Yes, according to this excellent article from "Foundations", this is the teaching of Masha'allah himself.
I'm fascinated by its clarity and logic, and I made it a cornerstone of my horary practice.

Regards,
Goran

I checked the top entries...I didn't make it...

You know, what's further ironic is that there are two pictures in there that are almost EXACTLY like two of my entries - the same landscape, the same angle, the same general effect! In fact, I even thought one of them was mine - but in fact, they were taken by someone else. Can you believe it??

Seems like evil Mercury did me in...but thanks to all for helping with the horary.

- Taurus7

Interesting, but sad nevertheless

No prize, but the pictures taken by the others just the same as yours...that's probably hard to bear

Sorry to hear such news, taurus7. Mercury is probably the culprit here.

Regard,
Goran

No prize, but the pictures taken by the others just the same as yours...that's probably hard to bear

I know, I can hardly believe it. If you were to put the two pictures side by side, you would see the incredible resemblance!! Of course, I am of the firm opinion that mine were better...

Interesting, but sad nevertheless

Very sad -

I think what we can conclude from this is that regardless of the strength of the final planet that is the receiver, if the "messenger" is debilitated, perfection will not be achieved. Furthermore, regardless of whether the significator in question is the Sun, if it is close the other significator, it is not perfection, it is combustion and hence a debility.

But you know what - judging from 1000s of entries can be a fairly daunting task and can sometimes be subjective. The fact that two pictures that were almost exactly like mine makes me come to the conclusion that those two pictures "could" have been mine - therefore, I will just have to find other photo contests to compete in. I know my pictures can win.

Thank you very much for your analysis though, I learned something from you.

Taurus7

I think what we can conclude from this is that regardless of the strength of the final planet that is the receiver, if the "messenger" is debilitated, perfection will not be achieved.

Good point. The main lesson for me here is that you should never underestimate the destructive power of a planet in its detriment; Bonatti seems to be right when he points that out. Should have been more attentive to his admonition in this regard.
In any case, this has been a valuable learning experience.

Regards,
Goran

So you didn't get a prize? I'm so sorry T, at first glance of the horary I would have bet good money that you'd have won a decent prize. However, as you point out:

I think what we can conclude from this is that regardless of the strength of the final planet that is the receiver, if the "messenger" is debilitated, perfection will not be achieved.

The Moon applies first to a debilitated Mercury by square without reception. My first thought here was, does such a weak Mercury, ruler of the 11th house AND the 8th, have enough of a charge to carry the Moon's light forward towards Jupiter? Mercury is the natural significator of photography so with hindsight we might conclude that the horary is telling us that the photos just aren't "strong" enough to merit a prize. As well as ruling awards, it is worth remembering that Jupiter also signifies judges, so one way to interpret the chain of aspects here is to say that you (Moon ) present your photographs (Mercury ) to the judges (Jupiter ) but not only are the photos "weak" because of Mercury's detriment, we also see Jupiter residing in the other sign of Mercury's detriment: Pisces.
It would seem that the Moon is trying to flow towards the largesse and reward of this powerful Jupiter but she cannot get her influence to move beyond this somewhat crippled Mercury. Shame


Better luck next time T. I'm sure you'll go from strength to strength in your photography career!
Cheers...

-Pete-