Yin Yang Locks

“Light is the left hand of darkness
and darkness the right hand of light.
Two are one, life and death, lying
together like lovers in kemmer,
like hands joined together,
like the end and the way.”

― Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness

Two padlocks bound together represent the concept of yin and yang in Chinese/Taoist philosophy as interdependent dualistic forces.

Contrary to expectation, the light is unlocked by the dark key and the dark unlocked by the light key. As such, neither can operate without its perceived opposite.

*working lock mechanisms derived from plans by Tim Detweiler