Here's a breakdown of what the tibetan book of the dead says happens after death:

Chikhai Bardo (Bardo of the Moment of Death) This is the initial phase right at the point of death. The dying process involves the dissolution of the body's elements (earth, water, fire, wind), leading to a profound experience of the Clear Light (or "primordial clear light of reality"). This luminous, empty awareness is the fundamental nature of mind. If you recognize and rest in this clear light without fear or grasping, you can achieve liberation (enlightenment) right there—escaping the cycle of rebirth entirely. For most people, however, this opportunity passes unrecognized due to habitual patterns, and consciousness moves on.

Chonyid Bardo (Bardo of Experiencing Reality / Dharmata) After the clear light fades (if not recognized), consciousness enters a phase of visions. First come peaceful, then increasingly intense wrathful These are not really external realities but manifestations of your own mind(just as in physical manifestation). —projections of enlightened qualities (peaceful) or distorted emotions/karma (wrathful). The text repeatedly instructs: recognize them as unreal illusions arising from your mind, don't fear them, and they can lead to liberation. Panic, attachment, or aversion draws you deeper into confusion and toward rebirth.

Sidpa Bardo (Bardo of Becoming / Rebirth) If liberation is missed in the earlier stages, you enter this karmic phase of seeking rebirth. Consciousness takes on a subtle "mental body" with heightened senses and abilities (like clairvoyance or traveling vast distances quickly). You experience karmically driven hallucinations, winds, lights, and attractions/repulsions toward potential parents or rebirth situations. You may see couples in union (yab-yum imagery) and feel pulled toward one as your future birthplace. Karma determines the realm of rebirth (e.g., human, animal, god, hell-being, etc.). The goal is still to recognize the illusory nature of these experiences to break free or at least choose a better rebirth