What really makes sense in astrology is not the placement of planets or transits alone, but the strength of the natal planets to give you good or bad effects at different times. As a student of astrology what you are trying to do is like pushing the food through anus rather than putting it through your mouth bit by bit. Read my blog navagrahastro.blogspot.in. Transitory influence of planets are the last topic you should be learning and its effects are in comparison with natal effects.
It is highly dangerous to learn Astrology on your own by trial and error. You must have an efficient teacher or Guru to guide you through.