they don’t worry about the small stuff right in front of them. Despite being restless and even impatient, they’re undeniably optimistic about what the future holds. 

4. Nimble & Swift

Quickly now! Keeping up with people born on the 23rd isn’t easy. Not only do they have expansive outlooks and incredible mental agility, they’re also quick to act. Some may think these individuals are impatient, impulsive, or short-sighted. In reality, they’re attuned with their journey and inner knowing. They trust their intuition and instincts, so their pivots are timely, thoughtful, and intention. They’ll never pass up on an opportunity, because they’re always ready to change and adapt on a whim.

UP NEXT: