Here's how I memorized the pattern.
All you really need to remember are: what's in the center line, the direction of the center line, and where the double white shell line is.
To do so, start with "1" and remember it makes a V of shells with "2".
"1" has white shells on top.
"3" and "4" are a side V of stars with the white shells on top.
"5-8" have alternating centers. 5=shell, 6=star, 7=shell, 8=star.
"5" has white shells on top.
As soon as the image in the pattern in the middle appears, start moving towards the correct area so that when it appears I can confirm I am correct. If I'm not, I still have time to correct my mistake.