Calling the Sun: The Ancient Power of the Summer Solstice and Aregaki Koch

As the longest day of the year approaches, we find ourselves standing at the peak of light—a sacred threshold known as the Summer Solstice. For thousands of years, this turning point has been honored by cultures around the world as a time of fire, fertility, and spiritual renewal.

In Armenia, where fire has long been revered as divine, the Solstice is more than a seasonal event—it is a moment of cosmic remembrance. Ancient rites connected to the sun, known as Aregaki Koch (Calling the Sun), called people to gather around fire pits, offer herbs and song, and step through flame to release old patterns and step into personal power.

"Areg" is the ancient Armenian word for sun, and "koch" means to call or invoke. Together, they speak of a ritual act: to awaken the light within, and invite its fullness to rise in us.

Our modern ritual, LIGHT BLOOM, is a remembrance of this practice. We begin by gathering around the fire to release the past and set intention. We plant seeds of purpose in a communal sun mandala. We drum, sing, and share traditional Armenian tea and music—not to recreate the past, but to embody the timeless pulse of our roots.

As we drum and raise our voices, we aren't just celebrating the sun in the sky. We're remembering that we are the sun. We are the light that returns, the fire that renews, the soul that rises.

This Solstice, let your light bloom.