Short answer
The current Mercury retrograde runs from 24 October to 13 November 2026. The next ones are about 11 February to 5 March, 12 June to 6 July and 9 to 30 October 2027. You do not need to avoid anything outright; double-check contracts, bookings, messages and tech, back things up, and leave extra time for delays.
How ChiChakra reads this
Retrograde dates are the same in Western and Vedic astrology, because they come from Mercury's apparent backward motion, not from the zodiac. Vedic astrology adds a twist: a retrograde (vakri) planet is often read as stronger and more inward-looking, not broken. ChiChakra then asks which house from your Moon sign Mercury is crossing.
What to do until 13 November
Sign if you need to, but read twice and keep copies. Confirm times, addresses and names in writing.
Back up your phone and laptop, and allow extra time for journeys and deliveries.
Use the weeks to revisit: finish drafts, reconnect with old contacts, mend what is half-done. If you have a free choice, a big launch can wait until it ends.
Venus is also retrograde until 14 November 2026, so take extra care with relationship talks and large purchases.
Good to know
Real deadlines come first; no retrograde is a reason to miss an exam, a visa date or a medical appointment.