I usually start with the primary directions (van dam) and the sec progressions. Afterwards I will also look at the transits.
I think the primary directions coincide more with the larger events. e.g. marriage, illness, children, career, etc.
sec progressions have more of an inner need that changes, you add something extra etc
the transits encourage this in their own way. sometimes the timer is also a transit of mars and the moon.
just like how to interpret a chart you should first look for at least 3 confirmations in the same direction.
lets say you have tr pluto through your 2nd house
there is a sec progression to the ruler of the 2nd house
and some primary direction to venus or a planet in the 2nd house. here you could have a theme.
then you don't know exactly what this person wants with it. therefore interaction is necessary. you can make a general asssumption that there is something going on there..
the strength of the planet is also important how it could turn out. and the afflictions. you will have a different path with a planet in detriment then with a strong angular position.
i do like the profections as well. here I'm just looking at the iterations of the contacts a profection ruler makes in the SR. just the planets, not the same aspects. see if the promise of the natal chart emerges. only for that actually.
also place the natal profection ruler in the SR to see if it also makes those contacts. check if the profection ruler is angular.
the position of the profection ruler in the natal, but also in the solar return.
and then look at the transits from and to the profection ruler to look at which day these natal planets are in contact again.
only for major events..
Iris
70 gave me another tool to look at. the annual profections and the medieval continuous profections. and sometimes they are spot on.
firdaria also nice. For example, you can see with successful people that with a good placement of a firdaria period planet, they also have that success in that period. and so also the more difficult periods with a weaker placement.
it's generally about how you deal with the things that come your way.
and to translate your potential in your own unique way. and enjoy it.