Jane Roberts ( May 8 , 1929 â `` September 5 , 1984 ) was an American author , psychic and trance medium who `` channeled '' a spirit named Seth . Jane Roberts ( May 8 , 1929 -- September 5 , 1984 ) was an American author , poet , psychic and spirit medium , who said she had `` channeled '' a personality she called `` Seth '' .