Short answer
Yes, you can safely start things during Mercury retrograde; it's a time to double-check, not to freeze. The current one runs 24 October to 13 November 2026, and the next are about 11 February to 5 March, 12 June to 6 July and 9 to 30 October 2027. With a free choice, launches and signings sit more comfortably outside these weeks.
How ChiChakra reads this
Mercury appears to move backwards from Earth 3 to 4 times a year, for about three weeks each time; it doesn't physically reverse. In Vedic astrology Mercury governs communication, trade, documents and learning, so a retrograde is read as a prompt to review. ChiChakra reads its effect for you through your Moon sign.
Starting something now
Go ahead with anything that can't wait. Add an extra proofread, back up your files and confirm dates in writing.
Retrogrades suit finishing, revising and reconnecting, such as relaunching an old project or returning to a draft.
If a start is truly flexible, aim for after 13 November 2026 and use Find Good Times to pick the day.
Good to know
Plenty of things go wrong in any season, so don't blame every glitch on the sky.