Memorising the 22 major arcana one by one is hard. Read them as one person's journey and it gets easy. Tarot readers call it the Fool's Journey.
Act one: setting out (0-7)
The Fool sets out with a single bag, smiling even at the edge of a cliff. On the road, the Magician teaches how to use what you have, and the High Priestess how to listen quietly. The Empress and the Emperor show care and order, and the Hierophant learning and commitment. At the Lovers the Fool makes a first big choice, then rides the Chariot forward.
Act two: facing yourself (8-14)
Strength teaches gentle courage, and like the Hermit the Fool walks alone with a lantern, thinking. As the Wheel of Fortune turns, life proves not to follow your plans, and at Justice you face the results of your choices. Hanging upside down like the Hanged Man, you see the world differently. At Death you set down your old self, and Temperance brings balance back.
Act three: into the light (15-21)
At the Devil you notice what has been holding you, and at the Tower that frame collapses. The Star rises where it fell, and hope returns. You pass the uneasy night of the Moon, laugh in the light of the Sun, look back at the whole road at Judgement, and finally complete one full journey at the World. Then you become the Fool again and set out once more.
Using it in a reading
When a major card appears, ask where you are on the journey. If the Tower shows up, things are falling apart, but remembering that the Star comes next makes it a little easier.