First, please know that I sympathise with your situation. I was in the same situation when I started. Now, let me say…

The first step is that we have to clarify the absolute mess of astrology, before we can proceed to use it with consistent objective efficiency (of course it is also possible to just wing it like a crystal ball, but then it’s really not “astrology” so much as it is “personal intuition”).

One of the biggest messes is the sidereal zodiac. We must develop the intellectual clarity and bravery to say, “No, ok, that’s just a mistake.” otherwise (A) we still aren’t clear on the basic mechanics behind the symbolisms – and thus aren’t really understanding the symbolisms, and (B) we will constantly be wading in a swamp of confusion about what is where and what to interpret. So, take the plunge and just erase your memory of your sidereal chart. Stop trying to reconcile anything with it. Stop trying to compare it to anything. 

If that seems to dramatic or crazy, then pause trying to interpret your chart and turn your attention instead to really grasping the fundamental astronomical mechanics behind the zodiac. If you do that carefully you will become as confident as I am about the need to just unchain your mind from the sidereal zodiac.

Secondly, also take a bold step and erase the non-classical planets and points (Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, and whatever else they are sticking on charts these days). Stick with the classical planets with fidelity and a student’s patience and you will soon see how copiously they provide any and all information.

And also, you may have already done this but if not, erase the dynamic house systems, and just stick with the whole sign houses.

Finally, if using nakshatras, make sure you have not glued them to zodiac degrees, and are applying ayanamsha FROM the zodiac TO the nakshatra.

Do these things faithfully and it will be like turning on your windshield wipers in a rainstorm. “Faithfully” not in a “christian” sense but in a “scientific” sense. In other words, not blind, but *educated* faith. If you hesitate on the above points, pause everything else, and investigate your hesitation until it disappears under the light of knowledge.