The lack of a strong male role model that would have helped him form a good healthy male ego, did not exist. A simple psychological theory can be developed here: with dominant females in his life, and basically no father whatsoever, the male identity within OJ would likely have been something he would have had to compensate for, which certainly would explain his choice of profession. Indeed, later, he would seek out role models within his profession, as substitute father images - those he wanted to impress.
When one hasn’t a good ego model within themselves, one can’t actually identify their personal needs, much less explain it to someone in their own environment. OJ’s ego needed and wanted the attention, not just for self-aggrandizement, but truly for the validation of his existence. I would suggest that most everything he ever believed about himself and the world was pasted on over this feeling of not even being in his body (this is supported by the complete lack of earth planet in his chart, too).
His mother completely oversaw his needs, and his father wasn’t there to help with that aspect of his development For OJ Simpson, the quest for validation and being seen, was the prime directive.
This was, and is, his reigning need in life.
And what better rising sign for support to the life script than being born with a Leo rising? There is nothing more important to Leo rising than getting attention and acknowedgement. Here we have the potential for ego development, but its going to a false ego, or false front. Since the rising sign is the public persona, we can actually see how important it is that OJ Simpson get the attention he needs.
The 8th house Moon/Pisces and Sun/Neptune will be behind the Leo rising, adding the mystery, to complete the package. The “mystery factor” would certainly account for the fascination people had/have with him; but it also shows that the mystery of HIMSELF even alludes OJ. Mystery is created when the soul’s intent and its actual playing out are at cross-purposes. Those we deem “mysterious” have a quality that not even the person who owns it, understands.
Leo rising will help anyone that can be shy and retiring come out. OJ would have been able to meet and greet people with that Leonian biggness. This front would have helped him make strides in the world - even though the front would have been somewhate false, he would have been able to become more gregarious and friendly with those around him. This rising sign would have helped him become more social, and less shy.
