The Zodiac Signs as Vintage Locks: Which One are You?

August 16, 2021

These days, “Zodiac signs as fill-in-the-blank” listicles dominate online journalism. And, hey, we don’t blame these publications: with modern society bringing a series of looming existential questions ever-closer, sometimes it’s comforting to look at everything through the lens of predetermined star traits. We figured it’s high time we joined the fray by making a Zodiac list after what we know best: locks.

Scroll on to see which expressive vintage locks best represent your sign.

An air sign represented by the Water Bearer, Aquarius seems born to break the mold. These signs are highly intelligent, creative, and progressive, defying categorization at every turn. In doing so, however, they’ve garnered a bit of a reputation as the rebels of the zodiac. These traits all go to make the Aquarius a quirky, eclectic personality who’s more than a little misunderstood by their peers. For these reasons, we’ve chosen this discreet, ornamented side door lock to represent the sign. Though not an industrious lock, the subtle detailing implies creativity and expression, a lock likely used to conceal a library or secret room.

One of the more sensitive signs on our list, the Pisces is a deeply feeling, intuitive person who often gets wrapped up in their own emotions. However, this isn’t necessarily a flaw: in friendship, they forge deep, unbreakable bonds with those they connect with, while their emotionality leads them to excel in creative pursuits. In many ways, they’re like this diamond-shaped ornamental lock — expressive, elegant, and imaginative.

The sharp trimmings and hardy steel on this 19th-century door lock and knob are the perfect matches to the willpower of an Aries. With fire as their ruling element, Aries are known for being self-assured and commanding, taking charge the moment they feel a new want. As with steelwork, this ambition can come across as cold or abrasive, yet one still has to admire the power. They’re incredibly straightforward and candid regarding their feelings, which lends them a certain charm akin to the foliage embellishments on this lock.

Grounded, stubborn, loyal. These traits could define Taurus, the second astrological sign, or a classic, Victorian brass padlock. Similar to the earth sign, brass padlocks are among the toughest around, able to withstand great pressure for the sake of protecting the thing they hold dear. This obstinate dependability often lends the Taurus a regal air but, like the lock, their willpower often causes them to be close-minded and stuck in their ways. Only a deft, understanding soul (or a key) can lead them to become more open.

We’ve selected another ornamented lock for Geminis, arguably the most unpredictable sign, this time in a dual set. These iron lion knockers — one with the ring, one without — represent the Gemini’s internal caprice. We’re not saying they’re two-faced or anything, but it’s no doubt this sign is defined by an intrinsic tendency to swing between the rational and irrational, the reserved and expressive. For these reasons, conflicting double-door knockers seem the best vintage lock match.

Cancers feel everything, all of the time. Often, the water sign’s emotions emanate from a deep part of themselves and, once they feel a new mood, they ride the wave until they uncover its source, or get as close as they can. Other times, however, the sign will take on the feelings of others, carrying their grief or sadness. In many ways, this impressionable emotional state resembles the above Victorian townhouse lock, scalded by time and wear. It might seem cold on the surface but after a closer look, you can’t help but smile thinking of all the varied experiences that passed this way before.

Only a lock as majestic as this ornamented iron lion could match the energy of a Leo. Known as the most flamboyant sign of the twelve, Leos are natural people-persons, equipped with enough personality and charisma to fill a room. Just as a lion lock would grab your eye, so too would a true Leo. Similar to their lion namesake, Leos are brash, confident (sometimes to a fault), and always lead with their hearts. Whether someone would choose an ornamental lock or Leo friend is a matter of personal taste, but one thing for certain: once you see them, they’re pretty hard to forget.

For the tender-hearted Virgo, we selected this decorative brass padlock. Like the quaint, drawn-in nature of the lock, Virgo’s are natural introverts with an eye for perfection. Padlocks are the most effective locks in keeping their contents restrained and protected, making them the natural counterpart to the Virgo’s desire to self-actualize and their innate humility. Additionally, to feel truly fulfilled, Virgos need to be useful, and there’s no lock more dependable than the one above (though Virgos themselves make far better friends than a hunk of metal).

At a glance, the trait that best defines Libras — the sign symbolized by balancing scales — is their desire to be seen as good. Like these gold-plated baroque locks, this need results in a charisma teetering on flashy at times, though it’s all to gain the admiration of others. They care about people’s feelings to such an extent they often become their mirrors (read: like these reflective locks), often to the detriment of their own self-understanding. But on the whole, Libra’s inherent compassion guides them to help others, becoming embodiments of responsibility not dissimilar to the regal duo above.

We’re shaking things up and going with a decorative brass deadbolt lock for Scorpio, one of the most peculiar signs on our list. The Scorpio is deeply perceptive, analyzing layers of social interaction in an instant, all to spin a situation to their advantage. But doing so is often a defense mechanism, a way for them to feel in control and block others from knowing them further. This brass Art Nouveau deadbolt represents both the Scorpio’s deep insecurity and their greatest gift: their profound understanding of others’ needs.

Oh, the Sag, the real type-A-go-getter of the star signs. To an even greater degree than their fire sign counterparts, Sagittarius is grounded in principle and obsessed with self-betterment, making them forces to be reckoned with on any path they choose. In many ways, they’re like this sturdy vintage keylock: industrious and intentional, with a trace of ornamental embellishments hinting at greater aspirations.

Capricorns are bastions of responsibility. The “mom friend.” Their deep compassion is both their greatest strength and greatest weakness, causing them to either take on duties no one else can or run themselves ragged trying to pick up everyone’s slack. Like these 18th century locks, painted over to blend into the door, a Capricorn’s empathy and pragmatism can sometimes cause them to get overlooked for their flashier friends but, deep down, they know they’re the structure that keeps everything together.

Though your door lock’s fate may be written in the stars, you shouldn’t sacrifice quality to chance. No matter if you’re looking to rekey your lock, upgrade to a high-security lock, or simply get back inside after being locked out, give us a ring — we’re here for you anytime.